The Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program features an audio essay competition for students in Grades 9-12. Over $3 million in scholarships are awarded annually with the top winner receiving $30,000 and others from $1000 to $16,000. As part of the competition, Target sponsors and all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for each Department Winner. To enter, students must develop an audio recording on the  2008-2009 topic, "Service and Sacrifice by America's Veterans Benefit Today's Youth by....", follow the guidelines for developing the audio, and submit it and the entry form to their local VFW Post.  It is suggested that contact your local Post well before the deadline explaining that you will have entries. The deadline is November 1, 2008, although local Posts may set an earlier deadline so that they have time to select a winner.