Investing in the next generation
Nearly 100,000 students. 5,600+ VFW posts. Four programs building the civic pipeline that connects American youth to the meaning of service.
$3.14M+
awarded in FY 2025
THE PROOF
Across Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen, funding students in all 50 states through VFW posts and corporate supporters.
Download the Youth & Education Impact PDFReach that’s already built. Impact that’s already proven.
Built to last
Five decades of scholarship competitions and civic programs, running through 5,600 VFW posts in every state and abroad. The distribution network exists. Corporate support puts it to work.
Measured in students
Scholarship dollars reach students through Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen. The Echoes From the Wall curriculum reaches 25,000 classrooms nationwide.
Your name on the mission
Top-tier supporters earn premier recognition and collaborative brand alignment across programs that reach schools in every state. One relationship. Four programs. Nationwide reach.
Youth & Education Programs
70+ Years of Scholarships
Voice of Democracy
The nation's largest audio-essay scholarship competition. 50 states, corporate-funded awards, national recognition.
Explore Voice of Democracy
In All 50 States
Patriot’s Pen
One of the most widely distributed youth essay programs in the country. Four judging levels, scholarships reaching families through every VFW post.
Explore Patriot's Pen
70+ Honored since 1999
Teacher of the Year
Recognizing educators who bring veteran history and civics into classrooms before the history books get there.
Explore Teacher of the Year
25,000 Classrooms nationwide
Educational Outreach
The Echoes From the Wall curriculum puts Vietnam veterans' stories directly into the lesson plan. Teacher-ready materials, curriculum-level reach.
Explore Educational OutreachWhere your investment reaches classrooms
Fund the programs that connect American youth to the meaning of service. This is how the mission keeps moving forward.
Military & Family Support
Direct assistance for service members and their families.
Explore the programNational Veterans Service
Free, expert help filing VA disability and benefits claims.
Explore the programDigital Engagement
Connecting veterans and supporters through online community.
Explore the program