THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLONIAL logo

Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for High School Students

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLONIAL

Foundation Annual Grants for EducationCollege Prep GrantsGrants for Youth Programs
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Full tuition + $250 travel allowance + meals, per diem, and housing

Deadline

December 1, 2026

238 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for High School Students

Funder: The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York (NSCDNY)

Overview: A national writing competition run by NSCDA Corporate Societies and Town Committees across the United States for high school students. Winners receive a fully-funded trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the "Congressional Seminar," a week-long civic-focused program.

Geographic Scope: United States (run by multiple NSCDA societies)

Eligibility:

  • Sophomore, junior, or senior year high school students

  • Exclusion: Children and grandchildren of active NSCDA members are ineligible to receive the scholarship, though they may still participate in the essay contest

    • Award Details:

  • Full tuition to Washington Workshops "Congressional Seminar"

  • $250 travel allowance

  • Two meals daily during seminar

  • Additional per diem

  • University campus housing

  • Access to world-class museums, government offices, and memorable tours

  • Trip dates: June 2026 (dates TBA)

    • Essay Topic (2025-2026): "Describe the principles in the Declaration of Independence you believe are most important in lifting the human condition and explain how they have helped this country meet evolving challenges over our 249 years."

    Essay Requirements:

  • Maximum 750 words

  • Topic changes annually

    • Contact Information:

  • Mary Bradshaw, NSCDA Congressional Essay Consultant

  • Email: mary_bradshaw@comcast.net

  • NSCDNY Office: office@nscdny.org or 212-744-3572

    • Additional Resources:

  • Learn more about Washington Workshops Foundation at their website

  • Video available from Alexander Glover, a past contest winner, describing the experience

    • How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. Review Requirements: Read the Rules, Information, and Judging Criteria
    2. Complete Application: Digitally fill out the application form
    3. Write Essay: Compose a compelling essay (750-word maximum) on the annual topic
    4. Submit: Send both the completed application and essay to office@nscdny.org

    Deadline: December 1 (annual)

    Required Materials:

  • Completed application form

  • Essay (750 words maximum)

    • Questions or More Information:

  • Contact Mary Bradshaw, NSCDA Congressional Essay Consultant, at mary_bradshaw@comcast.net

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationcollege-prepyouth-programs

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for EducationCollege Prep GrantsGrants for Youth Programs

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Youth Tour Essay Contest

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    October 24, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    VICE Conference (Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education)

    Amount

    Up to $2,000

    Deadline

    December 3, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Spencer Industries Incorporated Scholarship: College Scholarship Award Grant

    Amount

    US $6,910

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    The Fabulous Find Monthly Partnership Grant

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Monthly
    Foundation

    Putting Stewardship into Medical Education and Training Grant

    Amount

    $25,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    One-time
    Foundation

    Charles H. Thornton Memorial Scholarship

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual

    Ready to apply for Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for High School Students?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more