JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest

A national essay contest for U.S. high school students to explore and analyze acts of political courage by elected officials post-1917, hosted by the JFK Library Foundation. It offers cash awards and recognition to winners, encouraging research, critical thinking, and writing skills.

The JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest is an annual national competition run by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. It invites U.S. high school students grades 9-12, including those in GED and correspondence programs, to write original 700-1000 word essays analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. The contest promotes understanding of American history and the ethical challenges of political leadership. Winners receive cash prizes and publication opportunities.

Competition Details

Judging Criteria

Essays are evaluated on content and presentation. Content criteria include demonstrated understanding of political courage, originality, quality and relevance of supporting evidence, and effective use of source material. Presentation criteria include quality of writing, organization, clarity of argument, and adherence to formatting standards. Judges seek thoughtful analysis of the risks and consequences faced by officials, originality in subject choice or approach, and strength of argumentation supported by examples. Entries are screened for eligibility before judging. The contest uses a panel of judges to score the essays and select winners.