The Congressional Seminar Essay Contest

The Congressional Seminar Scholarship: The Society of The Colonial Dames participates on a national level in the privately sponsored Congressional seminars, The Washington Workshops, by awarding scholarships to weeklong seminars for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade high school students. Scholarships, awarded on the basis of a 750-word essay on a topic chosen by the National Society, are also funded by the State Society.

Winners spend an entire week in Washington, attending meetings of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court, and becoming acquainted with other governmental offices and institutions. They are entertained at Dumbarton house. Reports from participants reveal they gain a heightened interest in our history and government, excitement about experiencing government in action and a deepened patriotism.

In September of each year, the County Patriotic Service Chairmen will distribute the title for the essay, the entry forms, and other information to history teachers, English teachers, and/or guidance counselors in the high schools.

In January, the County Chairmen will collect the applications and the essays. She and her committee will select the two best entries and send them to the State Chairman for selection of the winners by the State Committee.

Students are welcome to apply in multiple years, however the applicant may be awarded the scholarship only once.

For online submission form, go to www.workshops.org. Scroll to High School Seminars and rectangle for “Scholarship Opportunities, National Society of Colonial Dames of America. Click on “Apply Online.”

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