The annual VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen student scholarship contest starts in August 2025 with a deadline date to submit your student essays and audio clip (Voice of Democracy) by October 31, 2025.  The online application links for both student essay contest will be available on the VFW.org website.

 

The VFW Hawaii Department various VFW Post on all islands in Hawaii will review and score the essays, then select their top student essay entries for competition at the VFW Hawaii Department level. Initial Awards are made at the post level, then the top student essays are selected at the VFW Hawaii Department level, who then enters the National VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competition.  Student scholarships are awarded to first place winner and other runner ups, with top award of $35,000 in past years for the Voice of Democracy contest and $10,000 for the Patriot's Pen contest.

 

Scan QCR to access the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay applications for 2025-2026.