2025-2026 Theme
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"
Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 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-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
Download and complete the 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy entry form here and submit your application and essay through us. Applications must be turned in by
midnight, Oct. 31st.
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Please note this year VFW National is using Scholar's App, a cloud-based system to aide in streamlining how the VFW manages the Voice of Democracy scholarship program. Students can simply go online and create an account to submit their application electronically.
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About the 2024-25 national winner ...
Tri Vu, a high school senior at Central High School from Manchester, New Hampshire, was named the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Tri's speech on the theme, "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?" was awarded the top prize of a $35,000 college scholarship. Tri was unable to attend the ceremony, but accepted the award via video message but you can
read his essy here.
