Only twenty-seven days remain for students, grades 6-12 to enter for their chance to win their share of the $3.2 million in college scholarships and savings bonds awarded through the 2011 VFW Voice of Democracy and VFW Patriot’s Pen essay contests.
VFW’s annual scholarship contests were enacted to foster patriotism among America’s youth by allowing students the opportunity to express their opinions on democracy based on an annual theme. Nearly 200,000 students participate in the contests annually.
“VFW scholarship programs provide more than $3.2 million in scholarships and incentives each year. However, the deeper value and long term benefits of these programs is that America’s youth learn the value of our system of government and its history; including the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans,” states Steve Van Buskirk, Director of VFW Programs.
This year marks the Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest’s 65th year. Students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories are eligible to enter. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.
This year also marks the 16th year for the Patriot’s Pen program. This program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories. The national first-place winner receives $10,000 savings bond.
The deadline to enter either contest is November 1, 2011.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed these programs on the National Association of Student Councils, National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2010-2011.
For complete information and contest rules, please visit www.vfw.org/Programs.