Congressional Essay Contest for High Schoolers
Congratulations Jayden Chen, our Congressional Essay Contest for High Schoolers 2025 recipient. We received a thoughful thank you letter from him sharing his experience.
"Firstly, thank you to the Ohio division of the Colonial Dames of America for sponsoring my recent trip to Washington DC! This was an incredible experience and I'm truly honored to have been chosen as one of the winners of the Congressional Essay Contest this year.During my time in Washington DC, I had the incredible opportunity to work with other high school delegates from all over the country and simulate a Model Congress with them. Debating real issues, drafting legislation and bills, and collaborating with others from different backgrounds helped me better understand the process and importance of civic engagement and leadership. I was personally assigned to the tech committee, where we debated the policy question of the best methods to regulate AI and protect the American workforce. Together with fifteen other committeemen, I drafted a bill that advocated for the creation of a new federal agency (GUARD), and advocated for it during the Model Congress on the last day. While the bill was rejected by a narrow margin (with 24 votes in favor, and 26 against) the experience and fun I had working on it was definitely worth the effort.Along with participating in the Model Congress, some of my favorite experiences included visiting many of DC’s historic monuments and memorials. On Tuesday, my fellow delegates and I walked through Arlington Cemetery and participated in a wreath laying ceremony to honor our country’s fallen soldiers. The next day, I got the chance to visit Capitol Hill and meet with senators and representatives from Texas, where I talked to them about my committee’s bill and other relevant issues. These conversations gave me a firsthand understanding of how our government operates and the responsibilities that our elected officials carry. I also had the chance to visit several historically significant memorials, such as the Vietnam War Veteran’s Memorial and the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial. Standing before those monuments was especially impactful, reminding me of the profound sacrifices made in service of our country’s fallen soldiers.Ultimately, this trip has left a lasting impression on me. In all honesty, I felt a little apprehensive going into the seminar due to my lack of experience, but I found this to be one of the most enriching experiences I can remember. I’ve left this seminar with a better understanding of how our country’s government operates and a group of lifelong friends. Above all, this trip reminded me that young people can and should be more involved in civic life. I returned home motivated to get more involved locally, learn even more, and use my voice with purpose.Thank you again to the Ohio Society for making this trip possible for high school students like me. I can’t wait to get involved in more experiences just like this!"Best regards,Jayden Chen
The Congressional Essay Contest
Our next scholarship deadline is December 2026 for a Summer 2027 Award
Ohio students should send their completed applications and essays, either electronically or by regular mail to:
Judy Brown
610 Yale Avenue
Terrace Park, OH 45174
The Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for high school students is a major project of the NSCDA in partnership with the Washington Workshops Foundation. Students must be 16 or older to participate in the seminar.
High school students interested in American history and government have a unique opportunity to see the “inside” of Washington D.C. and meet with our local Congressional delegation, as well as representatives from the judicial and executive branches of government. Students will:
• Hear from members of Congress and other high-ranking officials;
• Meet state representatives and senators
• Tour our government buildings and foreign embassies
• Visit local historic sites, monuments and memorials
• Spend time with high school students from all over the country who share your interest
• Learn about a future in government and international relations or how you can become more involved in the electoral process.
The Ohio Society conducts the competition within our state, choosing one winner, who receives a scholarship to attend the Congressional Seminar in Washington D.C. the following summer. The winner receives full tuition, housing, two meals daily for a week and partial support for travel.
The Ohio Dames have been passionate about seeking out and celebrating the very best students of American history. We call on Ohio high school talent to enter the Congressional Seminar Essay Contest sponsored by the National Society. The Ohio winners of the essay contest are awarded a scholarship to attend a week-long Washington Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar in Washington, DC, including full tuition, room and board for the program and round-trip transportation fare.
Email our scholarship Chairperson Judy Brown at Djbrown3440@gmail.com for more information or if you have any questions.
Student Information:
To Apply:
- 2025 application
- Write a compelling 750 word essay (judging criteria can be found on page 2)
- Applications are due December 1
Note: Children and grandchildren of an active member of The NSCDA may not receive a scholarship to the Congressional Seminar. They are still eligible to participate at their own expense. See below for further details and application or email Mary Bradshaw, NSCDA Congressional Essay Consultant, at mary_bradshaw@comcast.net for more information.
Teacher Information:
2025 Poster for your classrooms
We look forward to reading your class submissions!
Encourage your students to complete and submit their application early.
Click here for applications and essay topic information
"Without a doubt I would recommend this seminar to other students. It is a way to learn the political, social, and cultural diversity of our nation all while learning its governmental systems that manage such a varied population. If one can get past the intense and packed itinerary, they will find this a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
The Lincoln Memorial was one of the most meaningful venues of Day one. Its grandnature and inscriptions instilled an indescribable sense of patriotism and pride for our country,history and most importantly the achievements of Abraham Lincoln.
The World War Two memorial captivated me the most out of all the venues on the third day of the seminar. Akin to the Lincoln memorial the WW2 Memorial is grand in its size and inscriptions. It brings about patriotism and sorrow for all the men and women who lost their lives. On my first ever visit to the WW2 museum on another trip to DC I cried from the powerful feelings and history the memorial aims to represent. With the amount of museums and indoor venues for the day. The WW2 memorial was a literal breath of fresh air but another venue in which its grand nature evoked the most powerful feelings."
Here is an itinerary and some trip comments supplied by our 2023 winner Marcos Velazquez Ramos}
August 28, 2023: Venues Visited
Day One
- Arlington Cemetery
- The National Society of Dames House
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
Day Two
- The Capitol Building
- The House of Representatives
- The Supreme Court
- Twilight Tattoo (Military Show)
Day Three
- Pentagon City
- Holocaust Museum
- ~Free Time Start~
- Smithsonian Museums
- Washington Memorial
- WW2 Memorial
HOW? WRITE AN ESSAY.
2024-2025 essay topic: Explain whether existing defamation and libel laws are or are not sufficient to prohibit baseless AI generated and distributed content.
2025 AWARDS HAVE ALREDAY BEEN DISTRIBUTED. A NEW TOPIC WILL BE POSTED SUMMER 2026.
SEND APPLICATION & ESSAY BY DECEMBER 1
Click on this link to open the winning 2020 Essay
2020 WINNING ESSAY
