What is NHD?
National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels and an annual national competition in the nation's capitol in June.
*An independent study from 2011 found that participation in the National History Day Contest benefits students far beyond the competition. National History Day not only transports classrooms back in time during the school year, it transforms young minds forever.
Why NHD?
NHD students are better writers, who write with a purpose and real voice, and marshal solid evidence to support their point of view.
NHD has a positive impact among students whose interest in academic subjects may wane in high school. Among African-American and Hispanic students, NHD students outperform non NHD students, posting higher performance assessment scores and levels of interest and skills.
NHD students outperform their non NHD peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science and math, as well as social studies.