Due Dec 31, 2026
NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund Youth Essay Contest
Direct application
$1,000
8 winners
Eligibility
Education level
High school
About this scholarship
U.S. students in grades K through 12, including homeschooled students in an equivalent grade, who have not previously won in their current division may enter this essay contest on the theme "What Does The Second Amendment Mean to You?"
Eight cash prizes are awarded across senior (grades 9-12) and junior (grade 8 and below) divisions, with first place in each division receiving $1,000.
Write an approximately 1,000-word typed essay with the entry form and mail materials with a postmark on or before December 31. Prior winners may re-enter only after advancing to a new division.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Entry form
- Approximately 1,000-word typed essay on "What Does The Second Amendment Mean to You?"
- Teacher or parent statement certifying the essay is the student's original work
- Essay should be about 1,000 words, neat, and legible (double spaced, typed preferred)
- Open to students in grades K-12, including homeschooled students, who have not previously received a prize in their category
- Essay must include name, age, address, telephone number, school, and grade
- Must include a statement from a teacher or parent certifying the essay is the student's original work
- Entries must be postmarked on or before the entry deadline of December 31
- Separate award categories: Senior (grades 9-12) and Junior (grade 8 and below)
- All essays become the property of the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund (work made for hire)
- Separate senior (grades 9–12) and junior (grade 8 and below) divisions.
- Essay becomes the property of the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund.