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Youth Essay Contest

Do you enjoy writing? Are you passionate about the United States? Enter our youth essay competition today!

Founding Forward student being presented with a medal

Entry information

Founding Forward’s Youth Essay Contest is open to students in kindergarten through grade 12. Essays may be the product of a class assignment or other contest, or an independent effort by the student.

Entries must be typed, double-spaced, corrected, and contain 250-500 words for grades K-6 and 500-750 words for grades 7-12. Essays must address the year’s topic and include the student’s name, address, grade level, and teacher’s name. Please only submit one entry per student.

Essay deadline

There are two deadlines for essays.

First Deadline: March 1, 2025

Students will be notified by April and awards presented before the end of the school year. 

Second Deadline: June 1, 2025

Winners will be notified by Labor Day.

Student essay topics

K - Grade 6 topic:

Who is your favorite founding father/mother and why? 

Grades 7 -12 topic:

There was much debate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 leading to significant compromises reflected in the ratified US Constitution.  Reflecting on all the ideas brought forth and the compromises made, what do you believe should have been included, that was not and why? 

Nomination forms

Do you know an exemplary citizen whose achievements deserve recognition? Complete a simple online submission or download our nomination form and submit it for consideration today! You can also reach out to us via our contact page with any questions.

Help us inspire tomorrow’s leaders

Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.