Patriot's Pen

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 nearly $1 million in state and national awards. 

Each year, VFW Post 3020 awards students from Burlington County Schools and local private schools with monetary awards.  Local award winners then advance to compete at the District, state and national level for additional award opportunities.    

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. Before submitting your essay, download application here.

https://vfw-org-hqagarhxahbybyd9.z01.azurefd.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Voice-of-Democracy-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20250425T161111Z

National Scholarship Website

https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

The 2025-26 theme is: 
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”