Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 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. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
2023-2024 Theme
"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"
Entry Deadline: October 31, 2023
All rules and eligibility requirements can be found on the entry form:
We would like to highlight the following:
The Voice of Democracy is open to students enrolled in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions. Home-schooled students also are eligible.
VFW’s Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year’s theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”
All audio essays should be 3-5 minutes in length (+ or – 5 seconds max). If mailed, recordings are to be submitted on a USB flash drive or audio CD accompanied with your typed essay. You may also submit everything using the form on this page.
We ask that you include a headshot of yourself with your submission.
In no way may contestants identify themselves within their essay (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin.) Do not put your name on the essay. The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the Official Voice of Democracy Competition Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your typed essay and submit it with your recording. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition).
The essay must be the contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. Recordings must be in the contestant’s own voice and in English. If the contestant is hearing/speech impaired, please contact us for special instructions. There should be no music, singing, poetry, or sound effects in the recording.
We look forward to hearing your presentation. If you choose to mail in your submission, please use the following address, and be sure it will arrive no later than October 31, 2023:
VFW – Post 1375
P.O. Box 325
Chadron, NE 69337