Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

Scholarship Overview: Students in grades 9-12 by the March 31 deadline who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools

Deadline Date: March 31, 2025

Scholarship Details:

Eligibility

  • Students in grades 9-12 by the March 31 deadline who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools.
  • Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence status (the application for which has not been denied) to become a U.S. citizen.
  • Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or older, GED and adult education students, or national winners of previous Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contests are ineligible.

What are the Scholarship Submission Requirements?

  • Two-dimensional art must be on canvas or paper. Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink, oil, marker or other media taught may be used.
  • Do not frame two-dimensional pieces.
  • Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board. Other entries, if matted, must be matted in white. Do not use color mats. Reinforce the back with heavy paper. Mounted and floating mats may also be used.
  • The art should be no smaller than 8” x 10” but no larger than 18” x 24”, not including mat.
  • Complete entry form and attach to back of entry.
  • Submit a typed explanation of patriotism expressed in art (250 words or less).

What are the Scholarship Contest Deadlines?

  • March 31: Student Entry Deadline to VFW Auxiliary.*
  • April 15: VFW Auxiliary winners due to Department (state) Scholarships Chairman for judging.*
  • May 5: VFW Auxiliary Department (state) Winners to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters.*

* required deadlines

Application Requirements: Delaware Residents Only

Award Amount: $15,000

Award Details:

The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $33,000. First place (national award) – $15,000. Multiple awards for national and local ranging from $15,000 to $500
See last years winners here: https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/young-american-creative-patriotic-art-contest/previous-winners/

Website/URL: https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/young-american-creative-patriotic-art-contest/

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Name: Contact your local VFW or the national VFW
Contact Email: info@vfwauxiliary.org

Filters:

Eligibility: Member Organization (Personal/Relative), U.S Citizen/Permanent Resident, Undocumented, Veteran/Active Duty/1st Responder (Personal/Relative)
Areas of Study: Open to All
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Student (9-11), High School Senior