Student Contests
We do a lot of great work in class - don't be afraid to share it with others. There are a lot of organizations out there that want to see what students create and they are often willing to reward you for great work. There are prizes for indivudal students, classes, student groups, schools, and some even that include teachers. Over the last 10 years my students have been awarded over $7,000 in the form of cash prizes and trips! Check out some of the best ones below and I will offer you all the help that I can.
I've listed the key details below. Click on the links to the left for more up-to-date details. (Please let me know if any of the links are broken as the websites are updated with new contests.
I've listed the key details below. Click on the links to the left for more up-to-date details. (Please let me know if any of the links are broken as the websites are updated with new contests.
Roots of Liberty Essay Contest
Federal Bar Association Civics Contest
What:
Write an essay of no more than 1,000 words on the topic of: What does an impartial Judicial System mean to me? Prizes: 1st Place: $2,000 2nd Place: $1,000 3rd Place: $500 Winners awarded in Washington, DC in conjunction with the FBA Midyear Meeting on March 18, 2017. Funds provided for travel along with 1 parent/guardian. Deadline: January 23, 2017 |
Ohio History Day
What: Ohio History Day contests for grades 6-12 are divided into three tiers: regional, state, and national. All students must qualify by advancing from the regional to the state level. Every year National History Day frames students' research within a historical theme. The theme is chosen for the broad application to world, national or state history and its relevance to ancient history or to the more recent past.
2017 Theme: Taking a Stand in History Registration Deadline: February 10 |
Discovery Award
What: The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Discovery Award provides students a unique opportunity to use their creative talents to research primary sources and develop outstanding projects that feature Unsung Heroes who can serve as role models and inspire others to create change. The remarkable stories of Unsung Heroes go untold until YOU tell them. Now is your chance.
Prizes:
Deadline: February 15 (Application) and July 1 (Project) |
Gilder Lehrman Civil War Essay Contest
What:
The Gilder Lehrman Institute presents an annual essay contest for Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School students in grades 6–12. Students examine the nation’s most divisive conflict through letters, speeches, songs, photographs, newspapers, military orders, and other documents, conducting research in primary as well as secondary sources. Acceptable essays will consist of approximately 1,500 words with proper documentation of at least 8-10 primary and secondary sources. Additional information, contest forms, a scoring rubric, and other important details on submissions can be found in the 2016–2017 Civil War Essay Contest information packet. Prizes:
Deadline: February 27 |
Gilder Lehrman Age of Revolution Essay Contest
What:The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History cordially invites your high school students (grades 9–12) to participate in its annual Age of Revolution Essay Contest. This contest, which recognizes excellence in primary source research and writing, is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of the Age of Revolution.
Students will develop an original essay based on primary source documents in the Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection on Liberty and the American Revolution at Princeton University. Students are also advised to use complementary documents from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. Detailed information about the contest is provided in the 2016–2017 Age of Revolution Guidelines packet. Prizes:
Deadline: April 3 |
American Foreign Service Association Essay Contest
What: This year, we throw the spotlight on a clear and present challenge: The growing number of refugees and internally displaced persons around the world. The contest challenges students to imagine themselves as a member of the Foreign Service posted to one of four countries that are directly affected by this crisis, and to propose solutions.
Prizes: 1st Place: $2,500, a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for a Semester at Sea educational voyage. 2nd PLace: $1,250 and full tuition for the NSLC's International Diplomacy summer program. Deadline: March 15 |
Civil War Trust Essay Contest
What: Submit essays no longer than 300 words addressing the theme, Preserving the Memory of the Civil War. Discuss the importance of preserving the memory of the Civil War for future generations. In your essay, incorporate themes such as these with the importance of preservation and the study of history. Prizes: $500 scholarship + $1,500 for Civil War related field trip Deadline: April 12 |