Academic WorldQuest
A fast-paced team trivia competition for high school students testing knowledge of international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures; teams first compete in local contests hosted by roughly 30 World Affairs Councils nationwide before winners advance to the national championship in Washington, D.C. each April.
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We the People – California
Students study the Constitution and testify as constitutional experts in simulated congressional hearings; state champion advances to nationals in D.C.
American Legion Boys Nation
One of the most selective civic-education programs in the country: two delegates chosen from each state's American Legion Boys State program (about 100 nationally from a pool of 20,000+ Boys State participants) travel to Washington, D.C. to serve a week as mock U.S. senators, drafting bills, holding committee hearings, and meeting elected officials.
Close Up Foundation – Washington, D.C. High School Program
A six-day, five-night in-person civics travel program in which students meet policymakers, attend live congressional committee hearings, tour monuments and museums, and take part in Mock Congress debates with peers from across the country.
Debate & Leadership Institute (Founding Forward)
A five-day student debate and leadership program hosted on Founding Forward's (formerly Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge) 75-acre campus in Valley Forge, PA, combining competitive debate training with civic leadership workshops.
HOSA – Human Growth and Development (Competitive Event)
A HOSA-Future Health Professionals competitive event in which active HOSA members take a 100-question written exam (with a tiebreaker essay) on biophysical, cognitive, social, and emotional human development across the lifespan.
JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Students write an essay analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official since 1917, competing for cash prizes.