PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives 6th-, 7th– and 8th grade students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme.  This year’s theme is, 

“My Pledge To Our Veterans”

CRITERIA:  The Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study. 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 … read more »

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, 

What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?

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 … read more »