# David McCullough Essay Prizes

National American-history essay prize for students in grades 9-12 at Gilder Lehrman Affiliate Schools (free to join): submit a revised research essay for awards up to $5,000 plus $500 for your school.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.gilderlehrman.org/student-opportunities/david-mccullough-essay-prizes |

## About this program

# David McCullough Essay Prizes

Named for the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, the David McCullough Essay Prizes are awarded annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nonprofit behind the Hamilton Education Program and the largest network of American history classrooms in the country. High school students submit an original essay on an American history topic - often one begun for a class, then revised and expanded to meet the prize specifications.

## What You'll Do

- Choose or refine an American history research topic that genuinely interests you
- Revise, expand, and adapt an essay written independently or for a current academic year class to conform with the McCullough Prize specifications
- Submit online by the annual early-summer deadline (June 22 in 2026)
- Compete for a $5,000 first prize, $1,500 second prize, and five $500 third-place prizes, with $500 awarded to the first- and second-place winners' schools

## Who Should Apply

Students in grades 9-12 attending schools in the Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School Program - a free network any US school can join, so students at non-member schools can ask a teacher to enroll the school. It suits serious history students, National History Day veterans, and strong writers looking for a research-writing credential.

## Outcomes

Winners earn substantial cash prizes, national recognition from a leading history education institute, and a polished research essay - a portfolio piece that doubles as evidence of scholarly writing for college applications.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for David McCullough Essay Prizes?

David McCullough Essay Prizes is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is David McCullough Essay Prizes online or in person?

David McCullough Essay Prizes is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to David McCullough Essay Prizes?

Apply directly through Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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