Essay Contest

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the ratification of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, which lowered the voting age to 18. This national essay contest ⁠— geared toward high school and college students between the ages of 16-22 ⁠— will focus on the impact of the 26th Amendment on American democracy, past, present and future.

We will be bringing the essay contest to our partner organizations with a ‘call for entries’ in early 2022.

Winners will receive a $1000 cash prize and publication of their essay.

Runners up will receive cash prizes as well.

If you are interested in bringing the essay contest to your school or community organization, email

renewamericandemocracy@gmail.com with subject line: essay contest

Contest Judges

Carroll Bogert, President, The Marshall Project

Everette E. Dennis, former Dean of Northwestern University in Qatar

Henry W. McGee, former President of HBO Home Entertainment and senior lecturer at Harvard Business School

Calvin Sims, Executive Vice President for News and Standards, CNN

Richard M. Smith, President, The Pinkerton Foundation

Diane McWhorter, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

Charles Whittaker, Dean, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University