David McCullough Essay Prizes
The Gilder Lehrman Institute is currently accepting submissions for the David McCullough Essay Prizes. This prestigious contest aims to recognize exceptional high school student research and interpretive essays. The contest is named in honor of David McCullough, a renowned historian and Pulitzer Prize winner who served as a Life Trustee of the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
High school students attending schools in their Affiliate School Program
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
June 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM E.T
Submission deadline
Competition Details
1. Overview
The Gilder Lehrman Institute is currently accepting submissions for the David McCullough Essay Prizes. This prestigious contest aims to recognize exceptional high school student research and interpretive essays. The contest is named in honor of David McCullough, a renowned historian and Pulitzer Prize winner who served as a Life Trustee of the Gilder Lehrman Institute.
2. Eligibility
High school students attending schools in their Affiliate School Program (more than 35,926 Affiliate Schools around the world) are eligible and encouraged to participate.
3. Prizes
- 1st Prize: $5,000 (plus a $500 prize awarded to the school)
- 2nd Prize: $1,500 (plus a $500 prize awarded to the school)
- Five 3rd Prizes: $500 each
4. Virtual Research Night
To support students, teachers, and parents in their research endeavors, the Institute is hosting a Virtual Research Night designed to enhance high school-level research skills. This event will be led by Professor Kenya Davis-Hayes from California Baptist University, a Scholar Judge for the prize, alongside staff from the Gilder Lehrman Institute. They will provide valuable resources and strategies for effective research and writing.
Register: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/virtual-research-night
Submission Details
1. Submission Rule
Students can submit their work in 2 categories:
- Research Essay: Research essay incorporating primary and secondary sources on a topic in American history from 1491 to 2001. The essay should fall within a word count range of 1,500-2,500 words (approximately 6 pages).
- Interpretive Essay: Analysis of one primary source from American history, 1491 to 2001, in the Gilder Lehrman Collection of more than 87,000 historical documents. The essay should fall within a word count range of 750-1,000 words (approximately 3 pages).
Competition Rubric: Research Essay | Interpretive Essay
2. Submission Formatting
Submissions must use 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins on all sides. Essays should not include teacher comments or other annotations. Accepted file formats are PDF, DOC, DOCX, and ODT.
High-quality essays feature a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, along with a well-defined, thoroughly developed thesis supported by strong historical evidence.
3. Judging Criteria
A panel of Gilder Lehrman teachers will select the finalists, and a jury of distinguished historians will determine the winners. Essays will be assessed based on their historical accuracy, clarity and precision in writing, effective use of evidence, and demonstration of empathy and imagination.
