Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors youth competition

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a potential $35,000 college scholarship, a patriotic middle school student interested in winning a potential $5,000, or an elementary school student interested in winning a cash award, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves regarding a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

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 ranges from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (State) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.

The 2025-2026 theme is: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

Patriots Pen

Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriots Pen youth-essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000.

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine American history, along with their own experiences in modern society, by drafting a 300–400-word essay that expresses their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander in Chief. Like Voice of Democracy, the 2025-2026 theme for Patriots Pen is: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

Washington State Youth Essay

Students in grades three through five are invited to participate in this annual program by submitting an original essay, not to exceed 250 words, on the assigned theme. The 2025-2026 theme is “How I Respect the American Flag.” The Washington VFW and its Auxiliary sponsor this contest to encourage young students to reflect on patriotism and the importance of the American flag. The contest is open to all students in Washington State including homeschooled students. Participation does not require school sponsorship.

Applications are out and all categories of essays are due to Wahkiakum Post 5297 by Friday, Oct. 31. Local judges grade each essay, and winners are sent to District 16 where additional judges grade the winner’s essays. Those essays are sent to State VFW and additional judges grade those essays. Essay winners at each post, district, state, and national are awarded certificates of recognition and monetary awards. Parents and teachers are encouraged to support the students to complete the essays and applications so they can be submitted on time.