Youth & Education

Working alongside America’s youth and instilling a sense of patriotism has always been — and will always be — a VFW priority. Learn more about the VFW’s youth and education programs below.

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Youth Scholarships

Our youth scholarships challenge students to reflect on our nation's history, their ideals and principles, and their own experiences based on a patriotic theme.

Voice of Democracy

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 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 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 at least a scholarship of $1,000.

The 2024-25 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?" Download and complete the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy entry form (which includes the rules and requirements) here. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31 to your local VFW.

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth 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 2024-25 theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?" Download and complete the 2024-2025 Patriot Pen entry form (which includes the rules and requirements) here. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31 to your local VFW.

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Teacher of the Year

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.

Please review the new read the rules and eligibility requirements and download the 2024-2025 entry form here to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.

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Scout of the Year

Each year the VFW honors three young people - from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew - who have demonstrated exceptional citizenship in school, scouting and the community.

Some of our earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and perhaps none are stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America's scouting organizations. In fact, our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington.

Our Scout of the Year program provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to be recognized for their standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country.

Before submitting your Scout of the Year application, please review the read the rules and eligibility requirements. Please download the VFW Scout of the Year brochure and entry form here. Applications must be submitted to your local VFW Post by the March 1 deadline.

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VFW Auxiliary National Illustrating America Art Contest

An Art contest for students in grades K-8.

CONTEST RULES

• Entry must be completed during the current school year.
• Entry must be two dimensional.
• Entry must be on canvas or paper.
• Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board. Other entries if matted must be matted in white. Do not use color mats.
• Reinforce the back with heavy paper. Mounted and floating mats may also be used. Do not frame art.
• Entries may not be smaller than 8” x 10” and not larger than 18” x 24”, not including mat larger than 18” in any direction.
• Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink, oil, glitter, marker or other media may be used.
• Complete contest application and attached to back of entry.
• If the American Flag is used, it DOES NOT need to conform to the Federal Flag Code in relation to colors or numbers of stars and stripes.
• Parent or guardian signature required on contest application.
• Entry will be judged on patriotic theme and technique.
• Coloring Sheets, digital art, photography and jewelry are NOT accepted.

CONTEST ELIGIBILITY

• Open to students in grades K-8 who are enrolled in a public, private, parochial school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools.
• Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen.
• Student does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate.
• Foreign exchange students and students aged 15 or older are ineligible.
• National grade division winners of previous Illustrating America contests may enter the subsequent grade division but are ineligible for the same grade division of which they are a previous national winner.

National Awards

Prizes will be awarded as follow to the winner in Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8.

• First place: $100 gift card
• Second place: $50 gift card
• Third place: $25 gift card

If you are interested in competing, or have a student you want enter into the Art Contest download the Art Contest Rules and Application here.

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VFW Auxiliary National Singing Contest

Entry will be judged on vocal ability, mastery of lyrics, originality or interpretation and entertainment value.

CONTEST RULES

• Video of contestant’s solo vocal performance of The Star-Spangled Banner must be recorded between July 1 and March 31.
• One entry per contestant.
• Student shall state name, age and grade level prior to vocal performance.
• Student may sing a cappella, with backing tracks or instruments.
• Student may sing in the arrangement and genre of their choice.
• Student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring participating VFW Auxiliary by March 31.
• Student may NOT change the words. Student may NOT lip sync.
• Video must be a recorded live unedited version.
• Complete and sign contest entry form. Parent/Guardian signature required on entry form.
• Video must be saved on YouTube and submitted with completed entry form to a VFW Auxiliary for judging.

CONTEST ELIGIBILITY

• Open to students in grades K-12 who are enrolled in a public, private, parochial school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools.
• Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen.
• Student does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate.
• Foreign exchange students and students aged 20 or older are ineligible.
• National grade division winners of previous Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue! students may enter the subsequent grade division but are ineligible for the same grade division of which they are a previous National winner.

National Awards

Prizes will be awarded as follow to the winner in Grades K-8 and Grades 9-12.

• First place: $500 gift card
• Second place: $300 gift card
• Third place: $200 gift card

If you are interested in competing, or have a student you want enter into the Vocal Contest download the Vocal Contest Rules and Application here.

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Post Service Officer

If you need assistance in filing a new VA claim, want to work on an existing claim, or just want to get information about what benefits you are eligible for, please contact our Post Service Officer.

David Warnick:   
svcofficer@caryvfw7383.org

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Post Chaplain

If you want me to reach out to a Vet in the hospital or their family member please send me: an e-mail address, a phone number, and their home address so I can contact them.

Jerry Elefante:   
Chaplain@caryvfw7383.org

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Post	Auxiliary

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