VFW Youth Programs
Programs & Scholarships
VFW Post 9644 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 scholarships may be for you.
We offer the following programs for local youth:
Voice of Democracy - 2024/2025
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program offers high school students a remarkable platform to articulate their thoughts on democratic and patriotic themes through recorded essays. The national champion is awarded a $35,000 scholarship directly for their education at an American university, college, or vocational/technical institution.
Each year, approximately 25,000 students in grades nine through twelve participate from all corners of the nation, vying for a portion of over $1 million in educational scholarships provided by the program. We seek local students who meet the criteria and aspire to claim prizes at the Post, District, State, and National levels!
The 2024-25 theme is:
"Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
Click here to be taken to Scholars App to apply for this scholarship.
Patriot's Pen - 2024/2025
Every year, approximately 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades participate in the VFW's Patriot's Pen youth essay contest, aiming to secure a portion of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. State first-place winners are guaranteed a minimum of $500 at the national level, while the national champion earns an impressive $5,000!
This essay competition inspires young minds to explore American history and their own contemporary experiences within American society. Participants craft a 300- to 400-word essay, sharing their perspectives on a patriotic theme selected by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.
The 2024-25 theme is:
"My Voice in America's Democracy?"
Click here to be taken to Scholars App to apply for this scholarship.
Scout of the Year - 2024/2025
Every year, your VFW Post nominates one outstanding Scout to represent at the department/state level, competing for national recognition as the VFW Scout of the Year.
Did you know that VFW Post 2100 in Everett, WA played a pivotal role in establishing the very first scout troop, Troop 1? With a rich history and strong ties between the VFW and the scouts, we take great pride in introducing our 2023/2024 Scout of the Year Program. This initiative celebrates members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who demonstrate exceptional citizenship, patriotism, and devotion to their country. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2024.
Download the entry form here, then bring it to our post for submission.
VFW Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship - 2023/2024
The VFW Auxiliary is please to present this National Scholarship to assist VFW Auxiliary members and their immediate family who wish to further their education by pursuing a college degree or a career direction at a vocational/technical school. One (1) scholarship will be awarded each year to a selected candidate in each of the four (4) VFW Auxiliary Conferences.
The $1,250 scholarship shall be used in the academic year following completion of the contest. The scholarship will be paid directly to the American college/university or vocational/technical school of the awardees choice.
Eligibility
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VFW Auxiliary member for at least one full year by the application submission deadline of February 15
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The spouse, son and/or daughter of a VFW Auxiliary member that has been a member for at least one full year by the application submission deadline of February 15
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Applicant must be 21 years of age or older by the application submission deadline of February 15
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Previous National Continuing Education Scholarship winner are NOT eligible
Download the entry form here, then bring it to our post for submission.
3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest - 2023/2024
Contest Eligibility
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Students in grades 9-12 by March 31 deadline who are enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home school program in the United States, its territories and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools.
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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.
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Student does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate.
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Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or older, GED and adult education students, or National winner of previous 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contests are NOT eligible.
Contest Rules
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Entry must be completed during the current school year.
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Entry must be three dimensional.
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Entry must be paper, papier mache, pottery, sculpture, fabric, wood, metalwork, etc.
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Entry may not be larger than 18" in any direction.
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Entry may not weigh more than 5 pounds.
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Complete contest entry form and submit with entry.
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Complete typed explanation of the steps taken to create the 3-Dimensional art entry and an artist statement (250 words or less) and submit with entry.
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Parent or guardian signature required on contest entry form.
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If the American Flag is used, it must conform to the Federal Flag Code in relation to colors, number of stars and stripes and other pertinent rules of the code.
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Digital art, photography, weapons, art generated by a 3-D printer and jewelry are NOT accepted.
Download the entry form here, then bring it to our post for submission.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest - 2023/2024
Contest Eligibility
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Students in grades 9-12 by March 31 deadline who are enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home school program in the United States, its territories and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools.
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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.
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Student does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate.
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Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or older, GED and adult education students, or National winner of previous Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contests are NOT eligible.
Contest Rules
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Entry must be completed during the current school year.
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Entry must be two dimensional.
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Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink, oil, marker or other media may be used.
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Entry must be on canvas or paper.
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Do not frame two-dimensional pieces art.
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Submit canvas entries on a stretched frame or canvas board.
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Other entries if matted must be matted in white. Do not use color mats.
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Reinforce the back with heavy paper.
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Mounted and floating mats may also be used.
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Entry may not be smaller than 8" x 10" and not larger than 18" x 24", not including mat.
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Complete contest entry form and submit with entry.
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Complete typed explanation of the entry (250 words or less) and submit with entry.
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Parent or guardian signature required on contest entry form.
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If the American Flag is used, it must conform to the Federal Flag Code in relation to colors, number of stars and stripes and other pertinent rules of the code.
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Digital art and photography are NOT accepted.
Download the entry form here, then bring it to our post for submission.