YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Voice of Democracy: This audio-essay competition annually awards nearly $1.8 million in scholarships to students in grades 9-12. The first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.

• Patriot’s Pen: More than $1.2 million is awarded annually to students in grades 6-8 in this essay contest. The first-place winner receives $5,000.

• Teacher of the Year: The VFW annually recognizes three exceptional schoolteachers (one from each of K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Awards include $1,000 to the winning teacher of each category and $1,000 for his/her school, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention. 

 

Updated: 9/2026