SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships — VFW Auxiliary

VFW Auxiliary · Scholarships

Scholarships

The VFW Auxiliary is proud to offer and participate in scholarship contests that promote patriotism, assist students in furthering their education and help students reach their full potential.

Scholarship Program

Auxiliary scholarships + VFW contests
  • Continuing Education Scholarship
    Open to any VFW Auxiliary member (who has belonged for at least a year), his/her spouse, son or daughter with a financial need. Check back on July 1 for the most current scholarship information.
  • Patriotic Art Contests (Grades 9–12)
    Promotes and conducts the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest (2D) and the 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest (3D).
  • VFW Essay & Audio-Essay Contests
    Supports VFW Patriot’s Pen (grades 6–8) and Voice of Democracy (grades 9–12).
Important:

Digital art, photography, weapons, 3-D printed art and jewelry are NOT ACCEPTED for either art contest.

Top Awards Snapshot

Highest national awards
  • Young American Creative Patriotic Art (2D): National 1st place = $15,000
  • 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art (3D): National 1st place = $2,500
  • VFW Patriot’s Pen (6–8): National 1st place = $5,000
  • VFW Voice of Democracy (9–12): National 1st place = $35,000
  • Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest began in 1979 and includes over 4,000 student participants annually.

Patriotic Art Contests

Expand sections
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest (2-Dimensional) Grades 9–12

The National first-place winner of the Young American Patriotic Art Contest will receive a $15,000 scholarship. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $37,000. This contest comprises only two-dimensional entries.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
  • Students in grades 9–12 by the March 31 deadline enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the U.S., its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military/civilian personnel in overseas schools.
  • U.S. citizenship is not required, but students must be permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence status (application not denied).
  • Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or older, GED/adult education students, or previous national winners are ineligible.
Submission Requirements
  • Two-dimensional art must be on canvas or paper (watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen/ink, oil, marker, or other taught media).
  • Do not frame two-dimensional pieces.
  • Canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board; reinforce the back with heavy paper. Mats may be used (mounted/floating).
  • Size: no smaller than 8” x 10” and no larger than 18” x 24”, INCLUDING mat.
  • Complete entry form and attach to back of entry.
  • Submit a typed explanation of patriotism expressed in art (250 words or less).
Required Deadlines
  • March 31: Student Entry Deadline to VFW Auxiliary.*
  • April 15: VFW Auxiliary winners due to Department (state) Scholarships Chairman for judging.*
  • May 5: VFW Auxiliary Department (state) Winners to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters.*

* required deadlines

3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest Grades 9–12

The National first-place winner of the 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest will receive a $2,500 scholarship. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $5,500. This contest is exclusively for three-dimensional art pieces.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
  • Students in grades 9–12 by the March 31 deadline enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the U.S., its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military/civilian personnel in overseas schools.
  • U.S. citizenship is not required, but students must be permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence status (application not denied).
  • Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or older, GED/adult education students are ineligible.
Submission Requirements
  • Three-dimensional art can be paper, papier-mâché, pottery, clay, metal work, fabric, etc.
  • Pieces should be no larger than 18” in any direction.
  • Art cannot be more than 5 lbs. in weight.
  • Complete entry form and submit with entry.
  • Submit a typed explanation of steps taken to create 3D art / artist statement (250 words or less).
Required Deadlines
  • March 31: Student Entry Deadline to VFW Auxiliary.*
  • April 15: VFW Auxiliary winners due to Department (state) Scholarships Chairman for judging.*
  • May 5: VFW Auxiliary Department (state) Winners to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters.*

* required deadlines

VFW Contests We Support

Patriot’s Pen · Voice of Democracy
  • VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest
    Open to all students, including home-schooled students, in grades 6–8. The national first-place winner will receive $5,000.
  • VFW Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest
    Open to all students, including home-schooled students, in grades 9–12. The national first-place winner will receive a $35,000 scholarship.