Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars 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 high ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students from across the United States of America enter to win their share of more than $1.3 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 to $21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
Download and complete the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy entry form. Before submitting your essay, read the program rules and eligibility requirements.
Make sure to have a picture for entries going to the State competition.
The 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy theme is “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”
Jim Gray (Post 5080) is our Chairperson. You can reach him at vod@georgiavfw.org.
- State Winner of the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest receives $500 and a plaque. This entry is submitted to VFW National for the national competition.
- Second place receives $200 and a certificate.
- Third place receives $100 and a certificate.
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 intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible.
First place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Look for the Voice of Democracy in the Scholar’s App as well as VFW.org/VOD
- Entry to Post by October 31
- Post judging completed by November 15
- Post updates to Program Dashboard by November 15
- District Judging completed by December 1
- District approves Post reports on Programs Dashboard by December 1
- State Judging completed by December 31
- State winners to National by January 15
