PROGRAMS

VFW Annual Essay Contests, 2024-2025

Voice of Democracy

The 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy theme is:

Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to 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 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 range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Want to apply?

All audio-essay entries must be received (along with the entry forms) by the VFW Lorraine Post 29 before October 31, 2024. Questions? Contact Post Commander John Berrini Cmd@vfw29.org.

Click Here to download rules and the instructions and entry form for the Voice of Democracy Contest.

 

Patriot's Pen

 The 2024-2025 theme is: 

My Voice in America's Democracy?

Each year more than 165,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 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 America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word written essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Want to apply?

All essay entries and student entry forms must be received by the Lorraine Post 29 by October 31, 2024. Questions? Contact Post Commander John Berrini Cmd@vfw29.org.

Click Here to download rules, instructions and entry form for the Patriot's Pen Contest.