The Truth About Tariffs: Who Really Pays?

Tariffs—taxes on imported goods—are often used by governments to protect domestic industries or as leverage in international negotiations. Supporters argue that tariffs protect local jobs and businesses from foreign competition. Critics say they raise prices for consumers, invite retaliation, and hurt economic growth.

In your entry, choose one specific tariff policy (from the past or present) and analyze its impact on individuals, businesses, and the economy. Discuss how the tariff policy you chose affected prices, jobs, consumer choice, and trade relationships, and explain who benefitted from the policy and who paid the price. Reflect on how tariff policies might affect your own life, family, or community today.

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The Birthright Citizenship Debate

Under the current interpretation of the 14th Amendment, anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Known as birthright citizenship, this principle has been widely accepted in the U.S. for over a century. A new legal challenge may soon bring this issue before the Supreme Court.

In your entry, explain what the authors of the 14th Amendment intended when they proposed the amendment, and evaluate whether birthright citizenship reflects those goals. Should the interpretation continue unchanged or should the amendment be reinterpreted? What are the possible positive and negative consequences? Support your argument with historical context, constitutional reasoning, and evidence from recent court cases and/or public debates. If applicable, connect the issue to your own life or your community.

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America at 250: Why It Matters to Me

In 2026, the United States will turn 250 years old—a major milestone for a country built on the bold ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But as we look ahead, some people wonder: Do those founding ideals still guide us today? Do they mean the same as they meant in 1776? Have we lived up to them?

Some worry that government power has grown too large and intrusive. Others say our founding values must evolve to meet modern challenges.

In your entry, reflect on America’s anniversary from a personal perspective:

Why does America’s 250th birthday matter to you?
What do its founding ideals mean in your life, your family, or your future?
How have we lived up to those ideals? How have we strayed from them?
What should our country stand for?

Support your reflections with research and examples from history, current events, and/or personal experience.

Note to Students: This topic invites personal reflection. Focus on your own views, experiences, and understanding of America’s principles today.

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Time’s Up? Should Congress Have Term Limits?

Members of Congress can be re-elected to an unlimited number of terms. Should that continue or should there be limits? Supporters of term limits argue that the lack of term limits leads to career politicians who lose touch with voters and become too influenced by lobbyists and special interests. Opponents argue that elections already act as term limits—voters can remove anyone they don’t like.

In your entry, take a position on whether term limits should be enacted for members of Congress, and explain why you took that position. Have you ever felt like leaders stayed too long? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of term limits? How might term limits affect the balance of power in government, and the way laws get made?

Support your argument with historical examples, constitutional principles, and current events. You may also reflect on your personal experiences with government.

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Contact Us

If you have any questions or feedback, then we want to hear from you. Use the form below to get in touch with us, and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

Home > Student Contests > Essay Contest

2025-26 Essay Contest

Think, Write, and Compete for Cash Prizes

Each year, middle and high school students have the chance to make their case on big ideas — and compete for cash prizes. This year, we award over $12,000 to students.

Beyond the prizes, the contest helps strengthen research, critical thinking, and persuasive writing skills — abilities that will serve students in school and beyond. They can enter on their own, or teachers can assign the contest and earn rewards for participation.

Everything you need to participate is here. Read the details and get started!

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

Submit by March 13, 2026

Think, Write, and Compete for Cash Prizes

Each year, middle and high school students have the chance to make their case on big ideas — and compete for cash prizes. This year, we award over $12,000 to students.

Everything you need to participate is here. Read the details and get started!

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

Submit by March 13, 2026

Submit Essays Here

Students may submit on their own, or teachers may submit entries for their students.

I'm a Student

I'm a Teacher

Essay Contest at a Glance

Eligibility & Divisions

Middle School Division: Grades 5-8
High School Division: Grades 9-12
Residency: U.S., Canada, or U.S. military address

Key Dates

Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026 by 11:59PM ET
Winners Announced: May 31, 2026

Student Awards for Each Division

First Place: $2,500

Second Place: $1,000

Third Place: $500

Five Finalists: $200 each

Five Semi-Finalists: $100 each

15 Honorable Mentions: $50 each

Teacher Rewards

Guaranteed Rewards

- 30+ submissions earn you a $50 Amazon gift card
- The teacher with the most submissions receives a $150 Amazon gift card

Opportunity Drawing

- Each of your students’ submissions earn you an entry into a drawing for ten $50 Amazon gift cards

Essay Requirements

Length: 500-1,000 words
Topic: Must address one of the four prompts
Originality: Essays must be students’ own work. Plagiarism or AI-generated content will be disqualified.
Interview: Students whose submissions reach the final phase of judging must take part in brief remote interviews to discuss their essays. Students must have some availability during the week of May 17-23.

Last Year's Winning Entries

Topics & Prompts

Scoring Rubric

Complete Rules

Essay Contest at a Glance

Eligibility & Divisions

Middle School Division: Grades 5-8
High School Division: Grades 9-12
Residency: U.S., Canada, or U.S. military address

Key Dates

Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026 by 11:59PM ET
Winners Announced: May 31, 2026

Student Awards for Each Division

First Place: $2,500

Second Place: $1,000

Third Place: $500

Five Finalists: $200 each

Five Semi-Finalists: $100 each

15 Honorable Mentions: $50 each

Teacher Rewards

Guaranteed Rewards

- 30+ submissions earn you a $50 Amazon gift card
- The teacher with the most submissions receives a $150 Amazon gift card

Opportunity Drawing

- Each of your students’ submissions earn you an entry into a drawing for ten $50 Amazon gift cards

Essay Requirements

Length: 500-1,000 words
Topic: Must address one of the four prompts
Originality: Essays must be students’ own work. Plagiarism or AI-generated content will be disqualified.
Interview: Students whose submissions reach the final phase of judging must take part in brief remote interviews to discuss their essays. Students must have some availability during the week of May 17-23.

Last Year's Winning Entries

Topics & Prompts

Scoring Rubric

Complete Rules

This Year’s Topics, Prompts, & Starter Resources

Choose one of this year’s prompts and build your case. Read the summaries, then click to see the full prompt and suggested starter resources.

The Truth About Tariffs: Who Really Pays?

Analyze a specific tariff policy and its effects on prices, jobs, consumer choice, and trade.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

The Birthright Citizenship Debate

Evalute whether the 14th Amendment’s interpretation should continue ot be reinterpreted, and why.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

America at 250: Why It Matters to Me

Reflect on what America’s founding ideals mean to you today — and where we’ve met or missed them.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

Time’s Up? Should Congress Have Term Limits?

Take a position on term limits for Congress and weigh possible tradeoffs.

Full Prompt & Starter Resources →

Tips for Writers

Essentials for a Standout Essay

Choose the prompt that interests you most
Review the complete contest rules before starting
Be original and specific and make your essay stand out
Stay within the 500-1,000 word limit
Support claims with evidence and cite your sources
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and clarity
Watch our Students Tips & Best Practices video