Sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
$1,000–$35,000
October 31, 2026 (in 99 days)
The VFW Voice of Democracy contest invites students in grades 9 through 12 to record an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme, submitted through a local sponsoring VFW Post. The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship, additional national scholarships range up to $21,000, and each state's first-place winner earns at least $1,000. Nearly 28,000 students compete annually for more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives. The 2026-2027 theme is "What a Veteran Taught Me About America."
What a Veteran Taught Me About America (2026-2027 theme)
Submit an audio essay on the annual theme through your local sponsoring VFW Post; use the post locator on the official site to find a sponsor.
None listed. Check the official site.
Annual art contest for K-12 students; five national finalists each receive a $10,000 college scholarship, with one chosen as the National Winner.
The American Legion
Oratorical competition on the U.S. Constitution for high school students, awarding more than $203,500 across quarter-finalists through the national winner.
College Compass helps you discover scholarships. Awards come from the sponsoring organizations, not from us, and listings can change: always confirm eligibility, amounts, and deadlines on the official site before applying. Listings marked “Demo data” are development examples, not real scholarships.
Information last verified July 23, 2026.