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John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

  • May 17
  • 1 min read

Cost: Free


Description: This annual contest invites U.S. high school students to write an original essay analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. Essays should demonstrate an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in his book Profiles in Courage.


Dates: Submissions open September 1, 2024; deadline is January 17, 2025


Grade Levels: Grades 9–12


Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced


Location Requirements: U.S. high school students, including those in public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. citizens under 20 enrolled in high school correspondence/GED programs; and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas



Additional Info: Essays must be between 700 and 1,000 words, not including citations and bibliography, and should use at least five varied sources. Past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate.

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