This $3,000 scholarship is granted to 25 VFW members yearly. To be eligible, the member must be on active duty or recently retired within the last 36 months. Five scholarships are granted to each of the five branches of the military. This is their only scholarship that is strictly military-only. Applications are due by December 31st of each year.
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship is an audio-essay scholarship available to high school students in grades 9 through12. More than $3 million in scholarships are granted annually. The first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship. Students can submit an entry form, essay and recording to their local VFW office. This scholarship, like the next two, are available for both military and civilian families. More information, including information on finding your local VFW office, can be found at vfw.org.
The Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest is open to students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Students write a 300- to 400-word essay on a patriotic theme. The first-place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and a trip to Washington, D.C. Students must submit an essay and application form to their local VFW office.
The VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship Program grants a $5,000 scholarship to an outstanding Boy Scout, Venture Scout or Sea Scout. To be eligible, the student must be 15 to 18 years old and in high school, must have received the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Silver Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award, and must have demonstrated good citizenship in school, scouting and the community. Applications must be turned in to the local VFW office.