Voice of Democracy

An audio-essay scholarship competition from the Veterans of Foreign Wars for students in grades 9 through 12. Students record an essay on a yearly patriotic theme and submit it with an entry form to a local participating VFW Post, with awards at the local, state, and national levels. The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 college scholarship, and each state first-place winner earns a trip to a youth leadership experience at Valley Forge.

Offered by Veterans of Foreign Wars. Scholarship for high school students in USA. Format: Hybrid. Cost: Stipend. Grades 9–12. Deadline: 2026-10-31.

Fields: Writing, Civics, Public Speaking, Leadership, Policy

Key facts

Who can apply: High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online and in person (nationwide).
Cost: Free to take part, and it pays a stipend or award.
Dates: The last posted deadline, October 31, 2026, has passed. The date for the next cycle isn't posted yet, so check the official page.

Info checked October 2026.

Questions about Voice of Democracy

When is the Voice of Democracy deadline?

The last posted deadline, October 31, 2026, has passed. The date for the next cycle isn't posted yet, so check the official page.

Is Voice of Democracy free?

Yes, and it pays participants a stipend or award.

Who can apply to Voice of Democracy?

High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online and in person (nationwide). Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.

Official program page

More scholarships for high school students