John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must fall into one of the following categories: a United States high school student in grade nine through twelve attending a public, private, parochial, or home school; a United States student under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the United States territories; a United States citizen attending school overseas. An original and creative essay of less than 1,000 words on the political courage of a United States elected official since 1956 is required as part of the application process. The first-place recipient will be invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award Ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

How to Apply

Apply directly through the sponsoring organization's official application — an essay is part of the application. Review the eligibility requirements above first, and give yourself time before the January 4, 2027 deadline.

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