Congressional Essay Contest

About the Contest

Started in 1977, the Congressional Essay Contest is an annual writing competition run by NSCDA corporate societies across the United States. The contest is open to students in public schools, private schools, and home schools. 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. The 2025 Congressional Seminar is scheduled for June 23-27.

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!

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.

• Information

  • CEC Poster
  • CEC Fact Sheet
  • Letter to Teachers
  • CEC Timeline
  • Congressional Seminar Week Schedule
• Forms

  • CEC Application
  • Judging Form

• Additional Testimonials

  • CEC Testimonial
  • Workshops Foundation