24-25 Voice of Democracy Entry Form

Voice of Democracy Brochure

Spanish Translation of VOD Program

How to submit Voice of Democracy 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?

CRITERIA:  The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are not eligible for entry

AWARDS:  Monetary awards at the Post and District level are subject to the approval of the Post or District membership.  As for Department, the following is the monetary award:  

• The first-place winner at the state competition will receive a check for $2,000.00. 
• Each of the four other finalists will receive a check for $1,000.00. 
• The remaining District winners will each receive a check for $500.00. 

Each first place Department (state) winner is brought to Washington, D.C. in February to enjoy our nation’s capital and compete for $171,000 in national college scholarships— first place receiving $35,000. Each state winner will receive at least $1,000 at the national level.