The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) sponsors many opportunities for girls to earn awards and scholarships throughout the year. You can get all the details and applications for these and other awards at vfw.org.
Scout of the Year Award | View Rules and Application
Gold Award Girl Scouts may enter a Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored competition—Scout of the Year Award—and possibly receive a $5,000 scholarship! Those girls who have earned the Gold Award and are in high school are eligible. All entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, March 1.
Get Excited for the Red, White, and Blue! | View Rules and Application
Students in grades K-12 are invited to enter the VFW Auxiliary National Singing Contest for a chance to win hundreds of dollars in gift cards. First, second, and third place prizes are awarded across two grade level divisions. Video of contestant’s solo vocal performance of The Star-Spangled Banner must be submitted by March 31.
Illustrating America Art Contest | View Rules and Application
This national contest aims to introduce, encourage and recognize young artists in grades K-8 with patriotism through art. Entries will be judged on patriotic theme and technique.. First, second, and third place prizes are awarded across three grade level divisions. Final entries must be submitted by March 31.
Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition | Learn more
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the VFW’s premier scholarship program. Students—including Girl Scouts—compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. (The 2023-24 theme is: “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”) Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through twelfth grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. All entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, October 31.
Patriot’s Pen | Learn more
Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen 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. (The 2023-24 theme is: “How Are You Inspired by America?”) All entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, October 31.
