The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is committed to educating the next generation of peacebuilders about the U.S. role in preventing and resolving conflicts around the world, and about the important part that young people can play as engaged global citizens.
Starting in 1987, USIP challenged students to think critically about global issues of conflict and peace through the National Peace Essay Contest (NPEC). USIP then expanded its work with young people in more recent years with the creation of the Global Peacebuilding Center in 2011. Now, USIP is building upon the legacy of the NPEC (which was wrapped up in 2014) and expanding the ongoing work of the Global Peacebuilding Center by partnering with other organizations on some new initiatives for students:
- AFSA National High School Essay Contest
- National History Day
- Academic WorldQuest
- Archived material for the former National Peace Essay Contest
National High School Essay Contest
USIP is proud to partner with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on the annual National High School Essay Contest for 2016-2017. The contest engages high school students each year in learning and writing about issues of peace and conflict, encouraging appreciation for diplomacy’s role in building partnerships that can advance peacebuilding and protect national security.
Semester at Sea’s Vince Schaff, 2016 Winner Dylan Borne, USIP President Nancy Lindborg and AFSA President Barbara Stephenson
The 2016-2017 contest challenges students to closely examine the causes and impact of the refugee crisis. The winner of the contest will receive a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the secretary of state and USIP leadership, and a full-tuition paid voyage with Semester at Sea upon the student’s enrollment at an accredited university. The runner-up will receive a $1,250 cash prize and a full scholarship to participate in the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference. The deadline for the contest is March 15, 2017. Learn more about the question and contest rules.
National History Day
The U.S. Institute of Peace is proud to sponsor a Special Prize at the national level as part of National History Day. The Global Peace Prize is awarded annually to the top middle and high school entries that demonstrate America’s commitment to peace, including the role that individuals, organizations and/or the U.S. government have played in advancing the cause of global peace, this year using the theme “Taking a Stand in History.” Students can present their research in many different ways – through essays, exhibits, documentaries, performances, and websites. Learn more about NHD, the Global Peace Prize and the 2017 theme!
Academic WorldQuest
Each year, the World Affairs Council of America (WACA) engages more than 4,000 high school students across the U.S. in quiz contests that test their knowledge of global issues and foreign policy in 10 categories. USIP is pleased to collaborate this year with WACA to add a peace and conflict strand to Academic WorldQuest 2017. Check out the resources for the “Peace and Conflict in Today’s World” category!
Archived material for the former National Peace Essay Contest
For 27 years, the National Peace Essay Contest promoted serious discussion among high school students, teachers, and national leaders about international peace and conflict resolution today and in the future.
Archived information on the contests is available:
- Winning Essays
- 2012-2013 Contest
- 2011-2012 Contest
- 2010-2011 Contest
- 2009-2010 Contest
- 2008-2009 Contest
- 2007-2008 Contest
- 2006-2007 Contest
Past NPEC national and state winners should submit scholarship requests to essaycontest@usip.org.
