Courses Announcement: CBC Spouses Essay Contest 2026, USA (Partial Funding)
About the Program
The CBC Spouses Essay Contest 2026 is a prestigious national competition organized by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). It supports outstanding African-American and Black high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong writing skills, and a commitment to addressing issues affecting their communities. The contest provides students with a platform to present their research, analysis, and perspectives on pressing societal challenges.
↚
Degree Level
-
High School Students (Grades 11 and 12)
Eligible Subjects
-
While no specific subject is required, the contest is ideal for students interested in:
-
Social Sciences
-
Public Policy
-
African-American Studies
-
Community Development
-
Political Science
-
Law and Justice
-
Humanities and Writing
-
-
Essays must address the annual topic assigned by CBCF
Scholarship Benefits
-
Monetary Award: $2,000 in scholarship funds
-
National Recognition: Winners honored at the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF-ALC)
-
All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Washington, D.C.: Winners and families invited in September
-
Panel Discussion Participation: Present perspectives during the conference
-
Networking Opportunities: Connect with CBC members, policymakers, scholars, and leaders
-
Resume & College Application Boost: Valuable recognition enhancing applications
Eligible Nationalities
-
U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
-
Must reside in a district represented by a Congressional Black Caucus Member
Eligibility Criteria
-
Grade Level: High school junior (11th) or senior (12th) at the time of submission
-
Racial/Ethnic Identity: Must identify as African-American or Black
-
Citizenship & Residency: U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, living in a CBC-represented district
-
Academic Requirement: Competitive GPA (specific minimum not stated)
-
Essay Requirement: Must respond to the assigned topic with strong research, critical thinking, and analysis
Application Procedure
-
Verify Eligibility: Confirm grade level, identity, citizenship, and district representation
-
Review Essay Topic: Check official CBCF scholarships webpage for the prompt
-
Write the Essay: Conduct research, form a strong argument, follow word count and formatting guidelines
-
Prepare Required Documents: Completed application form, essay, proof of residency, academic transcripts, identification
-
Submit Application Online: Before the deadline, March 27, 2026
-
Await Notification: Winners will be contacted by CBCF
Final Note: The CBC Spouses Essay Contest provides exceptional recognition, financial support, and leadership opportunities to African-American and Black high school students, promoting both academic excellence and community engagement.