The 2026-27 Competition Season will open in the Fall of 2026.

Mark your calendar and check back when the school year begins.

Spanish Translation of VOD Program

 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 a Veteran Taught Me About America?”

 

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: Students will submit their Voice of Democracy entries utilizing the

Scholar’s App Scholarship Platform, an electronic scholarship entry and tracking platform. 

Tracy Post 1537 will have their own flyer with a QR code for the Voice of Democracy scholarship

program and is available from your school counselor.  

Or click here for the Scholarship flyer with QR code.   or enter  the following link

into your browserht/https://bit.ly/3MuPCy5.ly/3MuPCy

Students will use the QR code to open the program (click the "Qualify" button after reading

the provided information)  complete the recording, typed essay and the completed entry form.  

Once completed the student will upload it to the app.

 

You must be the sole author of your essay.  Inappropriate use of Chat GPT 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.

 

In the event a student cannot use Scholar’s App they may submit their entry form, essay, and

recorded essay via email or hard copy with the essay on a thumb drive to their local Post for

judging.  Please ensure your recording and typed essay is labeled with your name.

 25-26 Voice of Democracy Entry Form