VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship
Offered by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
About this scholarship
The VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship recognizes high-school students who have earned one of Scouting’s highest awards and demonstrate exceptional citizenship, patriotism, leadership, and service. The 2026–2027 national awards are $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Applicants use the official VFW brochure and entry form, locate a participating VFW Post, and submit the complete packet to that one Post by March 1, 2027. The packet includes a uniformed photograph; a one-page record of school activities, academic achievements, honors, and offices; up to three pages documenting the applicant’s full Scouting record and highest-award project; a one-page community and religious service record; and three required recommendations from a Scout leader, community member, and teacher or faculty member. One or two additional community recommendations are permitted. The applicant, unit leader, and parent or guardian must complete the required certifications. Local Posts choose nominees for the next judging level by April 1, and VFW Departments send their winners to national headquarters by May 1. Prior national winners cannot enter again.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in high school at the March 1, 2027 submission deadline
- Be age 18 or younger under the VFW nomination-year rule
- Be or have been a registered active member when earning the qualifying award
- Have earned the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venturing Summit Award, or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award
- Demonstrate exemplary citizenship in school, Scouting, and the community
- Enter through only one local VFW Post
- Submit the official form, photograph, school record, Scouting record, community-service record, and required recommendations by March 1, 2027
- Not be a prior national VFW Scout of the Year winner