Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Deadline
October 31, 2026
18 days left as of October 13, 2026
Award
Up to $35,000 (national first place); state winners at least $1,000
Turn in your audio essay and entry form to a local VFW Post by midnight, October 31.
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Who it's for
High school students (grades 9–12). No military connection required.
What you need to apply
- Recorded audio essay on this year's theme
- 2026-2027 entry form
- A participating local VFW Post
Your next 3 steps
- Download the 2026-2027 entry form.
- Record your audio essay on the theme.
- Turn both in to a local VFW Post by October 31.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.