Essentials students, this one is for you! Write an original essay about July 4, 1776, and your words could reach the entire CC community. Three winners will each receive a $250 prize.

Prompt: Explain what happened on July 4, 1776, and why it matters today

Format: 5-paragraph IEW essay

Sources: Essays must have 3 sources, cited in a bibliography (modified MLA format–per the IEW's U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons)

Word Count: 1 essay, 776 words maximum

Who Can Enter: All 2026-2027 Essentials students, including APO/FPO families. International students and the immediate family members of employees are not eligible.

Entries: Maximum 1 entry per student

Submission: Essays must be submitted as a PDF or Word document (.docx) via a file upload

Prize: $250 check per winner

Winners Selected: 3 winners total

Published: December 2026 on the CC platform

Submissions Open: July 4, 2026

Submission Deadline: September 17, 2026 (Constitution Day)

Winners Announced: November 30, 2026

Essays Published: December 2026

What is the Essentials Essay Contest?
A writing contest for all 2026–2027 Essentials students celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Three winning essays will be published on the CC platform in December 2026, and each winner receives a $250 prize.

Who is eligible to enter? 
Open to all domestically enrolled Essentials students (2026–2027), including APO/FPO families. Limited to one entry per student. Children and immediate family members of employees are not eligible. 

What is the prompt?
Explain what happened on July 4, 1776, and why it matters today.

Are there formatting requirements?
Yes. Essays must follow a five-paragraph IEW format and be a maximum of 776 words.

How do I submit my essay?
Essays must be formatted as a PDF or Word document (.docx) via a file upload through the entry form.

How will my student be credited?
Each essay selected for publication will be credited using their first names, last initials, and states only (e.g., "Sarah M. - Florida"). By submitting, you agree to our terms and grant Classical Conversations permission to publish and share your student's work across all our platforms and channels. 

When are submissions due?
Submissions open July 4, 2026, and close September 17, 2026 (Constitution Day). No late submissions will be accepted.

When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be selected by November 6, 2026, and notified by email. Winning essays will be published in December 2026.

How are essays judged?
Essays go through a multistage review process by the CC Communications and Essentials CCMM teams before final winners are selected by Robert and April Bortins.

What if I have questions?
Contact Customer Care: CustomerCare@ClassicalConversations.com