Program Description: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 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?”
Criteria: The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are not eligible for entry.
How to Submit: Students will submit their Voice of Democracy entries utilizing the Scholar’s App Scholarship Platform, an electronic scholarship entry and tracking platform. Each Post will have their own flyer with a QR code for the Voice of Democracy scholarship program. Students will use the QR code to open the program and complete the recording, typed essay and the completed entry form. Once completed the student will upload it to their local Post for Judging.
Once the essay is uploaded students can track the progress of their essays and if necessary, make changes or corrections.
VFW Post 3380 QR Code and Form
You must be the sole author of your essay. Inappropriate use of Chat GPT 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. 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.
In the event a student cannot use Scholar’s App they may submit their entry form, essay, and recorded essay via email or hard copy with the essay on a thumb drive to their local Post for judging. Please ensure your recording and typed essay is labeled with your name.
If submitting to a school/group competition for judging. Submit the hardcopy as outlined above.
Deadlines: The following deadlines shall be adhered to:
Awards: 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-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip Valley Forge.
The point of contact for Jefferson County, Dandridge VFW Post 3380 is William Reynolds: willreynolds4030@gmail.com