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 2026-2027 entry form here.
Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
To apply you must submit a filled out and SIGNED! entry form, a PDF of your essay and a recording of you reading your essay. Ensure that all files are titled with your name and 2026VOD.
Applications can be submitted via Google Forms
or you can email your entry to Scholarships.VFW335@gmail.com
or you can drop off a thumb drive with the documents on it at:
VFW Post 335
479 South Ave E
Cranford, NJ 07016
About the 2025-2026 winner ...
Olivia Drewniak, high school senior at Morse High School in Bath, Maine, was named the 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Drewniak's speech on the theme, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" was awarded the top prize of a $35,000 college scholarship. Sponsored by VFW Post 7738 in Bath, watch as she delivered her winning essay during the 2026 VFW's Parade of Winners that was streamed live from the Union League of Philadelphia, or read her essay here.
Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live, or see the complete list of 2026 national winners.
