15 Humanities Competitions for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 13 min read
If you're interested in subjects like history, literature, philosophy, politics, psychology, or the arts, humanities competitions can help you explore these fields beyond what is typically covered in high school classes. These competitions encourage you to research complex topics, develop persuasive arguments, and communicate your ideas through essays, debates, creative projects, or other academic formats. They also provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the humanities while building skills that are valuable in college and beyond.
Why should I participate in a humanities competition in high school?
Humanities competitions allow you to apply your knowledge in challenging academic settings while exploring topics that interest you in greater depth. Depending on the competition, you might conduct independent research, analyze historical sources, write essays, participate in debates, develop policy proposals, or create original projects for evaluation by experts in the field. Along the way, you can strengthen your research, writing, critical thinking, and communication skills while earning recognition that may support your future academic goals.
To help narrow the search, we have curated 15 humanities competitions for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 competitions span history, philosophy, law, political science, psychology, visual art, creative writing, diplomacy, and literary analysis, so students with a wide range of humanities interests can find a relevant competition to enter.
Several competitions offer substantial financial prizes, including the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest ($10,000 first place), the Doodle for Google ($45,000 national scholarship), the Coolidge Scholarship Essay Contest ($10,000 first place), and the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize ($10,000 honorary fellowship).
Many competitions are open to students worldwide, including the International Psychology Olympiad, the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, the TOPSS Competition, the JASNA Essay Contest, and the Princeton Legal Journal Essay Contest, making them accessible regardless of location.
Competitions vary significantly in format, from buzzer-based team history tournaments, such as National History Bowl, to long-form individual essay submissions, such as John Locke Institute and Coolidge Scholarship, to visual and creative submissions, such as Scholastic Art Awards and Doodle for Google, so students can choose a format that suits their strengths.
Several competitions have fall or early winter deadlines, including Doodle for Google (December 17), JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest (January 12), and National WWII Museum Essay Contest (January 22), so students should identify relevant competitions at the start of the school year.
Location: Virtual | Awards ceremony in Boston, MA
Prize/Award: First-place: $10,000 | Second-place: $3,000 | Three Finalists: $1,000 each | Fifteen students receive honorable mentions. The top five winners and the students who receive honorable mentions also receive a hardcover copy of Profiles in Courage. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation
Format: Individual | Online submission | Single round
Dates: Submission opens in the fall, closes in January | Winners announced in the spring
Registration Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in 9–12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools | U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program | U.S. citizens attending schools overseas
Students research and write about an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official, focusing on the risks, obstacles, and consequences behind that decision. The essay requires a clear thesis, strong historical evidence, and careful use of varied sources such as books, government documents, newspapers, interviews, or letters. You’ll need to explain not only what happened, but why the act mattered in its political and ethical context. The contest is especially useful for building skills in historical research, civic analysis, and academic writing. Since originality is valued, essays that examine less frequently discussed political figures often stand out during evaluation.
Location: Nationwide | National Championships at Arlington, VA
Prize/Award: Trophies, certificates, and qualification for higher-level championships
Format: Team | In-person and online | Multiple rounds: regional tournaments followed by national championships | Students can also qualify for the International History Olympiad by competing in the National History Bowl
Dates: Regional Tournaments: October–Early April | National Championships: Late April
Registration Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students in 12th grade and younger
A buzzer-based format makes this humanities competition for high school students a strong option if you enjoy fast recall, teamwork, and competitive history. Teams answer paragraph-length questions covering U.S., world, ancient, modern, and regional history, often requiring you to connect clues before the answer becomes obvious. Regional tournaments usually include preliminary matches and playoffs, while successful teams can qualify for the National Championships. You’ll build speed, listening accuracy, historical range, and strategy around when to buzz. Since teammates can bring different strengths, the competition rewards both individual preparation and team balance.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: First place: $750 | Second place: $500 | Third place: $250 each | Honorable Mentions: $100 each
Format: Individual | Online submission | Single round with multiple stages of blind judging
Dates: Submissions start getting accepted from October 26
Registration Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 7–12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools | U.S. students under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the US territories | U.S. citizens attending schools overseas
Students use World War II as the foundation for a concise historical essay that responds to an annual prompt. Rather than simply summarizing events, strong essays explain why a specific issue, decision, or perspective matters. The contest expects you to work with at least five sources, build a clear five-paragraph structure, and support your interpretation with accurate historical evidence. The judging process involves classroom teachers, museum curators, and museum educators, giving the contest a serious historical review component. You’ll practice source evaluation, concise argumentation, and formal historical writing.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: Certificates, medals, and recognition
Format: Individual and team; online; three rounds: Global Grand Test, objective final module, and research proposal presentation
Dates: Global Grand Test: July 11 | Final Round – Module 1: August 1 | Final Round – Module 2: July 25–31
Registration Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Psychology takes center stage in this international competition through a mix of objective testing, applied analysis, and research design. The Global Grand Test assesses concept knowledge across psychology, while the final modules ask you to interpret materials and collaborate on a research proposal presentation. You’ll need to understand psychological theories, apply them to real-world problems, and think through how a study could be designed. This humanities competition for high school students goes beyond memorization by testing application, analysis, and communication.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Prize/Award: Medals, certificates, scholarships, and national recognition
Format: Individual or team | Hybrid | Multiple rounds: school/local, regional or affiliate/state, then national contest
Dates: Academic year projects | National Contest: June 14–18
Registration Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 6–12
National History Day gives you the chance to turn original historical research into a paper, exhibit, website, documentary, or performance. Projects begin with months of investigation into an annual theme, usually involving primary and secondary sources and a clear historical argument. Judges review your project and interview you about your research choices, interpretation, and evidence. As you advance through local, regional, state, and national levels, you can revise your work based on feedback. The competition builds research discipline, project management, historical thinking, and public communication.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: First place winners: $5000 towards the cost of attending any John Locke Institute program | Second place: $2000 | Third place: $1000 | The best essay overall is awarded an honorary John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship, including a $10,000 scholarship to attend one or more of our summer schools and/or visiting scholars programs
Format: Individual | Online submission | Single round, with shortlist and optional academic conference
Dates: April 1–May 31 | Academic Conference: October 2–4
Registration Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 18 and under for the main prize and age 14 and under for the Junior category
The John Locke Institute’s essay prize is built around challenging questions in philosophy, politics, economics, history, law, psychology, theology, and related fields. You’ll write a long-form argument that goes beyond basic school-level responses, using evidence, reasoning, and original thought. Judges look for depth of analysis, clarity, structure, knowledge, and persuasive style. This humanities competition for high school students is especially useful if you enjoy abstract questions and want to test your ability to defend a position rigorously. Shortlisted students may be invited to an academic conference and awards event. The experience closely mirrors the kind of independent essay writing expected in university humanities and social science courses.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: The national winner receives a $45,000 college scholarship, a $50,000 technology package for their school, their artwork is displayed on the Google homepage for 24 hours, and Google technology and merch | National finalists receive a $10,000 college scholarship, Google technology and merch, and their artwork featured in the official Doodle for Google gallery/
Format: Individual; online submission; multiple rounds: state/territory selection, national finalists, public voting, and national winner
Dates: The contest begins on October 15
Registration Deadline: December 17
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a U.S.-based school (including homeschool) or a school in Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and freely associated states, or the District of Columbia | Children of military personnel abroad can also apply
Creativity drives Doodle for Google, where you design your own version of the Google logo in response to an annual theme. Along with the artwork, you submit a short written explanation that describes your idea and how it connects to the prompt. Judges evaluate artistic merit, originality, and how clearly the theme comes through in both the visual piece and the written statement. You can use almost any art material, making the contest accessible across drawing, painting, digital art, collage, and mixed media. The competition progresses from state-level recognition to national finalist selection and public voting.
Location: Virtual + in-person finalists event at Washington, D.C.
Prize/Award: First-place: $10,000 cash prize | Second place: $5,000 cash prize | Up to 10 finalists receive a $1,000 cash prize | First- and second-prize winners in each division will have their essays published in the Coolidge Review, the magazine of the Coolidge Foundation | Finalists have the opportunity to compete for first- and second-place prizes at a finalists' event in Washington, D.C., in the fall
Format: Individual | Online submission and in-person finalist event | Two stages: essay review followed by finalist competition
Dates: Submission deadline is in September | Finalists event: November 7–8
Registration Deadline: September 10
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors and college entrants
This essay-style humanities competition for high school students asks you to analyze a public-policy or historical issue through a focused argumentative essay. Recent prompts have required students to examine economic policy, national security, governance, and constitutional questions. A strong essay needs clear reasoning, accurate evidence, and concise writing rather than broad personal reflection. Finalists are invited to an in-person event where they compete for the top awards. The contest gives you practice with scholarship-style writing and is especially relevant if you are interested in political history, economics, public service, or policy debate.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: Two $2,000 awards for photography | Two $2,000 awards for painting/drawing/mixed media/digital art
Format: Individual | Online submission | Single round
Dates: Application opens May 6
Registration Deadline: October 27
Eligibility: U.S.-based high-school students | NSHSS members
Original artwork is the core of the NSHSS Visual Arts Competition, which includes categories for photography, digital photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, digital art, and related forms. You can submit work that reflects your technical skill, creative choices, and personal artistic direction. The competition is portfolio-friendly because it allows students to present polished pieces in a formal scholarship context. Judging focuses on the strength of the submitted work rather than a live performance or interview. You may enter more than one category, which gives you flexibility if you work across media.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: First Place: $1,000 scholarship + free registration and two nights’ lodging for JASNA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting | Second Place: $500 scholarship | Third Place: $250 scholarship | Winners also receive one year of membership in JASNA, publication of their essays on this website, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen's novels
Format: Individual; online submission; single round
Dates: Submissions open in February
Registration Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Close reading matters most in JASNA’s essay contest, where students analyze Jane Austen’s novels through a specific annual prompt. You’ll focus on characters, themes, relationships, narrative choices, or social context, using passages from the novels as evidence. The contest does not require a heavy research paper; instead, it rewards original interpretation and clear literary argument. Strong essays avoid plot summary and show how careful reading leads to a thoughtful claim. The writing should be polished but accessible to a well-informed general audience.
Location: Region-specific | National Awards Week at Carnegie Hall, NY
Prize/Award: Scholarships up to $12,500, awards, and publications
Format: Individual | Hybrid | Multiple rounds: regional adjudication followed by national review
Dates: National Announcement Day: March 25 | National Awards Week: June 9–11
Registration Deadline: December/January (varies by region)
Eligibility: Only teens residing in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada may enter the Awards
The Scholastic Art Awards provide students with a major platform to submit creative work across visual art categories, including drawing, photography, film, sculpture, design, painting, and more. Entries are first reviewed at the regional level, with top work moving forward for national consideration. You can submit individual pieces or, as an eligible graduating senior, a portfolio that shows range and sustained creative development. Judging is handled by panels of artists, educators, and creative professionals. Awarded work may be featured in exhibitions, publications, or national recognition events.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: First Place: $3,000 | Second Place: $2,000 | Third Place: $1,000
Format: Individual | Online submission | Multiple seasonal rounds, followed by annual grand-prize consideration
Dates: Seasonal rounds every 3 months
Registration Deadline: Varies by season
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
Ayn Rand Institute’s contest focuses on argumentative essays responding to prompts about Rand’s novels and philosophical themes. You’ll need to defend your interpretation using textual evidence, logical organization, and clear writing. The contest runs in seasonal rounds, so students have multiple chances to submit during the year. Judges assess whether your argument is well-supported and coherent, not whether it matches a particular viewpoint. This format makes it a useful exercise in persuasive writing and philosophical analysis.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: Up to three students receive $300 awards each
Format: Individual | Online video submission | Single round
Dates: Entries must be submitted by March 20
Registration Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current high school students worldwide
APA’s humanities competition for high school students asks you to explain a psychology concept through a short video connected to a real-world issue. Recent prompts have focused on how psychological science can help students understand AI, learning, metacognition, and responsible technology use. You’ll define key terms, summarize relevant research, and present your ideas clearly within a three-minute limit. The format rewards both academic accuracy and strong communication, since the video must be organized, concise, and engaging. Including proper references also gives you practice with psychology-style source use.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: The top three essays will be published by the Princeton Legal Journal
Format: Individual; online submission; single round
Dates: Entries must be submitted by May 15
Registration Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
This contest focuses on legal analysis and invites high school students to write about a current legal theme. You may explore constitutional clauses, Supreme Court decisions, legal tensions, public policy questions, or statutory protections, depending on the prompt. Essays need a clear claim, organized reasoning, and support from relevant legal sources. The contest is especially useful for students interested in law, political science, public policy, or civil rights. Top essays are published by the Princeton Legal Journal, giving selected students a concrete writing credential.
Location: Virtual
Prize/Award: First Place: $2,500 to the writer of the winning essay + all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. with parents + all-expense paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea | Second Place: $1,250 + Scholarship to attend the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy Program | A certificate of achievement is awarded to all honorable mentions
Format: Individual | Online submission | Single round
Dates: Submissions open January 30
Registration Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service
Diplomacy, foreign policy, and international relations shape the AFSA High School Essay Contest. You’ll respond to a prompt about the role of the U.S. Foreign Service, often involving current global challenges, soft power, national leadership, or diplomatic capacity. Essays require a defined position, strong evidence, and careful attention to formatting and citation rules. This humanities competition for high school students pushes you to think about how policy decisions affect relationships between countries. It is especially useful if you are interested in global affairs, political science, history, or public service.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best humanities competitions for high school students?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students interested in history might consider National History Day or National History Bowl, those interested in philosophy and policy might consider John Locke Institute or Coolidge Scholarship, students interested in visual art might consider Scholastic Art Awards or Doodle for Google, and those interested in law and diplomacy might consider Princeton Legal Journal or AFSA Essay Contest.
Are there humanities competitions for high school students with cash prizes?
Yes, several offer significant awards. Doodle for Google provides a $45,000 national scholarship, JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest awards $10,000 for first place, John Locke Institute offers a $10,000 honorary fellowship for the best overall essay, and Coolidge Scholarship awards $10,000 at its finalist event.
Which humanities competitions are open to international students?
International Psychology Olympiad, John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, TOPSS Competition, JASNA Essay Contest, Princeton Legal Journal Essay Contest, National History Day, and Scholastic Art Awards all accept entries from students outside the United States.
Which competitions are best for students interested in writing?
Students who enjoy essay writing might consider JFK Profile in Courage for civic history writing, John Locke Institute for philosophy and political argument, Coolidge Scholarship for policy analysis, JASNA Essay Contest for literary close reading, AFSA Essay Contest for foreign policy writing, and Princeton Legal Journal for legal argumentation.
When should I start preparing for humanities competitions?
Several competitions have fall or early winter deadlines, including Doodle for Google (December 17), JFK Profile in Courage (January 12), and National WWII Museum Essay Contest (January 22). National History Day projects require months of research and are best started at the beginning of the school year. Students should identify competitions of interest in September and begin preparing materials early to allow time for drafting and revision.
Looking to do research in high school? Check out the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.