NSCDA Congressional Essay Contest

The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) runs the Congressional Essay Contest, an annual writing competition for high school students. More than 50 winners each year earn a scholarship to the Workshops Foundation’s Congressional Seminar in Washington, D.C., a five-day, civics-focused workshop with a Mock Congress, visits to congressional and government offices, and museum tours.

Award: full tuition for the Congressional Seminar (June 21–26, 2027), including university campus housing and meals. Travel support varies by state society.

2026–27 essay topic: “The Declaration of Independence famously asserts that governments derive their just powers ‘from the consent of the governed.’ How did the Founders address the issue of consent through representation in the Constitution, and do you see the need for any changes today?”

Eligibility:

• High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors at public, private, or home schools
• Must be 16 or older by the start of the seminar (June 21, 2027)
• Children and grandchildren of active NSCDA members can’t win the scholarship

How to apply: write an essay of 750 words or fewer (titled with the essay topic, with in-text citations and a works cited list in MLA or Chicago style; no AI). Fill out the application form and submit both by 11:59 pm on December 1, 2026, to your state’s NSCDA essay chair or through the online upload folder. Name the file with your state, last name, and first name (for example, NY-Doe-John.pdf). Questions? Email cec@nscda.org.