This page provides information specifically for the Voice of Democracy Scholarships. Check below for more scholarships to apply for as a high school student, based on your grade.
For high school students who are passionate about exploring and sharing their perspectives on democracy and patriotism, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy Scholarship program provides an opportunity to pursue higher education while expressing their values. The program offers scholarships totaling over $2.1 million annually, with the top national winner receiving a $35,000 award to be used for education expenses.
Applicants participate by submitting an original 3-5 minute audio essay on a designated theme, such as the 2024-2025 theme, "What Veterans Mean to America." Local VFW Posts host initial contests, with winners advancing to district, state, and national levels.
Since its establishment in 1947, the Voice of Democracy program has recognized and supported thousands of students, helping them develop confidence, refine their communication skills, and gain valuable insights into civic engagement. Past winners have shared how the experience was transformative, providing both financial assistance and meaningful recognition of their ideas and efforts. Profiles of past winners and their essays are featured on the VFW website, offering inspiration to future participants.
The scholarship is open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools, or who are home-schooled in the United States or its territories. Participants must write and record an audio essay in English, ensuring the submission is entirely their own work.
The application process begins in the fall, with local post submissions typically due by October 31. Winners are announced at various stages leading up to the national competition, culminating in an awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in the spring.
The selection process emphasizes originality, content, and delivery. The essays must demonstrate a clear understanding of the theme and articulate personal insights into the role of veterans and democratic values.
Email: info@vfw.org
Website: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education
Address: Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters
406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Tel: 1-816-756-3390
The scholarships provided in the following pages are organized by grade level in high school; there is, thus, no longer any need to go through thousands of resources to find those applicable to you. Having been prepared with high school students in mind, highscholarships.com makes the task rather easy for you.
On this page, you will find numerous scholarships that are specifically for high school seniors. This is when you qualify the most number of scholarships! Do not wait longer!
SHOW ME ↓This page is dedicated to scholarships that are for high school juniors, of which there are plenty. Some of these can be applied for by high school seniors as well.
SHOW ME ↓Here, you can find scholarships for high school sophomores, although some of them are available also to high schoolers at other levels. Start early!
SHOW ME ↓There are also scholarships are for high school freshmen! These are not as many in number as other grade levels, but provide a reason to start early.
SHOW ME ↓It is not too difficult to fully fund your college dream via scholarships. Once you have identified the right opportunities/matches among countless resources, an endeavor highscholarships.com makes easy for you, statistically speaking, even if you had a low success rate, you can fully fund a private college education.