To participate in the Orestes Brownson Essay Contest you must be an undergraduate at a college or university in the United States and 18 years or older on December 31, 2026. To register follow these easy steps:
Register: Provide your name, email address and the other required fields. You will receive a confirmation email.
Submit Your Essay Concept (Optional): When you have decided on your essay concept, return to our website by clicking on the link in the confirmation email and submitting the idea for your essay in 1,000 characters or less. We would be happy to help you clarify your theme. Email us at essay@orestesbrowsonstudies.org.
Due Date: Essays are due December 31, 2026. A dozen Finalists will be announced by the end of January, 2027.
Final Competition: Finalists will defend their papers in person without notes in Washington, D.C. on a date to be determined. We will pay all expenses for travel and lodging. From the twelve Finalists, 8 Winners will be selected to receive cash prizes: one first-place ($3,000), two second-place ($2,000), and 5 third-place ($1,000). If Congress is in session, we will try to arrange a brief meeting with each Finalist's representative.
Orestes Brownson Conference: All contestants are invited to a conference on the following day on some aspect of Brownson’s writing to be held at a local university. More information on the conference will be available soon.
