Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest asks U.S. high-school students to describe and analyze an act of political courage by an elected U.S. official who served during or after 1917, including the obstacles, risks, and consequences of the act. Essays are judged for understanding, originality, evidence, source use, writing, and organization. The 2026 cycle opened September 1 and closed January 12. Awards were $10,000 for first, $3,000 for second, $1,000 for each of three finalists, and recognition for 15 honorable mentions.