# National History Day Special Prizes The National History Day (NHD) Special Prizes program offers unique opportunities for middle and high school students to gain recognition for outstanding historical research. Sponsored by National History Day in collaboration with various organizations, this program celebrates exceptional student projects that explore specific historical themes or topics. Special Prizes are awarded during the annual National History Day contest, providing students with a chance to earn accolades and sometimes monetary awards for their dedication to historical inquiry. ## Program Structure The National History Day Special Prizes program operates as part of the larger National History Day contest. Students in grades 6-12 conduct in-depth research on a historical topic of their choice, following the NHD annual theme. Projects can be presented in different formats, including exhibits, documentaries, websites, performances, or research papers. As part of the contest, various organizations sponsor Special Prizes to recognize projects that align with specific historical themes, such as women’s history, civil rights, military history, and more. These prizes are awarded during the in-person National History Day contest, which takes place annually in the United States. Participation in the contest typically requires months of preparation, including research, project creation, and submission to local and state contests before qualifying for the national level. ## What Students Experience Participants in the National History Day Special Prizes program engage in a rigorous research process, developing critical thinking, analytical, and presentation skills. Students work independently or in teams to explore historical events, figures, or phenomena, using primary and secondary sources to craft evidence-based projects. Students who qualify for the national contest have the unique opportunity to present their work to expert judges, gain valuable feedback, and compete for recognition. Special Prizes provide an additional layer of achievement, as they honor projects that demonstrate exceptional research and creativity in a specific focus area. Many students also benefit from mentorship opportunities with teachers or local historians during the research process. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Winning or even participating in the National History Day Special Prizes program is a significant achievement that can strengthen college applications. The program showcases a student’s ability to undertake complex research, manage a long-term project, and present findings clearly and professionally. Colleges value these skills, as they demonstrate intellectual curiosity, dedication, and a passion for learning. Receiving a Special Prize also highlights a student’s expertise in a particular historical theme, which can make their application stand out further. ## Eligibility The National History Day Special Prizes program is open to students in grades 6-12 who qualify for the National History Day contest. Students must complete a project as part of the NHD contest at the local and state levels before advancing to the national competition. Projects must align with the annual theme and meet the guidelines established by NHD. There is no cost to participate in the Special Prizes program beyond any potential fees associated with the broader NHD contest. ## How to Participate To qualify for a National History Day Special Prize, students must first register for and participate in the National History Day contest. This process begins by creating a project based on the annual theme and competing in local and state-level contests. Students who advance to the national level are automatically considered for relevant Special Prizes during the national contest. Specific details on the Special Prizes, including themes and sponsoring organizations, are typically announced closer to the contest date. For more information on how to participate, visit the [National History Day website](https://www.nhd.org).