National History Day Contest for Students

About the National History Day Contest

The National History Day Contest is confirmed for the 2026/2027 academic year, and it runs as an annual competition, so students can plan around a recurring cycle rather than a single closing date. The exact registration window for your school and region is set locally, so you will need to confirm current dates through your teacher or the official site.

This is an academic competition, not a scholarship application in the usual sense. Students research a historical topic, then present their findings through a paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website. Winners at each level advance, and top projects earn cash prizes and scholarships.

Who Runs the National History Day Contest?

National History Day (NHD) organizes and hosts the contest across the United States. The program operates through affiliate coordinators in every state and several other regions. Because of this structure, entries move from school-level events up through district, state, and national rounds.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

The contest is built for secondary students, specifically those in grades 6 through 12. Projects center on history, but students draw on writing, research, media production, and public presentation skills. As a result, the competition suits a wide range of academic strengths, not only history specialists.

How Many Awards Are Offered?

NHD awards more than 100 cash prizes at the national level, alongside additional scholarships. Prize categories vary by division and project type. The precise amount for each prize is set by NHD and its sponsors, so check the official site for the current year’s figures.

Who Can Apply for the National History Day Contest?

The National History Day Contest is open to students enrolled in grades 6 to 12 nationwide in the United States. Entrants must be United States residents. Students compete in two divisions: Junior for grades 6-8 and Senior for grades 9-12.

You can enter as an individual or, for some categories, as part of a group. Because participation typically starts at the school level, you will usually join through a participating teacher or program.

Funding and Benefits

The contest offers concrete rewards for strong projects. Benefits include:

• More than 100 cash prizes at the national contest.
• Scholarships tied to select award categories.
• Special prizes sponsored by partner organizations for specific topics or formats.
• Recognition at district, state, and national levels.

Beyond the money, students build research and presentation experience that supports college applications. The duration follows the academic year, since students develop projects over months before competing.

Eligibility Requirements for the National History Day Contest

To take part, you should meet the following conditions:

• Be enrolled in grades 6 through 12.
• Be a resident of the United States.
• Compete in the correct division for your grade (Junior or Senior).
• Produce an original project in an approved category: paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website.
• Follow the annual theme and category rules published by NHD.

Because rules can change each cycle, confirm the current theme and format limits before you start building your entry.

Application Process for the National History Day Contest

Entry works through progressive rounds rather than a single online form. For the 2026/2027 academic year, follow these steps:

1. Ask your teacher whether your school participates, or contact your state or regional NHD coordinator.
2. Choose your category and topic in line with the current annual theme.
3. Research and build your project, keeping to the size, length, and format rules.
4. Enter your school or affiliate contest, then advance if selected.
5. Register for state and national rounds as instructed by your coordinator.

Deadlines differ by affiliate, so the 2026/2027 registration and contest dates depend on your state. For queries about dates, categories, or your local round, use the contact details and affiliate directory on the official NHD website.

Official National History Day Website

For full rules, current theme details, and registration links, visit the official site at https://www.nhd.org.