Voice of Democracy
2009-2010
Theme: "Does
Entry Deadline: November 1, 2009
Created
in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio-essay
contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than
$3 million in scholarships. The first-place winner, who competes with all the
first-place VFW Department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship that is paid
directly to the recipient’s American university, college or
vocational/technical school.
Besides competing for the top scholarship prize, as well as other national
scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000, each Department's first-place
winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to
The VOD program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School
Principals (NASSP) and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the
opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an
annual theme.
How to Enter:
Students can enter by submitting the required entry form
(click on this link [Student
Entry Form]), along with their essay and recording to a local VFW Post. To
find a post in your area, click here
or look in the white pages of your local phone directory. You may also call the
VFW National Programs office during normal business hours at 816-968-1117. Mail
entry form and audio essay to the local VFW post. Further
directions are listed on the entry form.
For more information or questions, contact VFW
National Headquarters or VFW
State Headquarters if you can't find a local VFW Post.
*Historically, the theme (annually chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief) is
purposely kept broad in scope to allow the participant flexibility in
interpretation to encourage originality. Since the VFW is a patriotic
organization, the annual theme always will be related to patriotism.