profile of courage essay contest

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

In Profiles in Courage , John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage .

Contest Topic: Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917 , the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level.

The contest deadline is January 17, 2025.

Visit the Profile in Courage Essay Contest section of the JFK Library website for more requirements, judging criteria, past winning essays, and additional information.

Registration and Submission

Please read Contest Topic and Information carefully before submitting your essay. Essays must meet   contest requirements to qualify for evaluation.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest has upgraded its registration and submission technology, and we now use the SurveyMonkey Apply platform. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Profile in Courage Essay Contest Coordinator.

Important Note: Before contacting the Profile in Courage Essay Contest Coordinator, please be sure to review the contest web pages and read over the FAQ section of the web site.

Email: [email protected]

Sep 1 2024 12:00 AM (EDT)

Jan 17 2025 11:59 pm (est).

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John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

One thing that quickly becomes apparent to high school students preparing for college is the burden of funding a four-year degree. Fortunately for college-bound students, there are numerous ways to reduce the cost of school. One of the most notable methods is pursuing a wide range of scholarships and awards. An award that students with exceptional writing and researching skills should consider is the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest.

About the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

In 1954, John F. Kennedy took a leave of absence from the Senate to recover from back surgery. Kennedy used that time to study the topic of political courage, which inspired him to later write the Pulitzer-Prize winning book Profiles in Courage —detailing the careers of eight Senators whom Kennedy believed demonstrated enormous courage when faced with pressure from their parties and constituents.  

Today, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest asks students to follow in Kennedy’s footsteps by researching and writing a creative original essay about an elected official who risked their career to take a stand on moral principles. The essay contest serves as a companion project to the Kennedy Library Foundation’s Profile in Courage Award, which honors elected officials who have demonstrated incredible political courage.

The winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest receives a $10,000 cash award and is invited to accept their prize at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts during the Profile in Courage Award events—with all travel and lodging expenses paid for. In addition to the award winner, the runner-up will receive a $3,000 award, the five finalists each receive $1,000 awards, and the eight semi-finalists are awarded $100 each.

In addition to the winners, ten students are selected for honorable mention and all participants receive a certificate of participation.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest Applicant Requirements

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest is available to U.S. high school students in grades nine through twelve. Students need to be enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or homeschool high school program in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., or a U.S. territory. The contest also accepts submissions from U.S. citizens attending school overseas.

How to Apply

In order to participate in the Profile of Courage Essay Contest, students need to be recommended by a teacher who will support and advise the student in the creation of their essay. Nominating teachers can be former or current teachers of the applicant, but must still be still teaching at the school the participant is enrolled in. Rarely, an exception may be made if a student is unable to be nominated by a teacher from their school. For applicants who are homeschooled, the parent or legal guardian can fill the role of a nominating teacher.

An applicant’s essay is required to describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official on the local, state, or national level who served between 1917 (the year of Kennedy’s birth) and the present. Essays need to be an original work of the applicant and fall between 700 and 1,000 words—citations and bibliography do not count toward the word count. Additionally, applicants should cite a minimum of five sources.

John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Edward M. Kennedy, along with the senators featured in Profiles of Courage are not eligible subjects for essays. It’s also recommended to avoid writing about present or past presidents of the United States.

Past winners of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest are not eligible to participate again. Employees of John Hancock Financial Services and their family members are also ineligible for the award.

Tips on Applying For Awards

Don’t Miss Deadlines: Pay close attention to deadlines and don’t wait until the last minute to submit your essay. The Profile in Courage Essay can be submitted via email or traditional mail. If you decide to submit your materials via traditional mail, the application must be postmarked on its due date.

Follow Directions: The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest has specific rules about how many words are allowed, sources needed, what information needs to be included, and how sources should be cited. It would be extremely disappointing to write a winning essay only to be disqualified because you made a mistake like forgetting to include a bibliography.

Proofread: Applicants for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest should work closely with their nominating teacher to ensure that they submit a clean essay free of grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, along with making sure the essay flows and meets the submission requirements.

Research: In addition to researching for their essay, applicants should research past winners to get an understanding of what a winning essay looks like. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum maintains a list of winners and their essays on their website .  

Professional Appearance: When applying for any distinguished award, there’s a chance that your social media profiles will be looked at. Audit your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter profiles and delete any content that could be potentially damaging. While you’re at it, make sure you have a professional-looking email address to correspond with.

Get Professional Help: CollegeVine helps students win awards. Our expert advisors can provide whatever assistance a student needs, whether it’s staying ahead of deadlines or crafting an exceptional essay.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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Sophomore Selected as Finalist in Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced that Aarush Tutiki ’26 was named a finalist in the national John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students. In his essay, Aarush profiled Leonidas Dyer, former U.S. Representative of Missouri.

For this year’s contest, 2,313 essays were submitted from students in 50 states and Washington, D.C., and from U.S. citizens in Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vietnam. The foundation selected one winner, a runner-up, five finalists, ten semifinalists, and eight honorable mentions.

The annual Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites high school students from across the nation to write an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official. The contest is a companion program of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award™, named for Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Profiles in Courage , which recounts the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers by embracing unpopular decisions for the greater good.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Profile in Courage Essay Contest

By Eric Eng

Imagine a chance to showcase your writing talent, delve into the world of political courage, and potentially win scholarship money – all while impacting your community and the world at large. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is an extraordinary opportunity that has been shaping the lives of upcoming college students for years. With a focus on celebrating political courage, this competition not only elevates the voices of the next generation but also provides an invaluable learning experience for young, aspiring minds. So, buckle up and get ready to explore how this one-of-a-kind contest could change your life and set you on a path to success.

What is the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

To begin with, what exactly is the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? The Profile in Courage Essay Contest was established in 1994 in honor of the late President John F. Kennedy, inspired by his Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Profiles in Courage.”

The book highlights acts of bravery and integrity by eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers for the greater good. Following this legacy, the contest encourages young people to reflect on the concept of political courage and recognize the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation plays a crucial role in organizing and administering the Profile in Courage Essay Contest. As the contest’s sponsor, the foundation not only provides the resources and support needed to run the competition but also plays an active part in raising awareness, promoting civic education, and nurturing future leaders.

The primary goal of the contest is to inspire young people to learn about and appreciate the qualities of political courage demonstrated by elected officials throughout U.S. history. It aims to foster critical thinking, enhance research and writing skills , and encourage students to explore how moral and ethical decisions shape political leadership and impact society.

Moreover, it actively promotes civic education by requiring participants to research, analyze, and write about historical examples of political courage. This process enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the democratic process, ethical decision-making, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.

Thus, by engaging with these topics, students develop essential leadership skills such as empathy, resilience, and communication, which can help them become more informed and effective citizens.

What are the requirements for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

So, what are the requirements to join the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? The Profile in Courage Essay Contest has specific requirements that participants must adhere to submit a successful entry. These include:

Eligibility Criteria

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12, usually ranging in age from 14 to 18 years old.

Educational Background

Participants must be enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or homeschool in the United States or its territories, or be U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

Essay Guidelines

Essays should be between 700 and 1,000 words, not including the citations and bibliography.

Format and Citation Style

The essay must be typed, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and follow the MLA citation style. A bibliography is required, with a minimum of five varied and reliable sources.

Judging Criteria

Originality.

Essays should be engaging and original in content, demonstrating creativity and an innovative approach to the chosen subject.

Use of Primary Sources

The essay must include at least one primary source, such as government documents, speeches, letters, or other historical records that support the analysis of the chosen act of political courage.

Demonstrated Understanding of Political Courage

Essays should clearly articulate the significance of the chosen official’s act of political courage and its impact on society. The essay must exhibit a deep understanding of the concept and its relevance in today’s world.

What are the prizes for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

What are the rewards for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? The rewards for winning the Profile in Courage Essay Contest are quite enticing.

The first-place winner receives $10,000, with $3,000 in cash and a $7,000 college scholarship .

Additional cash prizes are awarded to the second-place winner ($1,000), and up to five finalists ($500 each).

Moreover, all winners and finalists receive an invitation to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston for a special recognition ceremony.

How to choose a profile for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

How to select a profile for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? Choosing a profile involves finding a U.S. elected official who demonstrated political courage by taking a stand on an issue, despite potential risks or backlash. Here are some tips to help you select an inspiring and compelling profile:

Research lesser-known figures

Avoid choosing well-known acts of political courage that have been covered extensively. Instead, look for lesser-known figures or events that might have been overlooked, but still showcase significant acts of courage.

Focus on the impact

Select an official whose courageous act had a lasting impact on their constituents, society, or the nation as a whole. This will make your essay more engaging and meaningful.

Consider the context

Understand the historical context surrounding the courageous act. Consider the political climate, social issues, and any other factors that may have influenced the official’s decision to take a stand.

Analyze the risks

Examine the risks and challenges faced by the elected official. This could include potential damage to their career, reputation, or personal relationships. Highlighting these risks will emphasize the courage it took to make such a decision.

Look for a personal connection

If possible, choose a profile in courage that resonates with you. This will make your essay more authentic and passionate, allowing you to write from a place of genuine interest.

Consult various sources

Use a mix of primary and secondary sources to gather information about your chosen profile in courage. Books, newspaper articles, speeches, interviews, and official documents can all provide valuable insights.

Once you have chosen a compelling profile in courage, ensure that your essay highlights the official’s act of bravery, the risks they faced, and the impact of their actions. By telling an engaging story and backing it up with solid research, you’ll create a powerful essay that stands out in the contest.

How to craft an engaging essay for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

So, how can you write an interesting essay for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? To craft an engaging essay for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest, it’s essential to combine thorough research, strong storytelling, and clear writing. Here are some tips to help you create an impactful essay:

Start with a hook

Begin your essay with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the stage for the story and entices the reader to continue. This could be a provocative statement, a quote, or an anecdote related to your chosen profile in courage.

Provide historical context

Describe the political climate, social issues, and other relevant factors that influenced the official’s decision to take a stand. This will help your readers understand the significance of the courageous act.

Tell a compelling story

Weave a captivating narrative around the courageous act by focusing on the challenges faced by the official, the risks they took, and the impact of their actions. Use descriptive language and vivid details to make the story come alive.

Use strong, reliable sources

Support your essay with credible sources to add authenticity and weight to your arguments. Ensure you use a mix of primary and secondary sources, and properly cite them using MLA or APA format.

Write clearly and concisely

Organize your essay with a clear thesis statement and a logical flow of ideas. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and break your essay into well-structured paragraphs with appropriate transitions.

Edit and proofread

Revise your essay multiple times to eliminate grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies. Ask a teacher, friend, or family member to read your essay and provide feedback.

Stick to the contest guidelines

Make sure your essay adheres to the word count, formatting, and other requirements outlined by the contest organizers.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an engaging and persuasive essay that highlights an inspiring act of political courage and captures the attention of the contest judges.

How to submit your essay for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

How do you submit your essay for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? Submitting your essay for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest involves several steps. Follow this process to ensure a successful submission:

Check the contest deadlines

The contest typically has a submission deadline in January. Make sure to visit the official website for the most up-to-date information on deadlines and submission guidelines.

Register for the contest

Go to the contest’s official website and complete the online registration form. This will create an account that allows you to submit your essay and track its status.

Prepare your essay

Before submitting, double-check that your essay meets all the contest requirements, including word count, formatting, and topic guidelines. Proofread and edit your essay to ensure it is free of errors and inconsistencies.

Convert your essay to the required format

Save your essay as a PDF or Word document, as specified by the contest organizers.

Submit your essay

Log in to your account on the contest’s website and follow the instructions to upload your essay through the online submission system. Make sure to include any required information, such as your name, contact details, and school information.

Confirm your submission

After uploading your essay, you should receive a confirmation email or notification on the contest website acknowledging your submission. If you do not receive confirmation, contact the contest organizers to ensure your essay has been successfully submitted.

In conclusion, participating in the Profile in Courage Essay Contest not only allows you to explore inspiring acts of political courage but also offers a chance to win scholarships and recognition that can enhance your college journey.

As you work towards crafting a powerful essay, remember that AdmissionSight is here to support you. Our expert guidance and resources can help you navigate the college application process, improve your writing skills, and ultimately increase your chances of success in prestigious contests like the Profile in Courage Essay Contest. Together, let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth, as we unlock your full potential and set you on the path to academic and personal success. Contact us now! 

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Today’s post comes from Esther Kohn, education specialist at the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

In his 1956 book Profiles in Courage , John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who faced dire consequences for standing up for the public good. Ostracized, rejected by voters, and even physically attacked, the elected officials in Kennedy’s Pulitzer prize-winning book put politics aside to do what they believed was right for the country.

A “Profile in Courage” essay is a carefully researched recounting of a story: the story of how an elected official risked his or her career to take a stand based on the dictates of the public good, rather than the dictates of polls, interest groups, or even constituents. The contest challenges high school students to discover new “profiles in courage,” and to research and write about acts of political courage that occurred after the 1956 publication of Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage .

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest requires young people today to grapple with big ideas:  How did Kennedy define political courage ? Which public figures have demonstrated political courage? Which local, state, and national elected officials have risked their careers to take a stand for what is right?

Visit the John F. Kennedy Library website for contest information, eligibility and requirements, prize information, judging criteria, curriculum ideas, past winning essays, and more.

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4 thoughts on “ profile in courage essay contest ”.

Can GED students participate? What an amazing opportunity! Thank you, GED IN FL

Yes, GED students under the age of twenty are eligible. For more information on eligibility please visit: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest/Eligibility-and-Requirements.aspx

Will you have a contest for adults? I’m 28. Jfk is my hero.

We’re happy to hear of your interest! We do not offer a contest for adults but you are welcome to submit a nomination for the Profile in Courage Award.

http://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/How-to-Submit-a-Nomination.aspx

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John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Ages: High School

Type: Submission

Scope: National

[email protected]

Participate

In  Profiles in Courage , John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of  political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in  Profiles in Courage .

Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after  1917 , the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level. The maximum word count is 1,000 with a minimum of 700, not including citations and bibliography. Use at least five varied sources such as government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews. All submissions must adhere to  contest requirements .

Content (55%)

Demonstrated understanding of political courage.

• Demonstrated an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in  Profiles in Courage
• Identified an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917.
• Proved that the elected official risked his or her career to address an issue at the local, state, national, or international level
• Explained why the official's course of action best serves or has served the larger public interest
• Outlined the obstacles, dangers, and pressures the elected official is encountering or has encountered

 Originality

• Thoughtful, original choice of a U.S. elected official
• Story is not widely known, or a well-known story is portrayed in a unique way

Supporting Evidence

• Well-researched
• Convincing arguments supported with specific examples
• Critical analysis of acts of political courage

Source Material

• Bibliography of five or more varied sources
• Includes primary source material
• Thoughtfully selected, reliable

Presentation (45%)

Quality of writing.

• Style, clarity, flow, vocabulary

Organization

• Structure, paragraphing, introduction and conclusion

Conventions

• Syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest/

Managing Organization: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Contact: [email protected]

Eligibility: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories; and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate. Employees of John Hancock Financial Services and members of their families are not eligible to participate. All students must list the name of their nominating teacher on the registration form. The role of a nominating teacher is to provide students with support and advice during the writing of their essay.

Registration Opens: September 1, 2019

Registration Closes: January 18, 2020

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JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Offered by John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Multiple awards worth

$100 - $10,000

Grade level

High School Students

Application deadline:

January 17, 2025

Scholarship Overview

Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest! Each year, the contest awards up to $10,000 to winning applicants who submit a 700 – 1,000-word essay following the year’s prompt. Each year’s prompt relates to U.S. history, with this year’s being: “ Describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. ” The scholarship is offered by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts.

If you love U.S. history and want to put your writing skills and history knowledge to the test, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

This scholarship is open to students meeting the below eligibility criteria.

Political Science

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents

Application information

To apply for this scholarship, students must submit an online application in addition to the below application materials. Bear in mind that applicants must also have a “nominating teacher” who are currently teaching at the same high school as the applicant. Nominating teachers are responsible for providing advice and support to the student throughout the application process.

700-1,000-word essay

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Contest Information

In  profiles in courage , john f. kennedy recounted the stories of eight u.s. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. these leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. the profile in courage essay contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by john f. kennedy in profiles in courage.  , the maximum word count is 1,000 with a minimum of 700, not including citations and bibliography. use at least five varied sources such as government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews., the contest deadline is january 12, 2024., profiles in courage essay information  - please click on the link and select "content topic and information" tab to learn more..

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Profiles In Courage John F Kennedy Essay

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Profile in Courage Essay Contest

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Contest topic, describe and analyze an act of political courage by a us elected official who served during or after 1917. , to learn more about political courage, visit  contest information  and  faqs ., all submissions must adhere to   contest requirements ., contest deadline, the profile in courage essay contest opens for submissions on september 1, 2023. the contest deadline is january 12, 2024 ., recognition and awards, first-place: $10,000          second-place: $3,000          five finalists: $1,000 each   eight semi-finalists: $100 each, visit the website here for full details, eligibility, the contest is open to united states high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; u.s. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/ged program in any of the fifty states, the district of columbia, or the u.s. territories; and u.s. citizens attending schools overseas. past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate. employees of john hancock financial services and members of their families are not eligible to participate., requirements, the contest deadline is january 12, 2024 at 11:59 pm (est) ., essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. citations and bibliography are not included in the word count., essays must be the original work of the student., essays must have a minimum of five sources..

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Join us for our Annual JFK Library Members' Reception on September 18th!

The john f. kennedy profile in courage award®, 2024 profile in courage award.

The 2024 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ® was presented to Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams (R) for expanding voting rights and standing up for free and fair elections despite party opposition and death threats from election deniers.

Learn more about Secretary Adams.

Watch the 2024 Ceremony

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Jack Schlossberg presented the award to Secretary Adams in a live-streamed ceremony.

About the Award

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award was created in 1989 by members of President Kennedy's family to honor President John F. Kennedy and to recognize and celebrate the quality of political courage that he admired most.

The award recognizes a public official (or officials) at the federal, state, or local level whose actions demonstrate the qualities of politically courageous leadership in the spirit of Profiles in Courage , President Kennedy's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, which recounts the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers by embracing unpopular positions for the greater good.

Meet the Recipients

Learn how some past Profile in Courage Award recipients have embodied JFK's definition of political courage.

Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss

Defending Democracy at Home and Abroad

Dannel Malloy

Immigration

Gabrielle Giffords

Quick facts.

Learn more about the Profile in Courage Award.

Total Profile in Courage Honorees

Youngest Awardee

Joseph Darby

Oldest Awardee

George H.W. Bush

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

🏆 available: 15, scholarship description.

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation invites U.S. high school students to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born.

The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; US students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program; and US citizens attending schools overseas.

The first-place winner receives $10,000. Second-place receives $3,000. Five finalists receive $1,000 each. Eight semifinalists receive $100 each. Ten students receive honorable mention.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must currently be in high school
• Award is available to U.S. citizens

Application Requirements

• Application form required
• Essay required
• Entry in a contest required

How To Apply

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Donor: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial support, staffing, and creative resources for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The Kennedy Library Foundation is not a grant-making foundation. Through its Board of Directors, its committees and staff, the Foundation assists the Library in the planning and establishment of its long-term strategic goals and objectives and provides the Library with financial and creative resources with which to enrich its many educational programs, to expand its research and archival capacity and to enhance its museum and exhibits.