Resources and Information for Congressional Offices

How to administer A contest

Each Congressional district can administer its own contest and judge submissions based on the quality and clarity of thinking and vision presented. While each district can provide additional guidance as appropriate, we encourage your office to use this as an unifying opportunity that recognizes the full diversity of viewpoints and experiences that reside in your community.

  • Students can submit entries to the office directly (online form, email submission, or handwritten entries)

    OR

  • Participating schools (private and public, as well as local or state home school associations) can send one winner for you to judge for the overall district winner.

There should be no fee for entering a Congressional Essay Contest.

Gaining Support

Advertise the contest alongside other Congressional programs like the Congressional Art Contest or Congressional App Challenge. Leverage the support of your local home school association to ensure those students can participate.

Encourage teachers and educators to assign the essay as an assignment for government, civics, or American history classes.

Once received, considering bringing together a committee to select a winner, which can include student leaders, distinguished educators, representatives of town or county government and chambers of commerce, librarians, or other community leaders.

How to engage schools

We encourage you to use this sample invitation letter and other collateral in the following marketing kit to promote the overall effort across your district. All schools are eligible to participate in this contest, including public, private, charter, magnet, and homeschool associations. The sample toolkit can be accessed here.

Encourage students to include their participation in their college or internship applications.

Increasing Visibility

Beyond school, you can also reach students through other means such as libraries, local youth civic organizations such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other out of school entities.

Selecting a Winner and Prizes

As schools, youth organizations, and students submit essays, consider convening a group of district leaders to determine an overall winning essay.

Should you wish to offer a prize, consider rewarding the students:

  • A certificate of achievement

  • Displaying the winning essay in the Congressional Office

  • Remarks submitted to the Congressional Record

  • A meeting with the Member of Congress

Examples

Other Congressional offices are organizing an Essay Contest celebrating America250 for the students of their district.

Rep. Ami Bera’s (D-CA) High School Essay Contest

Rep. French Hill’s (R-AR) America250 Student Essay Contest