Voice of Democracy
STATE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CHAIRMAN
Charles Holloway
151 Star Court
Saluda SC 29138
864-992-7075
Post 6561, D2
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Competition in 1947. The VFW became a national
sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole
responsibility for the program in 1961. Many notables
have participated in Voice of Democracy including
journalist Charles Kuralt, Miss America Anita Bryant
and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. The Voice of
Democracy competition provides high school
freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors the
opportunity to write and record an essay on a patriotic
theme, competing for more than $2 million in college
scholarships and incentives. State winners compete
for $154,000 in scholarships - with the first place
national winner receiving a $30,000 scholarship.
Deadline is Oct. 31.
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 51,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition, with this year’s theme "America: Where Do We Go From Here?” is open to all 9-12th grade students. Each state winner competes at the national level where the first place $30,000 scholarship prize is awarded.
All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31.
Changes for 2021-2020 - The biggest change is the VOD entries will no longer be accepted on CD. All entries must be on a thumb drive. Judging can be conducted remotely. The trip to Washington, D.C. is back in play. Reach out to your participants from last year that are eligible for the upcoming year. They can start working on their VOD themes now. If you have any questions please email me or call me 864-992-7075.
