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The Courts, Community, and Rule of Law Committee of the Judicial Council of the Third Circuit is hosting an Annual Third Circuit American Democracy Video Contest for high school students in grades nine through twelve on the Importance of American Democracy. This is the Third Circuit’s video competition geared toward high schoolers.
High school students will submit original-content videos depicting why our
democratic institutions and the fundamental rights and principles associated with them
are critical to the future of the country. Videos are to be 5-7 minutes in length, and a
rotating subcommittee of our circuit-wide committee will judge the videos and select one
winner. The winner will be celebrated at the federal courthouse in the winner’s home
district (or division) during a naturalization ceremony. The winning video will be played
during all districts’ naturalization ceremonies until the next winner is selected. The
winning video also will appear on the Third Circuit’s website, district websites, and other
related social media platforms. Video Contest submissions are due on Monday,
November 2, 2026, and the award will be presented in early to mid-December, in
celebration of Bill of Rights Day. The videos will be evaluated based on creativity,
adherence to the theme, and content.
Open Doors to Federal Courts
Interested in exploring careers in the legal system?
The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is hosting its annual “Open Doors to Federal Courts” program on Monday, November 23, 2026, to learn about the work of the federal judiciary. The program will explore careers in the judicial branch, and include a mock trial exercise for which your class will serve as the jury.
Please contact Dr. Poole if you are interested in participating.
International Public Policy Forum
IF you think you're a wiz at research and debate, then consider joining the IPPF Written Debate Competition! Gather your strongest team of 3-5 humans and participate in this years topic! Email Mr. Caric if you are interested in participating.
The 2026-27 IPPF Topic:
Resolved: The United Nations should prioritize protecting the rights of women and girls over respecting state sovereignty.
About the IPPF
Founded in 2001, the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) is the only global competition that empowers high school students to engage in rigorous written and oral debates on issues of public policy.
Founded and managed by the Brewer Foundation and jointly administered with New York University, the IPPF is open to all high school students worldwide. Students compete for the title of IPPF World Champion and a $10,000 grand prize.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute's Student Advisory Council is a diverse group of high-achieving students in grades 8-12 with an interest in history.
During the SAC's monthly virtual meetings, students discuss GLI programs, learn about Gilder Lehrman Collection documents, and hear presentations from fellow council members and guest speakers.
Students from all 50 states and U.S. territories are invited to apply to join the Student Advisory Council, which meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 2 pm ET via Zoom.
Students from all 50 states and U.S. territories are invited to apply to join the Student Advisory Council, which meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 2 pm ET via Zoom.
JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest
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 .
The first-place winner receives a $10,000 cash award. If the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation holds the 2027 Profile in Courage Award event in person, the winner and their family will be invited to travel to Boston to accept their award in May 2027. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston for the winning student and up to two guests.
The second-place winner receives $3,000 and three finalists receive $1,000 each.
Fifteen students receive honorable mentions. The remaining students receive either a Certificate of Excellence or a Certificate of Participation.
Essay due date: January 11, 2027
Essay due date: January 11, 2027
K-12 students: Make your voice heard this fall by writing a letter to a local decisionmaker that explains a global issue that matters to you, shows how it connects to your local community, and proposes a solution. Through this contest, students can practice global citizenship, civic action, and persuasive writing, all while exploring the underreported issues that matter to them through Pulitzer Center news stories.
We welcome entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. Letters may be written in English and/or Spanish. Letters should address a topic within one of the Pulitzer Center’s five focus issues:
Climate and Environment
Global Health
Human Rights
Information and Artificial Intelligence
Peace and Conflict
Prizes:
We will select one first place winner and up to four finalists for each issue category. First place winners will receive:
$300 to support global community engagement in your classroom (prize distributed to your class teacher)
Publication of your letter, photo, and bio on the Pulitzer Center website
Finalists will receive:
$75 to support global community engagement in your classroom (prize distributed to your class teacher)
Publication of your letter, photo, and bio on the Pulitzer Center website
All entrants will be invited to participate in a Pulitzer Center town hall event, held virtually in November, to share their solutions with other students from around the world.
Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
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