Working alongside America's youth and instilling a sense of patriotism has always been — and will always be — a VFW priority. The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation through our Youth Essay Programs.
The VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay competitions were created to encourage a better understanding and appreciation for America and to foster patriotism among the nation's youth. The programs offer friendly competition as well as monetary awards totaling nearly $2.4 million at the national, state and local levels.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the founders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars created an organization that would honor and serve veterans and perpetuate the values and ideals for which those veterans had served. Although they were men of vision, it is doubtful they could imagine the millions of Americans impacted today by the VFW's youth scholarship and recognition programs. Every year, tens of thousands of students nationwide participate in the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot's Pen Essay Contests.
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open to high school students in 9th through 12th grades. This audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to voice their ideas on democracy and patriotism with a 3-5 minute recording on the provided theme. More than 28,000 high school students worldwide compete each year for their share of more than $1.6 million in national awards. The national first place prize is a scholarship totaling $35,000. Significant additional award money is also available at the state and local levels.
The Patriot's Pen essay contest encourages young minds to examine America's history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by writing a 300-400 word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme. It is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, who compete for a share of over $1 million in local, state and national awards and prizes. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 and the national first place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship award. More than 60,600 students participate annually in the middle school competition.
Each year the theme changes for both contests. The 2026-2027 theme for both the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen contest is: "What A Veteran Taught Me About America."
Student entries must be submitted to Post 6024 by Oct. 23, 2026. Email submission is preferred but entries can also be mailed to our Post PO Box. Email and mailing addresses are on the entry form. Each entry must include a fully completed official entry form and a typed essay. Voice of Democracy entries must also include an audio file or flash drive with their spoken presentation.
Click the links below to download the official application forms and helpful essay guidelines:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To request more information on Post 6024's VFW Youth Essay Program, please click on the button below to email our Essay Committee.
VFW Post 6024 is committed to supporting the next generation through youth education, patriotism, leadership development, scouting, and community service. Our programs help students honor veterans, appreciate American history, and become engaged community leaders.
Contact US: commandervfwpost6024@gmail.com
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