Established in 1947, 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. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 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. Before submitting your essay, download the 2025-2026 entry form here.
Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
Applications can be submitted via email to Scholarships.VFW335@gmail.com or can be dropped off at:
VFW Post 335
479 South Ave E
Cranford, NJ 07016
About the 2024-2025 winner ...
First place winner Tri Vu, from Manchester, NH, represented the VFW Department of New
Hampshire, and was awarded the $35,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship.
