The Voice of Democracy, endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria, is an audio essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12. The annual contest, which is designed to foster patriotism, allows students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme.

Created in 1947, the scholarship program annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. Each Department's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. The first-place national winner receives a $25,000 scholarship.

All national scholarships are paid directly to the American university, college or vocational/technical school as selected by the recipient. All scholarship funding is held at National Headquarters in escrow for 10 years from high school graduation. The funds, which are disbursed as needed, may be used for tuition, books, laboratory fees or other items relating specifically to the student's formal education. Clothing, room and board and pocket money are not considered authorized expenditures.

All students interested in entering the Voice of Democracy Contest should contact their guidance counselor, who, in turn, will contact your local Voice of Democracy Chairman.

All questions concerning scholarship disbursement are to be referred to
National Headquarters.
 

For more information contact VFW National Headquarters or your local VFW Post.