VFW Scholarship Opportunity

Are you in grades 6-12 in school? Want to earn some money towards your future? Well, the could help with that. We have two scholarship opportunities available for you.

First for those in grades 6-8, we offer the Patriot’s Pen essay contest.

Theme: “Are you proud of your country?”

What is it?

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. savings bonds.

Who is eligible?

Sixth-, 7th- and 8th-grade students enrolled in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools can participate too. (Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National finals are excluded from the contest.)

What are the prizes?

There are prizes at the local, district and state levels of the competition. The state winner is then forwarded to the national level of the competition. Each of the top 45 national winners receive at least a $1,000 savings bond. The first-place award is currently a $10,000 savings bond plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and a parent or guardian.

Second for those in 9-12 we have the Voice of Democracy.

Theme: “Is there pride in serving in our military?”

What is it?

Started in 1947, the Voice of Democracy Program is the VFW's premiere, National Audio Essay Scholarship Competition designed to give high school students the opportunity to voice their opinions on their responsibility to our country and to convey their thoughts via the broadcasting media to all America. Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme.

Who is eligible?

Ninth-, 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students in public, parochial and private schools or a home-study program in the United States and overseas. U.S. citizenship is required. Former first-place state winners are not eligible to participate again. Foreign exchange students are not allowed to participate.

What are the prizes?

Awards are given on the local, district and state levels. Typically, the state winner is provided with a four-day all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for more than $2.5 million in national scholarships and incentives.

The deadline for both of these contests is Nov. 1.

For more information or an application to enter, please visit the programs page at http://vfw4393.org