Youth Essay

Conducted nationwide, and at applicable schools overseas, this competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. savings bonds. More than 58,000 students participated last year in this contest for junior high aged students.

The first-place award was recently increased to a $10,000 savings bond. Second place now garners a $6,000 savings bond, with the third-place winner receiving a $5,000 savings bond. The top 11 national winners each take home at least a $1,000 savings bond.