2025 – 2026 Theme
“How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”
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 range 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. Essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
POST LEVEL AWARDS
1st Place – $250
2nd Place – $150
3rd Place – $100
NATIONAL GRAND PRIZE: $35,000 AWARD
HOW DO I ENTER?
Use your phone or other mobile device to scan the QR Code below or download the Voice of Democracy flyer by clicking on this button.
Submit your Voice of Democracy Essay through the Scholar’s App button below
You may also use this link to email and submit your Voice of Democracy Essay packet
Or mail your Voice of Democracy Essay packet to:
VFW Post 12205
2025 Voice of Democracy Essay
P.O. Box 282
Bulverde, TX 78163
WHAT IS THE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY PROGRAM
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 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, “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”
ELIGIBILITY
The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. 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 intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible.
HOW AM I JUDGED?
Originality is worth 35 points:
Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.
Content is worth 30 points:
Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another.
Delivery is worth 35 points:
Speak in a clear and credible manner.
WHY SHOULD I ENTER?
Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and national levels. National winners will be notified of their scholarship & placement.
WHAT DO I NEED TO ENTER?
Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording, typed essay and the completed entry form. Provide these items to your school/group competition or VFW Post for judging. In addition, you can submit your entry form, essay, and audio file to the VFW Post upon approval through Scholar’s App.
(NOTE: audio file must be .mp3)
You must be the sole author of your essay. Inappropriate use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed.
Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions.
To ensure fairness and impartiality in judging, essays must be anonymous. Please do not include your name, address, school name, or any other personal identifiers in the body of your essay. Additionally, avoid references to your race, sex, religion, national origin, or other specific personal characteristics that could reveal your identity. General references to nationality or patriotic identity (such as being an American or referencing American values) are permitted if they are relevant to the essay theme. However, personal identifiers tied to your individual background or experience should be avoided.
DEADLINE
To qualify, all entries must be submitted/ postmarked by midnight Oct. 31.