What is the Voice of Democracy Program?
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at Post, District and State and National level. National winners will be notified of their scholarship and placement. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme.
What is this year's theme?
VFW’s Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year’s theme. The 2026-2027 theme is "What A Veteran Taught Me About America"
The Rules
Who can enter?
The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the October 31 deadline, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, GED or Adult Education Students are not eligible. Please refer to the entry application for the complete set of rules.
What do I need to enter?
Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – five(5) seconds max.) audio essay in MP3 format (no videos) on a flash drive, or other electronic device. Submit the recording, a typed essay and completed entry form to your school/group competition or local VFW Post for judging. In addition you can submit your emailed entry form, essay, and audio file to the VFW Post upon approval or may be submitted through our online platform using Scholars App. To submit through the Scholars App, you must first receive a QR-code or link from your local post. You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin. However, the recording and typed essay should be labeled with your name to show ownership. You may enter only one competition at one Post (if otherwise eligible) per year. At any time during the contest, additional participant personal information could be requested by the VFW, including but not limited to a photograph, SSN or biographical information.
