Voice of Democracy
ListedCompetition
- Award
- $35,000 national first prize, paid directly to an American college/university or vocational/technical school; other national awards up to $21,000. State first-place winners receive at least $1,000 and the Valley Forge leadership trip; local/district awards vary.
- Deadline
- October 31, 2026 at midnight to the participating sponsoring VFW Post; no time zone stated.
- How to apply
- Submit an original English recording in your own voice, 3-5 minutes (maximum five-second tolerance), typed essay and complete entry form about what a veteran taught you about America. No music/poetry/effects or identifying details. Parent/guardian signs even if entrant is 18+. Use local Post instructions: physical device, permitted email, or Post-provided Scholars App link; no direct national entry.
- What you'll need
- A speech or recorded oration
- Entry through a local chapter or club
- Who can apply
- Grades 9-12 by October 31, in U.S./territory schools or home study, or qualifying overseas dependents schools; under age 20. Citizenship not required: lawful permanent residents OR pending-not-denied permanent-residence applicants who intend earliest lawful citizenship. Foreign-exchange, GED and adult-education students excluded.
- Good to know
- One entry at one Post yearly. Inappropriate AI use prohibited. Current 2026-27 rules do not state the formerly listed prior-state-winner exclusion. National-level participants consent to travel and nonexclusive promotion of their essay/audio/name/likeness; requests for SSN/photo may occur.