Scolarships

Each year, more than 51,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.

Knowing that a democratic society needs nurturing, the VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000- $16,000 and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

Entry Form, Theme and complete instructions

Patriot's Pen (6th-8th Grade)

VFW believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism. That’s why we encourage youthful minds to examine our nation’s history and their own experiences in modern American society through our Patriot’s Pen youth essay-writing contest.

Annually, roughly 112,000, students from grades 6-8, enter to win one of several savings bonds totaling $1.2 million, as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National first place winner.

Students draft a 300-400 word essay, expressing their views based on an — always patriotic — annual theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. 

Entry form, theme and Complete Instructions

Young American Creative Patriotic Art (9th-12th Grade)

Students must be in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12.  Students must attend school in the same state as the sponsoring Ladies Auxiliary.  Homeschooled students are eligible; foreign students are not.

Student deadline:  March 31.  Participants must submit entries to the Ladies Auxiliary Youth Activiities Chairman for judging.

Art must be on paper or canvas.  Water color, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempura, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil may be used.  See brochure for further instructions and rules.

Entry Form and complete instructions

Ladies Auxiliary VFW college Scholarship for Outstanding Junior Girls Unit Members

One outstanding Junior Girls Unit member will be selected to receive the scholarship, which is held in escrow at National Headquarters and distbursed as needed until the scholarship is totally withdrawn.  The scholarship is paid directly to the American college, university, or vocational/technical school as selected by the recipient.  Disbursement is made upon receipt of proper notice from the school certifying that the recipient is accepted and is enrolled.  The funds may be used for tuition, books, laboratory fees, and/or other items relating specifically to the student's formal education.  Clothing, room and board, and pocket money are not considered authorized expenditures.

Applicant must be 13-16 years old, have been an active member for one year, and have held an office in her Junior Girls Unit.  Previous winners are not eligible, but former applicants who did not receive one of the top National Scholarships may re-apply.  See Entry Form Link for further information.

Entry Form and Complete Instructions

Ladies Auxiliary continuing Education Scholarship

The Ladies Auxiliary VFW is pleased to present scholarships to assist members who wish to further their education by pursuing a college degree or a careef direction at technical school.  The spouse, daughter and son of a member are also eligible to apply.

One Scholarship will be presented each year to a selected candidate in each of the four Ladies Auxiliary VFW Conferences.  Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.  Qualifying member must have been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW for one year prior to application.  Previous national winners are not eligible.

Application and instructions can be found on the National Ladies Auxiliary VFW website.