Scholarships -

SCHOLARSHIPS

The VFW Auxiliary is proud to offer and participate in scholarship contests that promote patriotism, assist students in furthering their education and help students reach their full potential.

Monthly Promotions

Scholarships Chairman Introduction Letter

July 2026 Program Promotion

August 2026 Program Promotion

Application, Entry Forms, Rules and Eligibility

Year End Report 20262027

National Scholarships Award Form 20262027

Brochures, Helpful Hints and Information

Art Brochures 20262027

Fact Sheet 20262027

Helpful Hints 20262027

Membership Brochure 20262027

Scholarships At a Glance 20262027

VFW Auxiliary Order Brochure Form 20262027

Check Off Lists and Judges Score Sheets

Check Off 3Dimensional 20262027

Check Off Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest 20262027

Judges Score Sheet 20262027

Citations and Certificates

3Dimensional Art Contest Recognition 20262027

Department Chairman Citation 20262027

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Recognition 20262027

Media Releases

3Dimensional Auxiliary Media Release 20262027

3Dimensional Department Media Release 20262027

Auxiliary & VFW Scholarships & Art Contest Media Release 20262027

Auxiliary & VFW Scholarships & Art Contest Facebook Media Release 20262027

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Auxiliary Media Release 20262027

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Department Media Release 20262027

Establishing A Named National Scholarship 20262027

The Scholarship Program:

Promotes and conducts the VFW Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship.

This scholarship is open to any VFW Auxiliary member (who has belonged for at least a year), his/her spouse, son or daughter with a financial need. Entrant must be at least 21 years old. The National Scholarship is $1,250 scholarship will be awarded to an applicant in each of the four VFW Auxiliary Conferences. The Department of South Dakota Scholarship is a single award of $300 and will be announced at the Department State Convention.
National Continuing Education Scholarship Entry Form
Department of South Dakota Continuing Education Entry Form

Promotes and conducts the VFW Auxiliary Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest (YAPAC) and the 3-Dimentional Patriotic Art Contest (3-D).
These contests are open to students, including home-schooled students, in grades 9-12. The National first-place winner of the Young American Patriotic Art Contest will receive a $15,000 scholarship. The National first-place winner of the 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest will receive a $2,500.
YAPAC Rules and Eligibility
YAPAC Entry Form
YAPAC Judges Score Sheet
3-D Rules and Eligibility
3-D Entry Form
3-D Judges Score Sheet
Helpful Hints for Applicants and Judges

Promotes and supports the VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest -

This contest is open to all students, including home-schooled students, in grades 6-8. The national first-place winner will receive $5,000. ***PLEASE NOTE: ENTRY FORMS AND ESSAYS FOR THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA MUST BE SUMBMITTED THROUGH SCHOLARSAPP (see information in "Scholarships" section below).
Rules and Eligibility

Promotes and supports the VFW Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest -

This contest is open to all students, including home-schooled students, in grades 9-12. The national first-place winner will receive a $35,000 scholarship. ***PLEASE NOTE: ENTRY FORMS, WRITTEN ESSAYS, AND AUDIO ESSAYS FOR THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA MUST BE SUMBMITTED THROUGH SCHOLARSAPP (see information in "Scholarships" section below).
Rules and Eligibility

VFW Auxiliary Members: Access Scholarship Program Resources HERE.

Scholarship Achievements 2025-2026	Completed	Reported
Publicize ALL Scholarships - provide types of publicity used (TV, radio, newspaper, school newsletter, fliers, Social Media.)
Partner with VFW Post in promoting the Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest & Patriot's Pen Essay contest (include # of members and hours).
Promoted Continuing Education Scholarship.
Promoted the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.
Promoted Continuing Education Scholarship.
Promoted Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.
Report the number of students who submitted entries in the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.
Promoted 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Scholarship.
Report the number of students submitting entries in the 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest.
Report the total dollar amount and/or value of awards presented by the Auxiliary.
Host or co-host an awards ceremony for scholarship recipients and participants.