VFW Post & Auxiliary 6073 are excited to announce the kick-off of the 2023/2024 VFW Annual Scholarship Contest for all students in kindergarten through high school. Thousands of dollars in scholarships are available. 

The Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest is eligible to students in grades 6th – 8th. The contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history and include their own experiences in American society. Applicants are asked to draft a 300-400 word typed essay, expressing their views. This year’s theme is “How are you inspired by America?” Each first place winner at the State level will receive a minimum of $500 at the national level and has the chance to win $5,000. Entries must be received by the VFW no later than October 31, 2023. 

The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 who are under the age of 20. The contest requires that students record an original 3-5 minute audio essay on a flash drive or other electronic drive and type the essay. This year’s theme is “Greatest attributes of our democracy”. The national first place winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $35,000. 

Each first place winner from the State will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.  Entries must be received by the VFW no later than October 31, 2023. 

The Illustrating America Art contest is eligible for students in grades kindergarten – 8th grade. It is open to all students enrolled in public, private, parochial or home study programs. Foreign exchange students and students aged 15 and older are ineligible for this contest. Each entry must be two dimensional; be on canvas or paper; unframed; at least 8”x10” but no larger than 18”x24” and be original artwork showing how the child “views” America.  Awards for grades K-2nd ; 3rd-5th and 6th-8th include : 1st place- $100 gift card, 2nd place- $50 gift card, 3rd place- $ 25 gift card. Entries must be received by the VFW no later than March 31, 2024. 

The Young American Creative Patriotic Art contest is open to students in grades 9th-12th. This contest has the same rules as the Illustrating America Art contest. Additionally students are asked to complete a typed explanation of the entry in 250 words or less. The first place winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $15,000. Entries must be received by the VFW no later than March 31, 2024. 

The 3 Dimensional Patriotic Art contest is open to students in 9th-12th.This contest must be no larger than 18” in any direction, not weigh more than five pounds and be paper, paper mache’, pottery, sculpture, fabric, wood and metalwork. Entries must be received by the VFW no later than March 31, 2024.

For more information please go to vfw.org/community or vfwpost6073.org