Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Summarized from John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's official page. Nichable isn't affiliated with this program; confirm details on the official page before applying. How we verify listings
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- Status
- Members only
- Grade levels
- Grades 9-12
- Location
- Remote (United States)
- How to apply
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About
National essay contest for high schoolers: students write a 700-1,000 word essay analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official serving since 1917, judged for cash prizes.
Eligibility
U.S. high school students grades 9-12 (public/private/parochial/home school), plus U.S. students under 20 in correspondence/GED programs and U.S. citizens at overseas schools. Essay must be 700-1,000 words with 5+ sources and a nominating teacher. Prizes: 1st $10,000, 2nd $3,000, 3 finalists $1,000 each, 15 honorable mentions. The 2026 contest has completed; per the official page, the 2027 contest opens September 1, 2027.
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Verified Tuesday, August 11, 2026