John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest is an annual writing competition that asks U.S. high school students to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. Entrants submit an original 700–1,000 word essay that uses at least five varied sources. The contest is open to students in grades 9–12, including correspondence/GED programs and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

$10,000 prize

Open to U.S. high school students in grades 9–12 (including correspondence/GED programs and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas). Previous winners and finalists are not eligible; employees of John Hancock Financial Services and their families are ineligible.

Write an original 700–1,000 word essay analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official (served during or after 1917) using at least five varied sources; submit the essay by the stated deadline at 11:59 PM (EST).