Contests for Homeschoolers

American History Essay Contest
Deadline: Oct 31, 2023
The American History Essay Contest was established to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation's great history and learn about history in a new light. This contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs. Students in grades five through eight are encouraged to participate. Each year, a selected topic for use during the academic year is announced, and contest instructions are published online and sent to schools by participating DAR chapters. Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness. Deadline is October 31, 2023
(No information found about previous winners.)

American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs. Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest's first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion's National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States. High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers. Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest. For more information: oratorical@legion.org
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Celebrate The West High School Art Competition
Deadline: Apr 30, 2023
Celebrate the West is a regional art competition hosted by the Western Governors' Association that challenges high school students to create works inspired by their state. The entry deadline is April 30, 2023. Students are welcome to submit artwork used for other contests or assignments. Students' artwork will be returned, and shipping will be paid for by WGA. It is easy to enter! Students only need to email a photograph of their artwork along with the entry form found on the website. http://westgov.org/celebrate-the-west Western Governors' Association 720-939-0444
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Churchill Society of New Orleans Essay Contest
Deadline: Apr 03, 2023
The Churchill Society of New Orleans sponsors a yearly essay contest for the purpose of encouraging young people to learn more about the great man, and thereby to absorb some of his wisdom, his courage, and his masterful use of the English language.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Deadline: Oct 31, 2023
Each year the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 250 scholarships valued from $4,000 to $20,000 to high school seniors. "Coca-Cola" Scholarships are awarded based on character, personal merit and commitment. Merit is demonstrated through leadership in school, civic and extracurricular activities, academic achievement, and motivation to serve and succeed. Applications are accepted Aug 1 - Oct 31 of the senior year in high school.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Constitution Day Poster Design Contest
Deadline: Oct 01, 2023
Constitutionfacts.com and the GIC (Government Information for Children - ALA GODORT) are national sponsors of the Tenth Annual U.S. Constitution Day Poster Contest for students, an international contest promoted exclusively through the Internet. To compete, the contest invites K-12 entrants (including homeschoolers) to celebrate Constitution Day (Sept. 17) by designing a poster showing how they benefited from the freedoms embodied in the U.S. Constitution. Entries must be postmarked by October 1, 2023. The first 100 entrants receive a free pocket constitution book from constitutionfacts.com, with the contest winners receiving additional prizes!
This is an annual contest. (Previous winners)

Creative Communication Poetry Contests
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
Enter the poetry contests and get published. Entries must be students in 9th grade or lower living in the United States. Three poetry contests a year.
This is an annual contest. (Previous winners)

Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge
Deadline: Apr 26, 2026
Students, grades 5-8, are invited to create a 1-2 minute video describing a new, innovative solution that could solve an everyday problem. Ten finalists will be chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills. Challenge entry due April 26, 2022
This is an annual contest. (Previous winners)

Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
This poetry contest and writing contest is open to everyone and international. Writing Contest entries may be written on a maximum of (5) pages, either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme. Poetry Contest entries may be written on any subject or theme. All poems must be 30 lines or fewer and either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing. There is a $10.00 (US dollars) entry fee per short story submitted and a $5.00 (US dollars) entry fee per poem submitted.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

FAA Airport Design Challenge
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
In order to educate and inspire students K-12 to better understand airports and their leading role in the National Airspace System, the FAA is hosting another run of the acclaimed Airport Design Challenge which utilizes Microsoft's Minecraft to assist in developing a model airport with all of the required airside elements. Individually or in small teams, participants will receive instructions from FAA staff who specialize in specific areas of the airport each week. With that information, students will research a local airport of their choosing and recreate it in the virtual world of Minecraft. ADC 2023 UPDATE. Finalizing developmental upgrades to the Airport Design Challenge and look forward to opening enrollment in the Spring of 2023.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Indiana Letters About Literature Writing Contest
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
Letters About Literature is an Indiana reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem, essay, or speech and write to the author about how the work affected how they see themselves or how they see the world. State winners are announced each spring. Indiana's winners receive cash prizes and are published in an annual anthology. If you are in grades 4-12 and live in Indiana, you are eligible to enter the Indiana Letters About Literature reading and writing contest.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Math Contests - Homeschool Division
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
The goal of the competition is to encourage students' interest in math, to inspire students to excel in math, and to convey the message to young students: It is COOL to be good at math! The contest is for students in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5. Any teacher from a public school or a private school is welcome to register their students. Open to Homeschool students in grades 2 - 8.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Midwest Christian Fellowship Annual Essay Contest
Deadline: Apr 30, 2023
Students are asked to use skills in research, analysis and logical reasoning by preparing an effective presentation of a thesis in a creation-oriented paper. Two Categories: Junior High ages 11-14, Senior High Ages 14-18. Essays can be electronically submitted to info@MidwestCreationFellowship.org from Jan 1 to April 30 every year.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

National Constitution Bee
Deadline: Oct 16, 2023
Register to Compete in the 2023 National Constitution Bee Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Brentwood, TN. The first place winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship The second place winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship The third place winner will receive a $2,500 college scholarship To qualify to participate in The National Constitution Bee, students must finish in the top 3 in their State Constitution Bee - or in cases where the state does not have a Constitution Bee - the At-Large Constitution Bee. The top three finishers in each State Constitution Bee will receive college scholarships and a free trip to Washington, D.C. for themselves and a parent that coincides with the National Constitution Bee.
(No information found about previous winners.)

National History Day
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
NHD is a non-profit education organization based in College Park, Maryland, offering year-long academic programs that engage over half a million middle and high school students around the world annually in conducting and presenting original research on historical topics. It provides the organizational structure for students to enter contests at the local and affiliate levels, with top students advancing to the national competition at the University of Maryland at College Park. This competition serves as a vehicle that facilitates a positive learning experience for students and fosters an environment that promotes the study of history in middle and high school students. It teaches skills of research, creativity, writing, editing, and critical thinking. Participating in NHD is a rewarding experience for strong students interested in history and a great foundation for a potential future in the field. The 2023 National Contest will be held June 11-15, 2023 at the University of Maryland, College Park. Deadlines are different depending on which state you love in
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. Topic for the 2022-2023 school year is: "Discovering the Optimism within Me" Contest is eligible to students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent and who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Optimist Club. All Club-level contests are typically held by late March.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest
Deadline: Oct 31, 2023
This contest will focus on the men and women who figured in the events of the American Revolution (1773 - 1783), and it is hoped that students will find Patriots to write about who will interest and inspire them. These Patriots may be one of our famous Founders, or an everyday man, woman, or child who supported the American Revolution in ways both large and small. Students will be asked to discuss how their chosen Patriot contributed to the founding of the nation. Essays will be judged for historical accuracy, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the quality and scope of references, particularly the use of primary sources. This contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs, in grades 9 through 12.
(No information found about previous winners.)

Poetic Power Student Writing Contests
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
Creative Communication is devoted to promoting writing, teaching and appreciation of student writing. The intent of student writing contests is to motivate creative writers. Top entries are published in an anthology that will record the creative insights of today's student writers. Multiple ongoing contests.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Science Olympiad
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
The Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions. The competitions follow the format of popular board games, TV shows and athletic games. Teams start each fall.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

STEM Forward Contests for Wisconsin Students
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
STEM Forward, a non-profit Southern Wisconsin organization, provides STEM resources to K-12 students. We host three competition-based events that can be added to the curriculum for middle and high school students: * Future City Competition where Teams of 6th-8th grade students plan, design, and build complex "cities of the future" with robust deliverables. It features resources only and an opportunity to compete at a regional competition in January. Registration is open through October 31, 2023. ^ Contrapt Wisconsin where 3-5 Students from 5th-8th grade learn about engineering and physics as they build and present a complex machine to accomplish a simple task. Competitions will take place in Waukesha County and Milwaukee County in Spring. * Engineering Machine Design Contest where teams of 3-12 High School students compete to build and present a complex machine. This Rube Goldberg-inspired competition brings STEM principles to life in a fun, collaborative environment.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Stossel in the Classroom Student Scholarship Contest
Deadline: Mar 31, 2023
This essay and video contest is heald annually to give students an opportunity to express themselves and win great prizes. This year's topics include 1) The American Constitution in Our Lives, 2) Inflation: Root Causes and Community Impact, and 3) Economics in the Wild. The essay contest is open to students in grades 5-12, age 10-18, residing in North America, Hawaii, or at a U.S. military address. The video contest is open to students age 10-23 residing in North America, Hawaii, or at a U.S. military address.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Student Book Scholars Writing Contest
Deadline: Jul 15, 2023
National Youth Foundation sponsored contest. Theme is Anti-Bullying. There is no fee to enter and is open to kids in Grades K to 8. Prize: $500 and your book published (the parent or project coordinator for the winning team wins $250). Deadline: July 15, 2023
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

Team America Rocketry Challenge
Deadline: Dec 12, 2023
The American Rocketry Challenge is the world's largest student rocket contest and a key piece of the aerospace and defense industry's strategy to build a stronger U.S. workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), the contest was created in the fall of 2002 as a one-time celebration of the Centennial of Flight, but by popular demand became an annual program. Registration begins annually in September.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)

The Congressional Seminar Essay Contest
Deadline: Dec 01, 2023
The Congressional Seminar Essay contest is open to students in grades 10,11, 12. The students will write an essay on the topic: "Choose one of the five freedoms in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and discuss why it should or should not be changed in today's high-tech global society." This essay contest is a major project of The NSCDA held under the auspices of the Washington Workshops Foundation, a private nonprofit educational program in American government for high school students. Winners receive full tuition, including seminar materials, university campus housing, and two meals daily, for a week of citizenship education about the national government, plus fun, new friends, and tours of sites in our nation's capital.Students may apply online at nscda.org (click on student resources then click on Congressional Essay Contest). Essays are due by Dec. 1, 2023.
(No information found about previous winners.)

The Radiant Peace Education Awards
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
All students in grades 1-12 from public and private schools, home schools, youth and afterschool groups, and abroad are welcome to enter the national program of The Radiant Peace Education Awards. The Radiant Peace Education Awards program gives students an opportunity to express themselves about Radiant Peace in their own lives in essays, art, videos and projects. Two contest held annually. Deadlines are April and December of each year
This is an annual contest. (Previous winners)

You Be The Chemist Challenge
Deadline: Dec 31, 2023
The You Be The Chemist (YBTC) Challenge is an interactive academic competition that engages grade 5?8 students in learning with their peers (and their community!) about important chemistry concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety. The Challenge is similar in format to spelling bee/quiz bowl competitions but engages participating students in the study of chemistry. The YBTC Challenge is organized into three competitive levels: local, state, and national. Local Challenges take place in communities nationwide through the collaborative efforts of industry, educators, and other community volunteers. Challenges begin in the fall of each school year.
This is an annual contest. (No information found about previous winners.)