The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generations. Our youth scholarships challenge students to reflect on our nation's history, their ideals and principles, and their own experiences based on a patriotic theme.
Patriot's Pen - Grades 6 - 8
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and 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.
Want to apply? All student entries must be submitted to Post 2995 by midnight, Oct. 31. Applications can easily be uploaded to the Post’s Scholarship App link be entering the web address of:
or by scanning the QR code.
Youth Essays may also be submitted to the Youth Essays Team after downloading and completing the 2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Entry Form.
The Post will award the following scholarship amounts:
1st: $300.00
2nd: $200.00
3rd: $100.00
The 2026-2027 theme is: What a Veteran Taught Me About America?
