Submit your entry for the Founding Forward Youth Essay Contest by March 1, 2025 and win exciting prizes!
About the Contest
The Founding Forward Youth Essay Awards provide a platform for young people to engage with the foundational values of freedom, equality, and justice. Open to students, the competition encourages participants to explore historical and contemporary issues, reflecting on how these principles influence society today. 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.
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?
Why Participate?
This competition is an opportunity for youth to develop their writing skills, showcase their ideas, and contribute to discussions on democracy and civic engagement. Winning essays are recognized for their thoughtful analysis, originality, and clarity of expression.
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.
Click here to view the official notification of the Founding Forward Youth Essay Contest.
