The Department of Oregon is proud to sponsor scholarship opportunities for Youth in our communities.
Post 81 (H.S. Seniors) ~ Voice of Democracy (Grades 9-12) ~ Patriots Pen (Grades 6-8)
Post 81 Scholarship
Did you know that the Department of Oregon has a statewide scholarship program with up to five winners each year for high school seniors? Each student selected will be awarded one thousand dollars [$1,000.00] paid directly to their college, university or vocational school for their freshman year. The scholarship is open to any Child, Grand-Child or Great-Grandchild of a Department of Oregon VFW member, who is presently in good standing, or that was a member in good standing upon their passing. See linked rules for more details. The student must be attending high school, public or private, or be home schooled and be graduating the year they apply for the scholarship. In addition, the student must plan to attend a Community College, Vocational School, College or University in the U.S. The Scholarship must be used within one [1] year of graduation from high school as a full-time student.
The scholarship is known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 81 Scholarship.
The selection Criteria is based on student curriculum, involvement in school activities and/or community service, a minimum 2.5 GPA and a 300-word essay using the Voice of Democracy theme for 2026: "How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?"
The deadline is in mid-February 2026, and will be updated on this page. Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than the deadline date. Emailed or hand-delivered applications must be received by 3:00 pm on the due date. The winner(s) will be announced at the VFW Department of Oregon Convention in June 2026.
Detailed rules can be found here.
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these two scholarships may be for you.
Voice of Democracy
9-12th Grade Students ~ 3-5 minute audio essay ~ up to $35,000 ~ Oct. 31st
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 9th through 12th 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. Topics are announced during the summer, and are turned in via scholarsapp.com before midnight on October 31st each year. So set a reminder now to enter this fall.
To enter, contact your local VFW post for a link to their entry form. VFW Post Locator is linked here.
Patriot's Pen
6-8th Grade Students ~ 300 word essay ~ up to $5,000 ~ Oct. 31st
Each
year, over 70,000 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the
VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win
their share of $55,000 in 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. Topics are announced during the summer and are turned in via scholarsapp.com before midnight on October 31st each year. So set a reminder now to enter this fall.
To enter, contact your local VFW post for a link to their entry form. VFW Post Locator is linked here.
