Youth & Education

Working alongside America’s youth and instilling a sense of patriotism has always been — and will always be — a VFW priority. Learn more about the VFW’s youth and education programs below.

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our 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 $30,000 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-$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, and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy entry form here.

The 2022-23 theme is: 
"Why is the Veteran Important?"

About the 2021-2022 winner ...

Daniela Mare, a junior at Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, was named the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Daniela's speech on the theme, "America: Where Do We Go from Here?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Daniela VFW Post 9486 and its Auxiliary in Centereach, New York. Watch as Daniela delivered her speech during the VFW's virtual Parade of Winners award ceremony.

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full virtual Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners.

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form here. 

The 2022-23 theme is: 
"My Pledge to Our Veterans."

About the 2021-2022 winner ...

Syed Ali, an eighth grade student from Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Can I Be a Good American?" won him a $5,000 award. Syed was sponsored by New Iberia, Louisiana, VFW Post 1982.

Watch as Syed delivered his winning essay, during the VFW's virtual Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or see the complete list of 2022 national winners.

Teacher of the Year

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.

Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements and download the 2022 entry form to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.

Looking to share updated information and materials on VFW's Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Teacher Award programs? Share our National Scholarship Brochure (coming soon) with the students and educators in your community.

And the 2022 Teacher of the Year is ...

Lisa Russell, a first grade teacher at East Elementary School in Mountain Home, Idaho, has been selected as the 2022 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Russell, sponsored by VFW Post 5423 in Mountain Home, Idaho. With more than 23 years of experience, Russell is well known for her creativity, dedication to her students, and her work within the community. Her lesson plans proudly include patriotic projects centered around the events of Sept. 11 and Pearl Harbor, while including a first-hand account from Pearl Harbor attack survivor Lorraine Kirkland.  From encouraging students to participate in local patriotic essay competitions and to providing enrichment opportunities like having the mayor attend virtual class, patriotism and civil responsibility are often key discussion points in her classroom.

VFW in the Classroom

Every day, we strive to thank America's educators by providing them with helpful resources and encouraging our members to visit local classrooms. Let us help you educate America's future leaders and bring history to life!

Veterans play an important role in educating our nation's youth about the founding principles upon which America was founded. As combat veterans, VFW members can provide students with a unique perspective about the sacrifices America's service members make to maintain freedom for all of us.

When visiting a classroom, a VFW member will prepare a brief introduction, a main presentation and a Q&A session. Depending on the topic, a member may bring appropriate memorabilia, uniforms, photographs and other relevant material.

American history is something we all share, and there's no one better to help tell that story than someone who's had a great part in shaping it.

Contact your local VFW Post to arrange for a veteran to visit your classroom.

Student Veterans of America

GI Bill benefits are the most widely utilized benefits available to veterans. Moreover, veterans on college campuses have demonstrated an eagerness to not only organize but to lead in their communities while pursuing higher education. By supporting the nearly 1 million student veterans on college campuses today, the VFW has a unique opportunity to not only showcase the amazing work of our organization, but we can also harness this leadership potential to grow our organization for future generations of veteran leaders. 

Today's veterans can face any number of obstacles while furthering their education. That's why one of the ways the VFW supports today’s student veterans is by teaming up with Student Veterans of America (SVA). Together we're committed to ensuring our nation’s veterans succeed in their educational pursuits, community service endeavors, careers and personal lives. Working side by side, student veterans and VFW members can help our nation’s veterans attain these goals.

The missions and purposes of both organizations share a great deal of synergy. SVA offers peer support for veterans transitioning back to civilian life and academia, frequently after serving one or more deployments overseas. The VFW provides opportunities for camaraderie, community service and veterans advocacy to those who have honorably served in overseas conflicts. 

While SVA Chapters are unique among veterans’ groups with their location on campus, VFW Posts are often located in the same communities off campus. These two organizations can experience great and mutual success working together through several key avenues of cooperation.

Some of the ways in which the VFW can support student veterans in partnership with SVA Chapters include:

• Offer additional funds to advance education goals through the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarships”
• Provide Student Fellowship Opportunities to learn about legislative activism and promote veterans’ policies
• Provide access to VFW Service Officers to help file VA benefit claims
• Offer access to Student Veteran Support Grants for VFW Posts to foster camaraderie, peer support, and mentorship as well as promote cooperation on community and veterans’ service initiatives
• Offer use of VFW facilities for Chapter business and functions
• Conduct joint events, celebrations, and recognition ceremonies
• Share community connections for mutual benefit
• Combine efforts on local, state and national advocacy efforts to attain the best possible outcomes for veterans

With more than 6,000 VFW Posts and 1,300 SVA Chapters, there are many opportunities for cooperation and engagement. What are you waiting for? Find an SVA Chapter near you to get involved today.