The entry deadline is October 31st for VFW Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen essay contests.
The VFW is described as dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. The contests are open to high school students interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or middle school students interested in winning $5,000.
Established in 1947, the 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, nearly 40,000 students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000.
The first-place winner from each state wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The 2017-18 theme is American History: Our Hope for the Future.
More than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. First-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $54,500.
Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level. 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.
The 2017-18 theme is America’s Gift to My Generation.
If you’re a student veteran interested in advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, the application deadline for the VFW Legislative Fellowship is October 20. If you’re a student veteran or know someone who is and could use some financial help paying for school, the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” application is due on November 15.
More information on the essay contests and other opportunities are available locally from VFW Post 919 in Trenton which may be reached by calling660-359-2078.
