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Congressional Essay Contest

About the Contest

Started in the 1960s, the Congressional Essay Contest is an annual writing competition run by NSCDA corporate societies across the United States. High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors submit essays for a chance to win a scholarship for the Workshop Foundation’s renowned Congressional Seminar in Washington, D.C.

Winners of the contest will receive full tuition and support for travel to our nation’s capital for the Congressional Seminar, a highly interactive, civics-focused workshop. The scholarship also provides university campus housing and meals, access to world class museums, tours, and more!

Please reach out to PA representative Becky O'Connor if you are interested in applying.

Qualifications

 

To participate in the Congressional Essay Contest, each applicant must:

  • Be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior*

  • Be 16 years of age or older by the start of the seminar the summer after the application deadline

  • Write a compelling 750-word essay

 

Note: While children and grandchildren of active NSCDA members are encouraged to submit essays and may participate in the Seminar as Legacy Scholars at their family’s expense, they are not eligible for scholarships awarded to Congressional Essay Contest winners.

Congressional Seminar Scholarship Poster 2025.jpg

FOLLOW US:

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
1630 Latimer Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103              215-735-6737               info@nscdapa.org
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