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John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Contest Information
Contest Information
In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.
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.
All submissions must adhere to contest requirements.
The contest deadline is January 12, 2026.
Contest Topic
Contest Topic
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.
Since originality is one of the criteria for judging, we strongly encourage students to profile an official in their town, state or region, or a leader who has addressed an issue of great concern to them. We advise students to avoid selecting a common essay subject. To assist in determining common essay subjects, please see the list below.
List of Most Written About Essay Subjects - We advise that participants avoid writing about officials on this list.
To learn more about political courage, visit FAQs and About the Book. All submissions must adhere to Contest Requirements.
All entries must include a completed registration form and be submitted by 11:59pm (EST) on January 12, 2026 to be eligible for judging. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible, or incomplete submissions.
Decisions of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation are final. Winners will be notified by email and via telephone by April 30. All participants will receive a letter notifying them of the winners along with a Certificate of Participation by the end of May.
By entering, you agree that your essay will become the property of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and will not be returned. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation reserves the right to print and display the essays and photographs of the contest winners.
Contact the Contest Coordinator
Contact the Contest Coordinator
Important Note: Before contacting the Profile in Courage Essay Contest Coordinator, please be sure to read over the FAQ section of this website.
Email: essaycontest@jfklfoundation.org.
Voice of Democracy
Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
To see contest information click here.
Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live, or see this year's complete list of winners.
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