Recognition and Awards

  • The winner receives a $10,000 cash award. If the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation holds the 2024 Profile in Courage Award event in person, the winner and her/his/their family will be invited to travel to Boston to accept her/his/their award in May 2024. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston for the winning student and her/his/their parents.
  • Second-place winner receives $3,000.
  • Five finalists receive $1,000 each.
  • Ten semifinalists receive $100 each.
  • Eight students receive honorable mentions.
  • The nominating teacher of the first-place winner is also invited to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library to receive the John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant in the amount of $500 for school projects encouraging student leadership and civic engagement. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston.
  • All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.

Winners and finalists will be notified by April 30. All participants will receive a letter announcing the winners and finalists by the end of May.

Please do not call the Kennedy Presidential Library for information about the status of your essay. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.