VFW Department of Arizona · 2026–2027
Youth Scholarships
Voice of Democracy & Patriot’s Pen — Empowering the next generation through patriotic expression
2026–2027 Theme — Both Programs
"What A Veteran Taught Me About America”
Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2026
Audio Essay Competition · Grades 9–12
Voice of Democracy
Grand Prize: $35,000
WhoGrades 9–12 · Public, private or parochial high school or home study
Format3–5 minute audio essay (MP3) on flash drive or electronic device
AwardsPost, District, State and National level. Over $2 million in scholarships nationwide.
DeadlineMidnight, October 31, 2026 to sponsoring VFW Post
ImportantEssays must be anonymous — no name, address, school, or personal identifiers in the body
Written Essay Competition · Grades 6–8
Patriot’s Pen
Grand Prize: $5,000
WhoGrades 6, 7 & 8 · Public, private or parochial schools, or home-schooled
FormatTyped written essay in English · 300–400 words (±5 words) · No colors or graphics
AwardsPost, District, State and National level. National winners receive at least $500.
DeadlineMidnight, October 31, 2026 to sponsoring VFW Post
ImportantEssays must be anonymous — no name, address, school, or personal identifiers in the body
Deadlines Competition Timeline — 2026–2027
1
Oct 31, 2026
Student entries due to VFW Post — Midnight deadline. Submit via QR code (Post-specific) or in person to your sponsoring Post.
2
Nov 15, 2026
Post winners advance to District
3
Dec 15, 2026
District winners advance to Department
4
Jan 10, 2027
Completion of Department judging
5
Jan 15, 2027
Department winners advance to National
Advancement How Many Winners Advance?
| Level |
Voice of Democracy |
Patriot’s Pen |
| Post → District |
1–15 entries received → 1 winner advances
16–30 entries received → 2 winners advance
31–45 entries received → 3 winners advance
|
| District → Department |
Only the 1st place winner advances for both programs |
| Department → National |
Only the 1st place Department winner advances to National judging |
Note Extra essays are no longer shareable with other Posts. Each Post is responsible for managing their own entries.
Judging Judging Criteria
Voice of Democracy
Originality 35 pts
Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.
Content 35 pts
Clearly express ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop the theme with smooth transitions.
Delivery 30 pts
Speaking voice is clear and credible.
Patriot’s Pen
Theme Knowledge 30 pts
Has the student researched and understood the theme? Demonstrate thorough knowledge.
Theme Development 35 pts
Does the essay answer the relevant questions: who, what, where, when and why? Relate to own experiences.
Clarity of Ideas 35 pts
Is the writer’s interpretation of the theme presented clearly? Easy-to-understand format.
Important — Judging Standard Interpretation of the theme is up to the student. Entries should NOT be disqualified because their interpretation seems incorrect or inappropriate. Suggested number of judges is five to nine (minimum of three). Judges should be from outside your Posts/Auxiliaries, represent your community, and must not be connected in any way with the students in the competition.
How to Enter Getting Started
For students: Ask a teacher, youth group, or club adult leader to supervise your entry. Contact a participating VFW Post and indicate your interest. Establish a contact person who is a member of the VFW Post or its Auxiliary. Make sure your essay or audio is submitted to the Post before October 31.
Submission methods: Entries may be delivered in person to the Post, emailed to the Post (with permission), or submitted through the Scholars App using a QR code or link from your local Post. Entries sent directly to VFW National Headquarters will not be considered.
To find a participating Post: Visit vfw.org/FindaPost or contact your VFW Department (state) headquarters. You can also visit vfw.org/ContactUs to find a State Contact.
Downloads Official Entry Forms & Program Info
All program forms are also available at vfwaz.com under Resources → Reports/Forms.
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