Youth Development

Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the
Patriot's Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives. In 2004, a new scholarship
initiative program called the "VFW Veterans Tribute Scholarship Program," was established to benefit the children of all veterans and active military personnel.

In addition to VFW's outstanding scholarship programs, Posts and Auxiliaries across the nation work with youth in scouting, sports, ROTC and military cadet programs. By providing leaders, funding, sponsorships and other resources, the VFW and its Auxiliaries encourage millions of yAmerica's youg adults to higher ideals and greater personal achievement.

Voice of Democracy

The Voice of Democracy is an annual national audio essay contest that is designed to foster patriotism by giving high school students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to voice their opinion about their personal obligations as an American and address their responsibility to our country. Created in 1947, the scholarship program annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. Contestants write and record a three to five minute essay on an annual theme.

Each Department's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. The first-place national winner receives a $25,000 scholarship. All national scholarships are paid directly to the American university, college or vocational/technical school as selected by the recipient.

All scholarship funding is held at National Headquarters in escrow for 10 years from high school graduation. The funds, which are disbursed as needed, may be used for tuition, books, laboratory fees or other items relating specifically to the student's formal education. Clothing, room and board and pocket money are not considered authorized expenditures.

The 2004-2005 theme is "Celebrating Our Veterans' Service" Deadline for entries is Nov. 1, 2004.

All questions concerning the Voice of Democracy program should be submitted to VFW National Headquarters or your local VFW Post.

Patriot's Pen

Patriot's Pen, a youth essay writing contest, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6,7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. This year, more than 116,000 students participated in the annual contest.

Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

The 2004-2005 theme is "What Service to Our Country Means to Me." The deadline is Nov. 1, 2004.

For more information contact VFW National Headquarters or your local VFW Post.

Scouting Program

The Boy Scouts of America and the VFW share a common bond: belief in God, respect for others, honesty and patriotism. The VFW has been associated with scouting since 1915 when Post 2100 helped establish Scout Troop 1 in Everett, Wash. In 1936, a plan of cooperation formalized the relationship between scouting and the VFW.

Today, VFW sponsors more than 1,100 scouting units with 38,000 members across the nation. The VFW annually recognizes outstanding Scouts and awards the national winner with a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to the VFW's National Convention, which is held annually at a select host city. Second- and third-place winners are awarded $3,000 and $1,000 respectively.

Veterans' Tribute Scholarship

The Veterans' Tribute Scholarship is new this year and is available to children and grandchildren, ages 16 to 18, of all U.S. military veterans, active duty, Reserves and National Guard.

First place is $10,000; second place is $5,000 and third place receives $3,000.

Awards are given to entrants based on a point system based on their personal academic achievement, family VFW involvement and their parent's or grandparent's military service.

The VFW Veterans' Tribute Scholarship is a national program. As such, all entries must be submitted to the VFW Programs Office at VFW National Headquarters to be considered.

Entrants wishing to be considered must complete the entry form and review the scoring sheet. Complete the form, attach documents verifying the facts related on the entry form and send the entire packet to:

Veterans' Tribute Scholarship
VFW National Headquarters
406 West 34th Street, Suite 902
Kansas City, MO 64111

The deadline for entries occurs annually on December 31.

Winners will be informed by certified mail during the first quarter of the following year. Entries are judged solely on the basis of the points given for information provided on the entry form and verified by the documentation included. This documentation is the sole responsibility of the entrant.

VFW judges may verify the validity of the documentation provided but will not seek additional documentation. The winner's scholarships apply only to tuition and fees and will be paid directly to the academic institution selected by the winner upon receipt of documented enrollment.

Questions can be sent to SWilson@vfw.org.