Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 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 and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
However, to even be judged at the national level you must win first place at the post level, the district level, and at the state department level. Each level has a scholarship prize award for winning first place.
It all starts with entering your submission at the post level. According to the application, entries must be received to the post by midnight on October 31st. However, the post is not open until midnight so it is your responsibility to contact the representatives on the entry form to make sure you submission will be time for judging.
Click here for your application for this year's Patriot Pen scholarship.
This is a written submission. Please note that submissions will not be returned to applicants. Also, please note that submissions will be checked for plagiarism and use of AI programs. Submissions are expected to be written by each applicant, in their own words.
Last year's Patriot's Pen winner was an 8th grader from Lancaster, South Carolina. Click here to see the ceremony for national program last year for the VOD and Patriot Pen.
