Project Description

The Being an American Project was created to help young Americans understand and reflect on the ideals that unite us as Americans. By participating in the Being an American essay contest, young people will have the opportunity to consider the lessons of American history, the example of great Americans, and the challenges and responsibilities of citizenship in a free society. This national competition awards 90 prizes totaling nearly $200,000 each year. The Being an American Project consists of :

A 21st century essay contest that utilizes technology and the potential of the Internet to reach, educate, and engage teachers and students, and focuses on the values and principles that unite us as Americans; and
A student website to provide information and research tools for students participating in the contest, and those wishing to know more about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Founders, and our civic values, as well as current issues relating to constitutional freedoms.

The Being an American Project combines the strength of the Bill of Rights Institute’s national network of teachers from all 50 states with our plans to engage students directly. The Project incorporates many of the successful elements of existing national essay contest programs while adding the following elements:

Offers teachers and students a variety of opportunities to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the Founding documents and civic values;
Rewards students and teachers with cash awards for their outstanding efforts;
Encourages student creativity and personal expression;
Uses technology to increase efficiency in contest materials dissemination, participant coordination, and essay submission;
Ties to core curriculum required for high school graduation including American History, American Literature, Civics, and U.S. Government classes;

The Being an American Project is a national program operating in all 50 states. The Bill of Rights Institute thanks the John Templeton Foundation for their three-year support of the Being an American Project.

For more information about the contest, how to enter, or about the Bill of Rights Institute, please visit the corresponding link in the navigational menu above.