ROCKY HILL, CONN. (Dec. 27, 2025)— Demonstrating their commitment to core organizational programs, the Department of Connecticut Veterans of Foreign wars has again increased their national youth scholarship with a sizable donation.

The VFW Connecticut Council of Administration voted during the December 27, 2025 regular meeting to donate $25,000 to increase the “Department of Connecticut and Auxiliary Scholarship” from $2,000 to $3,000 for the National Voice of Democracy (VOD) audio/essay contest.

This is the second increase in as many years, as the VOD scholarship was doubled to $2,000 under the administration of three-time, Past Department Commander Richard DiFederico in January 29, 2024.

Established in 1947, the annual audio-essay competition, challenges high school students in grades 9 through 12. Students record a 3-to-5 minute essay on a patriotic theme to compete for over $2 million in national scholarships, with the first-place winner receiving a $35,000 prize.

Connecticut is consistently ranked one of the richest states in America; however, the state VFW Department used to have one of the smallest VFW Voice of Democracy scholarships at $1,000.

The increase will be included in the list of national scholarships beginning with the 2026-2027 year.