SCHOLARSHIPS

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation.  One way is through the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs. 

The 2026-2027 theme is

"What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  High school students in grades 9-12 compete by writing and recording a 3- to 5-minute essay on a patriotic theme to win their share of over $2 million in national scholarships.

Key Program Details

  • The Theme: The competition has a new theme every year. 
  • The Prizes: The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship, paid directly to the winner’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000 to $21,000. 

Eligibility & Entry

  • Download:  find the full rules and application HERE
  • Who Can Enter: High school students - grades 9-12 in public, private, parochial, or home-school settings, including dependents in overseas schools
  • How to Enter: Write and record a 3- to 5-minute audio essay on the annual theme and submit it along with the entry form to the Post
  • The Deadline: All entries, including the recorded audio (on a USB drive or other digital format), the typed essay, and the official entry form, must be submitted to the Harney VFW Post by October 31

Patriot’s Pen

Since 1995, the Patriot's Pen youth essay competition program has been available to students in grades 6-8. Each year, more 66,600 middle school students compete for more than $1 million in scholarships and incentives.

Students who participate have the opportunity to compete for local, state, and national awards. The national first-place winner receives a $5,000 award.

Completed essays and entry forms must be submitted by October 31.

We encourage all eligible students to take part in this meaningful opportunity to share their thoughts, honor our veterans, and express what patriotism means to them.

Download the entry forms and complete rules HERE, or contact Harney VFW Post 6918.