PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?
CRITERIA: The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are not eligible for entry.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording, typed essay and this completed entry form. Provide these items to your school/group competition or VFW Post for judging. In addition you can submit your emailed entry form, essay, and audio file to the VFW Post upon approval. You must be the sole author of your essay. Inappropriate use of Chat GPT or or other AI tools is not allowed. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin) although the recording & typed essay should be labeled with your name, to show ownership.
DEADLINES: The following deadlines shall be adhered to:
LA VOZ DE LA DEMOCRACIA: Establecido en 1947, el programa de ensayo de La Voz de la democracia del VFW proporciona a los estudiantes de secundaria, grados 9-12, la oportunidad única deexpresarse en lo que respecta a un ensayo grabado de 3-5 minutos basado en la democracia y patria. Cada año miles de estudiantes de en todo el país participan para ganar su parte de $2.1 millón en becas educativas e incentivos otorgados a través del programa. El ganador en primer lugar a nivel nacional recibe, una beca de $30,000 pagado directamente a la Universidad Americana del beneficiario, Colegio o Escuela Vocacional/Técnica. El ganador en primer lugar de cada departamento del VFW compiten por becas que van desde un mínimo de $1,000 hasta $16,000 y un viaje con todos los gastos pagados a Washington D. C.
¿DESEAS APLICAR?: Por favor descargue el formulario de inscripción en la página web para obtener detalles completos de La voz de la Democracia o para La Pluma del Patriota, criterios de elegibilidad e instrucciones para completar el ensayo. Los formularios de inscripción deben ser completados en inglés cuando se presenten con su ensayo. Asegúrese de tener el formulario de entrada más actualizado con los temas actuales.