Ninth Circuit Court Civics Contest
Scholarship Sponsored by Ninth Circuit Court
Overview
This is an essay and video competition for high school students who live in the western United States, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The contest is sponsored by the United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit.
Important dates and entry information
- Official contest rules and entry instructions will be posted soon at: https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest
- Submissions will be accepted starting January 7, 2026.
- The submission deadline is March 6, 2026.
Who may enter
The 2026 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest is open to students in grades 9–12. Eligible entrants include those enrolled in public, private, parochial, or charter schools, as well as students who are homeschooled with equivalent grade status, residing in the nine western states and the two Pacific island jurisdictions within the Ninth Circuit (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands).
Contest prompt
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which declared that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights—including Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—and stated governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Choose one of these rights (Life, Liberty, or the Pursuit of Happiness) and address all three parts of the prompt:
1. Explain why this right was crucial in 1776.
2. Describe how this right affects you, your family, or your community today.
3. Recommend steps we should take to preserve or strengthen this right going forward.
Prizes
- First place: $3,000
- Second place: $1,700
- Third place: $1,000
Winners may also receive travel and lodging to attend the 2026 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. Prize awards may be subject to federal, state, or local taxes unless specific exemptions apply.
Where to find the rules
Visit https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest for the official rules, entry requirements, and submission instructions when they become available.