Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
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, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 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 ranges from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
About the 2024-2025 winner ...
Tri Vu, a high school senior at Central High School from Manchester, New Hampshire, was named the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy first-place winner. Tri's speech on the theme, "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?" was awarded the top prize of a $35,000 college scholarship. Sponsored by Queen City Memorial VFW Post 8214 in Manchester, New Hampshire, unfortunately, Tri was unable to attend the ceremony, but accepted the award via video message. Read his 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 this year's complete list of winners.
Go to Scholarship ApplicationThe $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie is only open...
View Details ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship - $50,000ScholarshipOwl is your source of relief from the dreaded application...
View Details Niche $15,000 Scholarship - $15,000Niche can help with every step of the college search...
View Details Be Bold Scholarship - $25,000The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will...
View Details Scholarships360 "No Essay" Scholarship - $10,000The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all...
View Details Faith Based College Scholarship - $2,000The Christian Connector offers various scholarship drawings for Christian/Faith Based...
View Details A Better Financial Future Scholarship - $2,000The Scholarship is open to all residents of the 50...
View Details The Future is Now Scholarship - $1,001The Lenny Scholarship offers $1,001 US to support young individuals...
View Details Appily Easy Money Scholarship - $1,000The Appily scholarship application is fast and easy.Scholarship Eligibility: This scholarship...
View Details 10 Words or Less Scholarship - $1,000Scholarship Eligibility:A) Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25...
View Details