Updated May 22, 2025

The Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for high school students is a major project of the NSCDA in partnership with the Washington Workshops Foundation. High school students interested in American history and government have a unique opportunity to see the “inside” of Washington and meet with our local Congressional delegation, as well as representatives from the judicial and executive branches of government.

Students will:

  • hear from members of Congress and other high-ranking officials;
  • meet state representatives and senators;
  • tour government buildings and foreign embassies;
  • visit local historic sites, monuments and memorials;
  • spend time with high school students from all over the country who share your interests; and,
  • learn about a future in government and international relations or how you can become more involved in the electoral process.

The Illinois Society conducts the competition within our state, choosing the student(s) who receive scholarships to attend the program. Winners receive full tuition, housing and two meals daily as participants in the Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar program.

To Enter

  • How? Write an essay.

    Essay topic:

    Describe the principles in the Declaration of Independence you believe are most important in lifting the human condition and explain how they have helped this country meet evolving challenges over our 249 years.

  • SEND APPLICATION & ESSAY BY DECEMBER 1

    Illinois students should send their completed applications and essays, either electronically or by regular mail to:

    Molly Bolash
    2425 Lincoln Street
    Evanston, IL 60201-7975

    Email: mollymegv@gmail.com

  • Contest Winners

    The Illinois winners of the essay contest are awarded a scholarship to attend a week-long Washington Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar in Washington, DC, including full tuition, room and board for the program and round-trip transportation fare.

    Winners will be notified by March 31.

Information for Teachers and Parents

  • The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America is pleased to offer this amazing opportunity to students.
  • We welcome essays from students. If they are participating as part of a class project, please note that all students should submit an application form.
  • We invite essay submissions from students who are interested in the Congressional Seminar experience and are likely to be available for attendance, should they win.
  • Students may enter online or send hard copies via mail to the Illinois Society contact (noted below). If the Illinois contact has not been in touch with you, please contact Dames@DumbartonHouse.org to obtain the address for mailing. (Kindly reference “Essay Contest” as subject and give your city and state.)
  • Students using the postal service should submit their completed application form plus three (3) copies of their essay. Essays (750 words or fewer, excluding references and title) must be typed, double-spaced and printed on one side of paper only.
  • Please see the National Society’s Congressional Essay Contest webpage for links to helpful resources, a video about the program, posters and more.

Learn More

Questions?

Get in Touch

Molly Bolash
Chair, Patriotic Service Committee

312-622-3209

Mailing Address

Molly Bolash
2425 Lincoln Street, Evanston, IL 60201-7975