National WWII Museum Student Writing Contest

The National WWII Museum's annual Student Writing Contest challenges students to write an essay connecting World War II history to an announced yearly topic. Entries are judged in two categories: Junior (grades 7-9) and Senior (grades 10-12), so underclassmen compete against their own grade band rather than seniors.

First place winners in each category receive $750, second place $500, third place $250, and honorable mentions $100. The contest is run by America's official World War II museum in New Orleans, and winning carries meaningful recognition for aspiring historians and writers.

Students submit essays directly through the museum's website. The 2026-27 topic goes live in October 2026, and submissions will be accepted from October 26, 2026 through January 22, 2027.