Veterans of Foreign Wars
Department of Massachusetts
VFW Programs
VFW believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism. That’s why we encourage youthful minds to examine our nation’s history and their own experiences in modern American society through our Patriot’s Pen youth essay-writing contest.
Annually, roughly 112,000, students from grades 6-8, enter to win one of several savings bonds totaling $1.2 million, as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National first place winner.
Students draft a 300-400 word essay, expressing their views based on an — always patriotic — annual theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.
NEW!!!
2012-2013 Theme:
"What I would Tell America's Founding Fathers"
Entry Form (Click here)
Each year, more than 51,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.
Knowing that a democratic society needs nurturing, the VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.
The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000- $16,000 and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
NEW!!!!
2012-2013 Theme:
"Is Our
Constitution Still Relevant"
Entry Form (click here)
Scout of the Year
Some of the VFW’s earliest ties to the community involve youth groups. Few are stronger — and none more lasting — than the close relationship between the VFW and Boy Scouts of America, dating back to 1915.
Each year, the VFW selects three young men — of the Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew — who have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives a $5,000 award, the second-place winner receives a $3,000 award and the third-place winner receives $1,000.
WHO CAN ENTER:
:- Scouts who are registered, active members of a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Silver Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award.
- Scouts must be 15 years of age and have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community.
- Scouts must be enrolled in high school at the time of selection.
Note: All applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified.
HOW TO ENTER:
Scouts should submit the completed VFW Scouting Scholarship form, resume of high school activities, scouting record, community service record and letters of recommendation to a local VFW Post no later than March 1, 2012.
Note: A Scout can enter through ONE VFW Post only.
HOW THE CONTEST WORKS:
Local VFW Posts select one winner from the entries received. Posts then submit their local winner to their respective VFW Department (state) by April 1. From there, the Department selects a winner and forwards the entry to the VFW National Headquarters by May 1 for national-level judging.
Entry Form(click here)
