AUXILIARY PATRIOTIC ART PROGRAM

 VFW Auxiliary Patriotic Art Programs

The VFW Auxiliary works to teach our nation’s youth the skills to become responsible adults through serving our country, communities, veterans and service members. We engage youth in positive volunteer experiences and believe every young person can find a place to serve that will improve their lives, as well as the lives they touch.

The Youth Activities Program:

  • Sponsors and works with youth groups such as:
    • Youth sports teams
    • Faith-based youth groups
    • After-school programs
    • Youth-focused organizations
    • School clubs
    • Home-school associations
    • Youth community service groups
    • Nonprofit organization youth advisory councils
    • Service learning and civic departments in high schools and colleges
  • Promotes and conducts the Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue! National Anthem singing contest. Singing Entry Form
    • An individual singing contest for youth in grades K-12 at the time of local entry, and a U.S. citizen or U.S. national. Youth learn the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner” while expressing their creativity. The contest highlights the vocal talent of young people while promoting patriotism.
    • Entry will be judged on vocal ability, mastery of lyrics, originality or interpretation and entertainment value.
    • The contest consists of two grade divisions: K-8 and 9-12. There is one National winner in each grade division, with awards for first, second and third place in each grade division.
  • Promotes and conducts the Illustrating America art contest.   Illustrating America Entry Form
    • A patriotic art contest for elementary and middle/junior high school students that encourages students’ artistic abilities and rewards their hard work. It’s fun to see how our youth see the world through their drawings and paintings.
    • The contest consists of three grade divisions: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. There is one National winner in each grade division, with awards for first, second and third place in each grade division.
    • See the first- through third-place 2020-2021 National winners in each grade division.
  • Promotes Patriotism through Literacy
    Introduces youth to historical figures and teaches them about events in our nation’s history while fostering a love of reading that can lead to a lifetime of learning.
  • Recognizes Random Acts of Patriotism (R.A.P.)
    We encourage and reward patriotism through R.A.P. If a child is seen thanking a veteran, properly placing their hand on their heart during the Pledge of Allegiance or involved in some other activity that promotes patriotism, we suggest giving them a R.A.P. card and/or coin. It’s a fun and unique way to engage children elementary age and younger!
  • Recognizes youth and youth groups for their efforts and service projects honoring veterans, service members and their families. We recognize these bright young citizens for their good work to ensure these activities become a part of their daily lives.

High School 2-Dimensional Creative Patriotic Art Program 

 Brochure - Info Sheet - Entry Form

Who is Eligible to Apply?

  • 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 is the Scholarship Amount?

  • The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $34,000.

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

 High School Level 3-Dimensional Creative Patriotic Art Program 

 Brochure - Info Sheet - Entry Form

  • Who is Eligible to Apply?

  • 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 are ineligible.

What is the Scholarship Amount?

  • The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $4,000.

What are the Scholarship Submission Requirements?

  • Three-dimensional art can be paper, papier-mâché, pottery, clay, metal work, fabric, etc.
  • Pieces should be no larger than 18” in any direction.
  • Art cannot be more than 5 lbs. in weight.
  • Complete entry form and submit with 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

Digital art, photography and jewelry are NOT ACCEPTED for either contest.

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