Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has announced the opening of applications for its 2025-26 Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Post 1317 competition. Deadline for application submissions is Oct. 31.

Patriot’s Pen

Patriot’s Pen is open to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who are enrolled by the competition deadline. Students must submit a 300-400-word essay answering this year’s theme: How are you showing patriotism and support for our country? The national prize is $5,000.

Voice of Democracy

Voice of Democracy is open to students grades nine through 12 who are enrolled by the competition deadline. Students must submit a three-to-five-minute video and written essay answering this year’s theme: How are you showing patriotism and support for our country? The national prize is $35,000.

Eligibility

Students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (for which the application has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity.

For more information, visit the QR codes provided or scholarsapp.com.