The competition is open to public, private and parochial school students and to home-schooled and distance-learning students living in:
The competition is also open to:
- American students living outside of the continental United States;
- Non-American students attending American schools outside of the continental United States;
- Foreign-exchange students studying in the United States;
- Legal aliens and legal visitors studying in the United States;
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All students participating in dual enrollment programs, which combine classes for a high-school diploma and college credit, whether studying on a high school or college campus; and
- GED-program students, 20 years of age and younger.
We invite 9th – 12th grade students at all levels of academic placement to participate.
Teacher Entry Selection and Sponsorship
To be eligible, students must request competition sponsorship from their Social Studies or English teacher. If not taking Social Studies and English classes this semester, students may request sponsorship from a former or upcoming Social Studies or English teacher. Guidance counselors should direct students to their Social Studies and English teachers for class participation and sponsorship.
Sponsoring Social Studies and English teachers select final entries to represent their classes at the national level of competition. Teachers may select a total of:
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Two final entries per class period;
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An additional two entries from former students not enrolled in Social Studies and English classes this semester, who request their sponsorship; and
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An additional two entries from upcoming students not enrolled in Social Studies and English classes this semester, who request their sponsorship.
Sponsoring teachers also:
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Edit student essays, as deemed appropriate to enhance learning, but not to detract from students’ original presentations;
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Sign registration forms; and
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Enter the total number of students who competed, as designated on each registration form.
Home-School and Distance-Learning Teacher Entry Selection and Sponsorship
Home-school and distance-learning teachers may select two final entries per home-school group or distance-learning class to represent the group at the national level of competition.
Sponsoring home-school and distance-learning teachers also:
