The Voice of Democracy is an annual national audio essay contest that is designed to foster patriotism by giving high school students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to voice their opinion about their personal obligations as an American and address their responsibility to our country. Created in 1947, the scholarship program annually provides more than $2.5 million in scholarships. Contestants write and record a three to five minute essay on an annual theme.

Each Department's first place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. The first place national winner receives a $25,000 scholarship. All national scholarships are paid directly to the American university, college or vocational/technical school as selected by the recipient.