VFW Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

$500–$5,000Apply by October 31, 2026Add to calendar

Who can apply: Students in grades 6 to 8 only, entered through a local VFW Post. Not open to high schoolers.

From the sponsor's published rules.

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This patriotic essay contest is only open to students in grades 6-8, not high schoolers, and you submit it through a local VFW Post. There's $55,000 in national awards up for grabs, with $5,000 going to the national first-place winner and at least $500 to each state winner.

What you'll need to apply

  • Essay (about 350 words): Patriot's Pen: 300 to 400 words on the annual theme (grades 6 to 8)
  • Enter through your local VFW Post by October 31

Requirements can change each cycle. Confirm them on the sponsor's page before you apply.

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