THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Several contests are open to all students grades 6-12 that offer both monetary prizes and scholarship money.
Please see your social studies teacher for more information.
Coolidge Foundation 2025 Economic Essay Contest : (GRADES 9-12)
This essay contest asks you to consider the topics of protectionism and national security, and in particular a 1920 measure known as the Jones Act. The Jones Act was crafted to strengthen America’s naval defense in time of war. Congress also sought to give advantages to American shipping over foreign competitors. Did the Jones Act work? You decide. Your essay must not exceed 1,100 words. Entries Due: September 10, 2025. Click here for more information.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US:
The 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy National Scholarship (GRADES 9-12)
The 2025–26 theme is this: How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition offers high school students the opportunity to express themselves by speaking and by writing a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Download the Voice of Democracy entry form here to submit your recording and essay to our local VFW Post.
Eligibility: Grade 9–12 students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private, parochial school, or home study program in the US, its territories, or its possessions.
Length/Formats: Your recorded original 3–5 min. essay on an audio CD or a flash drive; typed essay.
Prizes. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school.
Entries Due: 10/31/25 to our local VFW Post for judging.
Submit entries to VFW Post 3054, 8 Jones Street, Setauket, NY 11733, vfwpost3054@gmail.com
Click Here for more information and the entry form.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US:
The 2025-2026 Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest (GRADES 6-8)
The 2025–26 theme is this: How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?
The Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest offers middle school students the opportunity to express themselves by writing a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Download the Patriot’s Pen entry form and submit your essay to your local VFW Post.
Eligibility: Grades 6–8 students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private, parochial school, or home study program in the US, its territories, or its possessions.
Length/Formats: Your recorded original essay should be 300-400 typewritten words.
Prizes. The national winners receive at least $500. The first place winner receives $5000.
Entries Due: 10/31/25 to our local VFW Post for judging.
Submit entries to vfwpost3054@gmail.com
Click Here for more information and the entry form.
Japan Center at Stony Brook Canon Essay Competition:
Contestants should discuss one or more aspects of Japan including Japan’s arts, cultures, traditions, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology in relation to their personal views, experiences, and/or future goals. Maximum 750 words. Must be 13 years or older during the 2025-2026 school year. Best essay award in the high school division: 1st Place: $3000, 2nd Place: $2000, 3rd Place: $1000. Due January 8, 2026. For more details, click here.
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest:
Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level. The maximum word count is 1,000 with a minimum of 700, not including citations and bibliography. Use at least five varied sources such as government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews. The winner receives $10,000 as well as a trip to Boston to accept the award. Deadline: January 12, 2026. For more details, click here.
Bill of Rights Institute - MyImpact Challenge
A civic engagement contest open to middle and high school students. Each submission must include the following:
- An essay of up to 1,200 words expressing how the student's project furthers:
At least one Civic Virtue as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's “Principles and Virtues.”
At least one Founding Principle as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's “Principles and Virtues.”
A report of up to 2,000 words detailing a student’s completed or in-progress civic engagement project. Report must include the following components.
The inspiration for the project.
The project plan.
Details of the project’s execution
At least two examples of the project’s demonstrated impact on the community.
How the student(s) grew in understanding of the role of Civic virtue, knowledge of their communities, and their ability to support or impact them.
Visual documentation of the student’s project.
The contest is designed for one student per entry, but groups of up to five students may submit as a single group entry. Cash prizes will be awarded. Prizes awarded to group entries will be split evenly between entrants.
Deadline: May 18, 2025
For more information, visit: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/my-impact-challenge
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