Civics Essay Contest

An essay contest held each year in which students in grades 9 to 12 address a current civics topic in an essay of up to 1,000 words. It is open to public, private, parochial, charter, and home-schooled students in the United States and its territories. In the 2026 contest, scholarships of $1,500, $1,250, and $750 went to first, second, and third place. The 2026 contest is closed, and the next essay prompt is expected in January 2027.

In the 2026 contest, scholarship prizes were $1,500 for first place, $1,250 for second place, and $750 for third place. Prizes for the 2027 contest have not been posted.