"What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
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 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 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. VFW Department of Connecticut receives a scholarship of $2,000. Post 9617 awards are available for the top 3 entries of $300, $200 and $100.
Before submitting your essay, read the
rules and eligibility requirements. Students who live in Stamford may request to submit essays to our post by using our
contact page in our main menu and writing VOD in the message. Your school might also have this information. If you do not live in Stamford, find your sponsoring
local VFW Post.
Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2025-2026
Voice of Democracy entry form
here. All submissions must include:
- Application form, signed.
- Typed essay with digital copy.
- Digital recording (voice only, no video) of your essay.
For other programs, click on the link below:
