Victims of Communism Day Scholarship Competition Overview
All eligible participants will be required to attend a one-day workshop on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. This workshop will be held at the State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch campus located at 7131 Professional Pkwy E, Sarasota, FL 34240.
The workshop will be held in the Selby Community Room located in the Center for Innovation and Technology building as shown on the accompanying map.
Additional Community Service Hours For Manatee County Students
- High School students residing in Manatee County can also earn 3 volunteer hours towards the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
- To receive these hours Manatee County students should download the SDMC Community Service/Work Verification Form. The form must be signed by the student and parent. Students should bring the completed form to the workshop on November 14.
- To download the form, simply click on the link below.
- Students residing in other counties should check with their guidance counselor for details on applying for Volunteer Service hours.
Rules for Participation
- Online registration begins on September 21 and ends on November 12.
- All enrollments will require a $20 enrollment fee. This entitles the student and one parent each a prepaid lunch during the workshop.
- Attendance at the November 14 Workshop in its entirety is required for participation.
- Video/audio recording or photography during the Workshop is not allowed.
- All participants must be preregistered in order to attend the Workshop. Walk-ins will not be admitted.
- Participation is limited to high school students residing in, or attending a high school in, Manatee, DeSoto and Sarasota Counties.
- The program will be strictly limited to the first 100 students enrolled in the program.
- Use of AI tools for research is acceptable; however your analysis and conclusions must be in your own words.
- A Parental Consent form must be completed and signed prior to attending the workshop. The form may accessed by clicking the button below
- It is strongly suggested that all participants download the program Student Handbook. This is a great resource that provides details on the rules and judging criteria. It is loaded with useful examples and tips to help make your project come together quickly.
- All Essays must be uploaded using the appropriate form by January 2, 2027.
- Exhibits and Oratory contestants must attend a judging competition on Saturday, January 9. 2027 at 10:00am at the West Bradenton Baptist Church.
- Awards will be delivered at an awards ceremony to held on February 4 at 6:30pm at the State College of Florida Bradenton Campus auditorium.
Victims of Communism Student Handbook
Embarking on the VOCF scholarship program is much like setting out on a long journey—you would never begin without a reliable map. In the same way, success in this program hinges upon your careful reading and adherence to the VOCF Handbook. The Handbook serves as your essential guide, outlining the specific routes you must take depending on the Topic and Category you choose. Unlike a GPS, which offers general directions, the Handbook provides tailored instructions vital for navigating the unique paths within the scholarship process.
Guidance and Evaluation
Throughout your journey, you will have access to trained guides who are dedicated to assisting you. These guides not only offer support but also serve as evaluators during the judging phase. They will closely examine your work to ensure that you consistently follow the established rules and meet the important analysis criteria outlined in the Handbook.
Wishing You Success
As you proceed, remember that this journey promises both educational and financial rewards. By following the Handbook and making use of the guidance provided, you can maximize your chances of achieving success in the VOCF scholarship program.
To download the Student Handbook, just click on the button below.
An important resource to gave on hand when developing your work product is a copy of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. We have provided a link to both of these important documents courtesy of Hillsdfale College. Just click on the handy button below.