“Making Corruption History”

High School Essay Contest

05/15/26

Deadline

9-12

grade Level

500-3,000

word count

$500

1st cash prize

$300

2nd cash prize

Overview

The Museum of Political Corruption invites high school students across the United States to take part in the 1st Annual “Making Corruption History” Essay Contest. This is your chance to explore real stories, big ideas, and important questions about corruption and why it matters today.

Whether you’re writing about a major scandal from U.S. history, a courageous person who stood up for what’s right, or your own thoughts on how corruption affects young people, your voice matters. We want to hear your perspective, your ideas, and your vision for a better future.

Students in grades 9–12 are welcome to submit an original essay between 500 and 3,000 words. Winning entries will receive $500 (1st place) and $300 (2nd place), and may even be featured by the Museum.

If you care about fairness, justice, leadership, or history — this is your moment to speak up.

PROMPTS (Choose one)

The United States has witnessed many major political scandals and examples of political corruption, such as the Boss Tweed thefts (1870s), Teapot Dome (1920s), and Watergate (1970s). Write an essay about any example of political corruption in US history and why it matters.
The United States has witnessed many brave individuals stand up to political corruption. Write an essay about one such person from either the past or present, whether they were effective, and what we can learn from their experiences.
Write an essay that addresses one or more of the following questions: Why does political corruption matter? How do you recognize it? Does it affect the lives of young people, and if so, in what ways? What can be done about it?

Official rules and guidelines

Eligibility

The contest is open to students currently enrolled in grades 9–12. Students must attend a U.S. public, private, charter, or homeschool program recognized by their state. Each student may submit one original essay.

Essay Topic

Essays must address the official contest prompt. Submissions should demonstrate critical thinking, originality, and clarity of expression. Essays that do not address the prompt may be disqualified.

Word Count

Essays must be between 500 and 3,000 words, unless otherwise specified. Word count does not include the title or bibliography (if applicable). Essays that exceed or fall below the word limit may be disqualified.

Formatting Requirements

Essays must: Be typed and double-spaced, use 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar standard font), and have 1-inch margins on all sides. Pages must be numbered.
The student’s name, school, grade, and essay title should appear on a separate cover page only (to allow for blind judging).

Originality and Academic Integrity

Essays must be the student’s own original work. Plagiarism or the use of AI-generated content without acknowledgment is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Any sources used must be properly cited in a recognized format (MLA, APA, or Chicago).

Use of Sources

Students may use outside sources unless otherwise stated. All quotations, paraphrases, and ideas drawn from other works must be clearly cited. Excessive reliance on sources may weaken the evaluation of original thought.

Submission Guidelines

Essays must be submitted by the posted deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted. Submissions must be in PDF or Word format , unless otherwise specified. Essays must be submitted through the official online form: bit.ly/MPCEssay2026

Judging Criteria

Essays will be evaluated based on: Relevance to the topic, Originality and depth of thought, Organization and clarity, Grammar, spelling, and style, Effective use of evidence (if applicable). Judges’ decisions are final.

Awards and Recognition

Winners will be notified by email or through their school. Winning essays may be published or publicly shared with the student’s permission. The first‑place winner will receive $500 , and the second‑place winner will receive $300. Prizes, when offered, are non-transferable.

Rights and Permissions

By submitting an essay, students grant the contest organizers the right to publish or reproduce the work for educational and promotional purposes, with proper credit to the author.

Code of Conduct

Essays must not contain hateful, obscene, or threatening language. Submissions must comply with all applicable school and district policies.

Questions

Questions regarding the contest should be directed to the contest organizers by the stated contact method.