In recognition of the efforts and dedication of every man and woman who has served in uniform, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary was founded in 1914 to assist veterans of this country and our communities. The VFW Auxiliary is one of the oldest veterans' service organizations in the country, and our members are families of those who fought in a foreign battle.
Over 3,600 Auxiliaries around the country have almost 470,000 members who give millions of hours and raise millions of dollars for philanthropic initiatives that help veterans, military service members, and their families.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary was formed in 1914 to help veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and devotion of every man and woman who has served in uniform. Our members are the families of those who participated in a foreign war, and the VFW Auxiliary is one of the country's oldest veterans' service organizations.
Over 3,600 Auxiliaries around the country have almost 470,000 members who provide millions of hours and generate millions of dollars for charitable causes that benefit veterans, military service members, and their families.
The VFW Auxiliary's Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest attracts over 4,000 high school students from throughout the country each year. The competition originated in 1979 as a way to highlight up-and-coming musicians while also encouraging young patriotism.
Rewards:
Each state's first-place winner competes for a total of $33,000 in national rewards.
Application Criteria for Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest in USA
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.
- Student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
- Student does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate, but the student must attend school in the same state as the sponsoring VFW Auxiliary.
- 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.
More details about for Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest in USA!
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 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.
- 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.
- Digital art, photography and jewelry are NOT ACCEPTED.
- 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 deadlines for scholarship competitions?
- March 31: Student Entry Deadline to Local VFW Auxiliary.*
- April 10: Local VFW Auxiliary and District Judging Complete.
- April 15: Local VFW Auxiliary and District Winners to Department (state) for Judging.*
- May 5: VFW Auxiliary Department (state) Winners to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters.*
* required deadlines