25-26 Voice of Democracy Entry Form

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, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

 

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.   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.

 

DEADLINES: The following deadlines shall be adhered to:

       

• October 31, 2025 – Student entries to the Post 
• November 15, 2025 – Post winner submitted to the District 
• December 15, 2025 – District winners submitted to the Department
•  January 10, 2026 – Completion of Department judging
•  January 10, 2026 – District participation reports due to Department Chairperson
•  January 15, 2026 – Department winners submitted to National
•  January 31, 2026 – Department reports due to National

 

ALL-AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for

judging and make a report via the VFW.org (National) Program Reporting Tool (formerly

All American Dashboard).

 

ALL-STATE REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging,

make a report via the Department reporting system, and the District Chairperson must annotate

the Post’s participation on the District participation report.

District must submit one candidate to Department for judging.

 

AWARDS:  Monetary awards at the Post and District level are subject to the approval of the

Post or District membership.  As for Department, the following is the monetary award:  

• The first-place winner at the state competition will receive a check for $2,000.00. 
• Each of the four other finalists will receive a check for $1,000.00. 
• The remaining District winners will each receive a check for $500.00. 

 

Each first place Department (state) winner is brought to Washington, D.C. in February to

enjoy our nation’s capital and compete for $171,000 in national college scholarships—

first place receiving $35,000.  Each state winner will receive at least $1,000 at the national

level.