VFW Announces 2026–2027 Voice of Democracy & Patriots’ Pen Scholarship Competitions!

Students encouraged to use Sandy Coor Post No 1433 as their Sponsoring Post.

Continuing a tradition of fostering civic understanding and honoring the next generation of American leaders, the Veterans of Foreign Wars proudly announces the opening of the 2026–2027 Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriots’ Pen youth scholarship competitions. These long‑standing national programs invite students to reflect on American ideals, citizenship, and the responsibilities of preserving our democracy—while competing for more than $2 million in scholarships nationwide.

Voice of Democracy - Audio Essay Competition (Grades 9 - 12)

Theme: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

The VOD program challenges high school students to create a 3–5‑minute audio essay (MP3) expressing their views on this year’s national theme. The National Grand Prize is a $35,000 scholarship, with additional awards at the Post, District, Department, and National levels.

Eligibility: Public, private, parochial, and home‑study students in grades 9–12
Format: 3–5‑minute recorded audio essay
Important: Essays must be anonymous—no personal identifiers in the body
Deadline: October 31, 2026, submitted to a sponsoring VFW Post

Patriots' Pen - Written Essay Competition (Grades 6-8)

Theme: "What A Veteran Taught Me About America” 

Middle school students are invited to submit a 300–400‑word typed essay in English. The National Grand Prize is $5,000, and all national finalists receive at least $500.

Eligibility: Grades 6–8, all school types
Format: 300–400‑word typed essay, no graphics or color
Important: Essays must be anonymous
Deadline: October 31, 2026, submitted to a sponsoring VFW Post

Deadlines Competition Timeline — 2026–2027

1 - Oct 31, 2026, Student entries due to VFW Post — Midnight deadline. Submit via QR code (Post-specific) or in person to your sponsoring Post.

2 - Nov 15, 2026, Post winners advance to District

3 - Dec 15, 2026, District winners advance to the Department

4 - Jan 10, 2027, Completion of the Department judging

5 - Jan 15, 2027, Department winners advance to the National

Judging Criteria / Voice of Democracy

Originality 35 pts., Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.

Content 35 pts., Clearly express ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop the theme with smooth transitions.

Delivery 30 pts., Speaking voice is clear and credible.

Judging Criteria / Patriot’s Pen

Theme Knowledge 30 pts., Has the student researched and understood the theme? Demonstrate thorough knowledge.

Theme Development 35 pts., Does the essay answer the relevant questions: who, what, where, when and why? Relate to own experiences.

Clarity of Ideas 35 pts., Is the writer’s interpretation of the theme presented clearly? Easy-to-understand format.

Advancement Structure

Both programs advance through the same competitive pathway:

• Post → District:
  • 1–15 entries → 1 winner advances
  • 16–30 entries → 2 winners advance
  • 31–45 entries → 3 winners advance
• District → Department: Only 1st place advances
• Department → National: Only 1st place advances

How to Enter

Students should work with a teacher, youth leader, or parent to prepare their entry and contact a participating VFW Post. Submissions may be delivered:

• In person to the sponsoring Post
• By email (if permitted by the Post)
• Through the Scholars App using a Post‑specific QR code or link

Entries sent directly to VFW National Headquarters will not be considered.

To locate a participating Post, visit "vfw.org/FindaPost" or contact your state VFW headquarters.

Arizona students may download entry forms at: https://vfwaz.com/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=153787

Local Sponsorship - Sandy Coor Post No 1433 VFW

Students in Glendale and the surrounding communities are strongly encouraged to use Sandy Coor VFW Post No. 1433 as their sponsoring Post. Post 1433 proudly supports youth scholarship programs and remains committed to uplifting the voices of young Americans who reflect on patriotism, service, and national responsibility.