Essay contest for high school students

U.S. high school students and their teachers may participate in the Bill of Rights Institute’s sixth annual Being an American Essay Contest.

The Being an American Essay Contest explores the founding principles outlined in the Constitution. The contest is administered by the Bill of Rights Institute, a nonprofit educational organization in the Washington, D.C. area devoted to educating young people about the Constitution and Founding principles. The 2011-12 contest is sponsored by the History Channel.

Students are asked to share their thoughts on the Constitution by answering the following question: “How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?”

The top three student winners from each of the five geographical regions will be awarded cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250. Teacher sponsors for each student winner will also receive a cash prize of $100.

Further information, including submission criteria, lesson plans and background information on the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Founders and the Founding principles are available online.