Established in 1947, the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students in grades 9-12 with the unique opportunity to express themselves through a patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 high 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 VFW Post 6192 Voice of
Democracy program is open to students in grades 9-12 (2023-24 academic year)
who live either in Washington Township or Westwood. Local prizes will be
awarded as follows: 1st place - $500, 2nd place
- $300, 3rd place - $200. The first-place winner will be
eligible to compete for additional monetary awards at the regional, state, and
national levels.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to
the recipient’s U.S. university, college, or vocational/technical school. A
complete list of other national scholarships ranges from $1,000-$16,000, and
the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a
scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements.
Applications must be received by midnight, Oct. 31, 2024 at VFW Memorial Post 6192, PO Box 1383, Twp of Washington, NJ 07676, or email: vfwpost6192@gmail.com.
Download and complete the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy entry form here.