2024-2025 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition
VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship then this scholarship may be for you.
Did you know the great American Journalist Charles Kuralt was once a winner of the VFW's Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition?
Check out his video message below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnt5i38_csM
Now, it is YOUR turn!!
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, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.3 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. Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here.
Essays MUST be turned in before midnight 31 Oct.
About the 2023-2024 winner ...
Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Watch as Sophia delivered her 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.
The 2024-25 Theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
HOW TO ENTER:Loudoun County Virginia students should prepare their essay on this year's theme and then record themselves reading the essay on a CD or Thumb Drive (TD).
(For Students residing outside of Loudoun County Virginia, please click HERE to find a
VFW Post near you!)
The recording can be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes
(plus or minus 5 seconds).
The Essay, CD/TD and a complete entry form should then be submitted by mail to
VFW Post 1177 and must be received before 31 Oct.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and
human interest.
Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner.
Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to
the other.
Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
Judging begins at the Post Level. Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 will select a
winner from Loudoun County to compete in this prestigious competition at the
District (Northern Va.) level and then that winner will move up to State then National!
For more information or any questions you may have, please contact the VOD Team at contact1177@vfw1177.org ATTN: VOD
Please mail completed application (We'll fill in the LOCAL POST INFO), typed essay and CD/TD to:
Loudoun County VFW Post 1177
Attention: Voice of Democracy
401 Old Waterford Rd.
Leesburg, VA 20176-2120
All submissions must be received before 31 October
