Contest Topic and Eligibility
In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.
The contest is open to:
- United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools
- U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories
- U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.
Recognition and Awards
The first-place winner receives a $10,000 cash award. If the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation holds the 2027 Profile in Courage Award event in person, the winner and their family will be invited to travel to Boston to accept their award in May 2027. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston for the winning student and up to two guests.
The second-place winner receives $3,000 and three finalists receive $1,000 each.
Fifteen students receive honorable mentions. The remaining students receive either a Certificate of Excellence or a Certificate of Participation.
Key Date
- January 11, 2027 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time: Deadline for submissions
