Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.

Knowing that a democratic society needs nurturing, the VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (State) wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Who can enter

The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12 (on the 01 Nov deadline), who are enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.​

How to enter

The Theme for 2023 is “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”

Review the [Rules & Eligibility Information].
Download the [entry form].
Complete the form and submit it with the written and recorded essay to our Post by 31 Oct 2023.
Entries can be mailed in or dropped off during open hours.

Past Winners