Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves by preparing a democratic- and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth through twelfth grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. The complete list of other national scholarships ranges up to $21,000, with the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) winning a scholarship of at least $1,000.

Students interested in participating must submit their audio-essay with a completed 2026-2027 entry form to VFW Post 475. Essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31, 2026.

The 2026-2027 theme is: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

For more information and entry forms, go here: Youth Scholarships - VFW

Local VFW Post Points of Contact:

Keith Walker

302-345-0817

John Morrow

302-366-8438 

vfwpost475qm@gmail.com