National High School Essay Contest

American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP)

$1,250–$2,500Apply by March 1, 2027Last verified September 30, 2026Add to calendar

Who can apply: Studying International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy.

From the filters we have on file, which can miss rules written only on the sponsor's page. Confirm there before you apply.

Never miss a deadline like this one

Tell us your grade, state and major once (about a minute, free). We email you when scholarships that fit you open, and again before they close.

Create a free account

This is the successor to the National Peace Essay Contest, open to U.S. high school students. The winner gets a $2,500 cash prize, a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet State Department and USIP leadership, and a full-tuition Semester at Sea voyage once they enroll in college, while the runner-up gets $1,250 and a full scholarship to an International Diplomacy Program.

What you'll need to apply

  • Essay (about 1,250 words): 1,000 to 1,500 words arguing one of two positions on U.S. global leadership
  • Grades 9 to 12 and a U.S. citizen or student at an eligible high school

Requirements can change each cycle. Confirm them on the sponsor's page before you apply.

Eligibility

  • • Majors: International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy

Am I eligible?

Answer a few quick questions. Nothing here is saved, and you don't need an account.

View & apply on sponsor site →Report an error

Create a free account to track your status, notes, and requirements for this scholarship.

More scholarships like this

Browse all scholarships