The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to allow students in grades 9-12 to express themselves regarding democratic ideas and principles. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships ranges from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, applications must be turned in to us by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy entry form here. Entries can be mailed to our PO Box below or emailed to CMD@vfw152.org
The 2023-24 theme is:
"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"
About the 2022-2023 winner ...
Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee,, was named the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Scotland’s speech on the theme, "Why is the Veteran Important?" won him a $35,000 college scholarship. Scotland was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee. Watch as Scotland delivered his speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award ceremony or read it here.
Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners.
Attention Teachers!
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2020-2021. We thank all of America's teachers and youth leaders for the time, effort, and commitment they invest in our young people each year. We have several ways to assist you in helping to ensure your students get a head start on their future.
