VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, more than 26,000 high school students in grades 9-12 compete for more than $1 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme.
The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000.
VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.
Want to apply? Completed entries should be digitally uploaded using the Scholar’s App (preferred method); e-mailed to [email protected]; or mailed to our address.
To submit through Scholars App, please use our Bit.ly link (https://bit.ly/4xU17Fa) or the QR code available on our Voice of Democracy Flyer.
To submit my e-mail or regular mail, you may download the 2026-2027 entry form here.
All student entries must be received by our Post no later than October 31st.
The 2026-27 theme is "What A Veteran Taught Me About America"
The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000.
VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.
Want to apply? Completed entries should be digitally uploaded using the Scholar’s App (preferred method); e-mailed to [email protected]; or mailed to our address.
To submit through Scholars App, please use our Bit.ly link (https://bit.ly/4xU17Fa) or the QR code available on our Voice of Democracy Flyer.
To submit my e-mail or regular mail, you may download the 2026-2027 entry form here.
All student entries must be received by our Post no later than October 31st.
The 2026-27 theme is "What A Veteran Taught Me About America"
Submit entries to [email protected] or
Wood-Frascotti VFW Post 5594, PO Box 472, 15 Milford Street, Upton, MA 01568
All entries must be received no later than October 31, 2026.
Wood-Frascotti VFW Post 5594, PO Box 472, 15 Milford Street, Upton, MA 01568
All entries must be received no later than October 31, 2026.
Looking to share updated information and materials on VFW's Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Teacher Award programs? Share our National Scholarship Brochure with the students and educators in your community.
