Historical and civic essay · Submit work
JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Research political courage and submit an original essay for national judging.
Who it’s for: Eligible U.S. high-school students and specified overseas students
Your first step
Read the current topic, eligibility rules, and student preparation guide before selecting your subject.
Open official guideThe route
Research and writing
Prepare an original essay meeting the current subject and evidence requirements.
Submission
Complete the official entry process by the current deadline.
Judging and recognition
Judges evaluate the essay and select award recipients.
Before you commit: This is direct essay judging with no local qualifier; the permitted subject, student eligibility, and nomination requirements still apply.
Sources and review · 2026-10-20
Organizer: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Causey’s summary is a starting point; the organizer decides eligibility, selection and current availability.