Established in 1947, our 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, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th-grade students from across the country 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 ranges from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.