National Peace Essay Contest
Welcome to USIP.org
We have recently undertaken a complete redesign of our site to better improve your online experience. In the process, we may have moved materials around, categorized them in a different way, or removed those that were inaccurate and out-of-date. We hope you enjoy exploring around the new site. (This message will only appear the first time you visit our site or if you clear your browser cookie.)

Featured
![]()
The United States Institute of Peace announced the winners from each state and abroad of the National Peace Essay Contest. Fifty American high school students from around the U.S., and one living in South Korea, have written winning essays. Each student has won a $1,000 college scholarship and an invitation to Washington, D.C. for an all-expense paid, five-day seminar in June.
2009-10 Peace Essay Contest Topic Announced
USIP is proud to announce the topic for the 2009-10 National Peace Essay Contest: 'The Effectiveness of Nonviolent Civic Action.' Students will examine multiple instances where nonviolent methods have been used to foster significant social and political change and explore the successes, challenges and experiences of nonviolent movements.
Contest Information
How Do You Build Peace?
Note: The deadline for the 2008-2009 National Peace Essay Contest was February 1, 2009.
The international system has witnessed dramatic changes in the recent past. Developments around the globe and at home challenge us to rethink the role of the United States in the international community. What is our nation's place in this increasingly complex global picture? How do we best promote respect for human rights and the growth of freedom and justice? What can we do to nurture and preserve international security and world peace?
Our country depends on knowledgeable and thoughtful students like you—the next generation of leaders—to build peace with freedom and justice among nations and peoples. In the belief that questions about peace, justice, freedom, and security are vital to civic education, we established the National Peace Essay Contest to expand educational opportunities for America's youth.
The National Peace Essay Contest:
- Promotes serious discussion among high school students, teachers, and national leaders about international peace and conflict resolution today and in the future;
- Complements existing curricula and other scholastic activities;
- Strengthens students' research, writing, and reasoning skills; and
- Meets National Contents Standards.

