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. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on
an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, “How Are You Showing
Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”
Why Should I Enter?
Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and
national level. National winners will be notified of their scholarship &
placement.
The Rules
Who can enter?
The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct.
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; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in
overseas schools. 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 intend 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 ineligible.
What do I need to enter?
Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a
flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording,
typed essay and this completed entry form. Provide these items to your
school/group competition or VFW Post for judging. In addition you can
submit your emailed entry form, essay, and audio file to the VFW Post
upon approval. You must be the sole author of your essay. Inappropriate
use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. 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. To ensure fairness and impartiality
in judging, essays must be anonymous. Please do not include your
name, address, school name, or any other personal identifiers in the
body of your essay. Additionally, avoid references to your race, sex,
religion, national origin, or other specific personal characteristics that
could reveal your identity. General references to nationality or patriotic
identity (such as being an American or referencing American values)
are permitted if they are relevant to the essay theme. However, personal
identifiers tied to your individual background or experience should be
avoided.
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.
Where Do I Submit My Entry?
All entries begin at the VFW Post level. The only exception is where
schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to
conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15
students to the VFW Post. Individual students may submit their entry
directly to the Post. Entries sent to VFW National will be returned. One
winner for every 15 entries from each Post advances to District and one
District winner advances to the state (Department) competition. If you
need help finding a participating VFW Post, follow these instructions:
First, visit this website vfw.org/FindaPost to “Find A VFW Post.” If
you do not have success in finding a Post, or if you have trouble getting
in touch with them, you can contact your VFW Department (state) office
to see if they can offer any information or assistance. You can visit this
link https://www.vfw.org/ContactUs/ and look for “Find a State
Contact” to get your VFW state office’s phone number and email. If you
still need assistance, please email us at VFW National Headquarters at
What Is the Deadline for My Entry?
All entries competing at the Post level must be in the hands of that VFW
Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2025. It is the responsibility of the student to
meet this deadline by submitting their entry to the proper location by
ensuring it is a participating Post.
What Are the Judging Criteria?
Originality is worth 35 points:
Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human
interest.
Content is worth 30 points:
Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your
theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another.
Delivery is worth 35 points:
Speak in a clear and credible manner.