Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Getting Started
The 2024 Profile in Courage Essay Contest opens for submissions on September 1, 2023. The contest deadline is January 12, 2024.
Contest Topic and Information
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation invites U.S. high school students to 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.
Eligibility and Requirements
The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; US students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program; and US citizens attending schools overseas.
Recognition and Awards
The first-place winner receives $10,000. Second-place receives $3,000. Five finalists receive $1,000 each. Ten semifinalists receive $100 each. Eight students receive honorable mention.
Past Winning Essays
Read past winning essays to see examples of excellent submissions.
Criteria for Judging
Submissions are evaluated on content (demonstrated understanding of political courage, originality, supporting evidence, source material) and presentation (quality of writing, organization, conventions.) Includes information about disqualifications.
Prepare Your Essay
Resources to help you prepare an excellent essay: Elements of a Strong Essay, Helpful Tips for Writing, Guidelines for Citations and Bibliography, and Criteria for Judging.
Submit Your Essay
The contest opens for submission on September 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to frequently asked questions about the contest topic and requirements, citations and bibliography, the role of the nominating teacher, and more.