Youth & Education
Voice of Democracy Scholarship // grades 9-12
Our 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. With monetary prizes at every level, the national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the Voice of Democracy entry form below.
Patriot's Pen Scholarship // grades 6-8
This essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300 to 400 word written essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the national VFW Commander-in-Chief. With monetary prizes at every level, the national first place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship.
Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the Voice of Democracy entry form below.
Oct 31
Voice of Democracy Scholarship entry deadline
Oct 31
Teacher of the Year entry deadline
Oct 31
Patriot's Pen Scholarship entry deadline
Dec 15
K-8th Patriotic Art Contest Deadline
Mar 31
High School (9-12) Patriotic Art Contest deadline
Dates & Deadlines
Teacher of the Year // grades K-12
Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received by the Oct. 31st.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest // grades 9-12
This scholarship contest recognizes young artists and encourages patriotism
in youth. Entries will be judged on the originality of concept, presentation and patriotism expressed, content of how it relates to patriotism and clarity of ideas, design technique and total impact of work.
Please review the rules and eligibility requirements. Open to public, private, parochial or home school program in the United States, its territories and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas
schools.