Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, download the 2025-2026 entry form here. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
To apply you must submit a filled out and SIGNED! entry form, and a copy of your essay. If you are submitting digital files ensure that all files are titled with your name and 2026PP.
Applications can be submitted via Google Forms
or you can email your entry to
Scholarships.VFW335@gmail.com
or you can drop off your entry at:
VFW Post 335
479 South Ave E
Cranford, NJ 07016
About the 2025-2026 winner ...
Andrew Ge, an eighth grade student from San Ramon, California, was named the 2025-2026 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Ge was sponsored by San Ramon Valley VFW Post 75 located in Danville, California.
Watch as Ge delivered his winning essay during the 2026 VFW Parade of Winners ceremony that was streamed live from the Union League of Philadelphia, or read his essay here. See the complete list of 2026 national winners.
