The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund sponsors a scholarly writing contest for grades K-12. The theme for the essay is "What Does The Second Amendment Mean to You?".
Scholarship Details
- Annual essay contest celebrating the Second Amendment
- Open to students in grades K through 12, including homeschooled students
- Senior division for grades 9 to 12 and junior division for grades 8 and below
- Cash prizes awarded in each division including $1,000 for first place, $600 for second, $200 for third, and $100 for fourth
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be enrolled or will be enrolled in elementary, junior high, or high school during the contest year
- Homeschooled students in equivalent grade levels may apply
- Students who have won in their current category are not eligible but may enter if they have advanced to a new category
- Essay must be original work verified by a teacher or parent
Application Process
- Download and complete the contest entry form
- Write an essay of approximately 1,000 words responding to the prompt “What Does the Second Amendment Mean to You?”
- Ensure the essay is neat, legible, double spaced, and preferably typed
- Include name, age, address, telephone number, school, grade, and verification of originality
- Mail the entry form and essay to the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund at 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
- Submit all materials with a postmark on or before December 31st
Essays will be judged in two categories: Senior (grades 9-12) and Junior (grades 8 and below), with separate cash prizes awarded to the winners in each category. First place cash prizes are $1,000, $600 for second place, $200 for third place, and $100 for fourth place.
