National High School Mock Trial Championship
Annual national mock trial tournament; only the winning team from each state, territory, or country qualifies. 2026 nationals: May 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa. To compete, students join their state's mock trial program through their high school team and win at the state level.
The National High School Mock Trial Championship invites the top mock trial students from every state and several foreign nations to compete in May each year
The 2027 National High School Mock Trial Championship will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, from May 13 to 15, 2027
Promoting an understanding and appreciation of the American judicial system through academic competitions
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CHSAA Speech & Debate State Championships
Colorado High School Activities Association's annual state speech and debate tournaments (3A, 4A, 5A) covering Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Extemporaneous, Interpretation events, and more. Compete for a state title via your high school's team.
NSDA National Speech & Debate Tournament
Largest academic competition in the world, organized by the National Speech & Debate Association. 2026 tournament held in June in Richmond, Virginia (Altria Theater, Greater Richmond Convention Center, area high schools). To compete, students must be NSDA members with at least 25 honor-society points and qualify through district tournaments.
9th Circuit Civics Contest
Essay or video contest on "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," analyzing one core right historically and today.
Bennington Young Writers Awards
Prestigious competition from Bennington College with categories in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction; winners/finalists often receive big scholarships if they attend Bennington.
Columbia Undergraduate Law Review – High School Essay Contest
Essay contest on law and public policy topics run by Columbia's undergraduate law review. Often intersects with constitutional law, civil rights, and governance.
Coro District Youth Leadership Academies (DYC) – District Youth Fellows
Coro's District Youth Leadership Academies are neighborhood‑based civic‑engagement programs serving youth in San Francisco. Fellows receive leadership and public‑speaking training, conduct informational interviews with local civic leaders, and design a community action project; completing fellows receive a 500 USD stipend.