Voice of Democracy

The Theme for 2026-27

“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 thru 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. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. You can see the 2025-2026 national awards via the article on last years winners “VFW 2026 National Youth Scholarship Winners Announced.”

Last year Evanston VFW Post 7186 voted to award the first place local winner $250.

The 2026 - 2027 theme is: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America” Essays must be no shorter than three minutes and no longer than five.

Deadline — The completed application and audio file, must be submitted by midnight Saturday October 31, 2026.

Students will use the VFW Scholars App platform for this year’s entries. There they can establish an account, qualify, complete an application and submit audio essay files. All steps must be successfully completed by the deadline.

Students can begin the process by using the QR code or the bit.ly link below. We recommend that students establish an account qualify and complete the application well ahead of the deadline. Entries can then be submitted any time after those steps have been successfully completed … up to the deadline.

VOD QR Code

bit.ly/42wouab


Help in preparing entries is available by contacting info@vfw7186.org. To make arrangements to submit paper applications write commander@vfw7186.org.

VFW IL District 4 Scholarship Awards Ceremony Streamwood, IL January 15, 2023 – VFW 7186 Commander Brian Beatty, Rebecca Arneson 1st Place Voice of Democracy