Patriots Pen - Scholarship
Each year, more than 800,600 students in 6th through 8th grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1 million in local and national awards.
Each first place VFW Department (state) winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
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.
Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2026-2027 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post.
Sign up here, essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2026-27 theme is:
“What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
To contact the program coordinator if you're interested in judging or have any questions.
Voice Of Democracy -Scholarship
Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 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. The complete list of other national scholarships range up to $21,000, with the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) winning a scholarship of at least $1,000.
VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.
Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed entry form to VFW Post 6441.
Sign up here, essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2026-27 theme is:
“What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
To contact the program coordinator if you're interested in judging or have any questions.
Teacher of the Year - Award
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Youth & Education- Scholarships & Awards
Working alongside America’s youth and instilling a sense of patriotism, has always been and will always be, a VFW priority.
Learn more about the our youth and education programs .
The information on his page is copied from https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships