Each Department's first place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. The first place national winner receives a $30,000 scholarship. All national scholarships are paid directly to the American university, college or vocational/technical school as selected by the recipient.

All scholarship funding is held at National Headquarters in escrow for ten years from high school graduation. The funds, which are disbursed as needed may be used for tuition, books, laboratory fees or other items relating specifically to the student's formal education. Clothing, room and board and pocket money are not considered authorized expenditures.

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. The first-place winner, who competes with all the first-place VFW Department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.

Besides competing for the top scholarship prize, as well as other national scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000, each Department's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Target.

The VOD program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme.

Since it’s inception in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition has remained one of the VFW’s premier programs. Each year more than 160,000 students - from across the nation-compete for over $2.1 million in scholarships. Clearly, this program offers incentives and inspires OUR youth towards their involvement in Patriotism. YOU CAN WIN $30,000!

WHO CAN ENTER:
The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

HOW TO ENTER:
Students should first draft their essay based on the 2012-2013 theme: "Is our Constitution still relevant?" Students should then record their reading of the draft to a CD. The recording should be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes (plus or minus 5 seconds).

• Entries begin at the Post level. Once the student has created their essay and completed burning the audio version to a CD, they should submit their typed version, CD and the Voice of Democracy entry form to VFW Post 1503 no later than November 1, 2011. Application forms are available at VFW.org (Community/Programs). Mail entry form and audio essay, in a clearly marked envelope to include: name, school, telephone number and an e-mail address (if applicable) to:   VFW, Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Road, Dale City, Virginia 22193.

JUDGING CRITERIA:
Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest

Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.

Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.