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CBC Spouses Essay Contest, USA

Scholarship
USA
On-site
Published Mar 14, 2026

Overview

The contest is open to the following level:

High School Students (Grades 11 and 12)

Description

The contest is open to the following level:

High School Students (Grades 11 and 12)

Eligibility

To qualify for the CBC Spouses Essay Contest 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Grade Level:

Must be a high school junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) at the time of submission.

Racial/Ethnic Identity:

Must identify as African-American or Black.

Citizenship Status:

Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Residency Requirement:

Must live in a district represented by a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Academic Requirement:

A competitive GPA (specific minimum not stated but academic strength is evaluated).

Essay Requirement:

Must submit an essay responding to the assigned topic for the year, demonstrating strong research, critical thinking, and analysis.

Additional Information

Degree Level

The contest is open to the following level:

High School Students (Grades 11 and 12)

Available Subjects

While the contest does not require a specific subject, it is ideal for students interested in:

Social Sciences
Public Policy
African-American Studies
Community Development
Political Science
Law and Justice
Humanities and Writing
Essays must address the assigned topic announced annually by the CBCF.

Benefits

Students selected for this contest receive exceptional opportunities:

Monetary Award:

Winners receive $2,000 in scholarship funds.

National Recognition:

Winners are honored at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF-ALC).

All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Washington, D.C.:

Winners and their families are invited to Washington, D.C., in September.

Panel Discussion Participation:

Winners present their perspectives on a panel during the conference.

Networking Opportunities:

Connect with CBC members, policymakers, scholars, and leaders from across the country.

Resume and College Application Boost:

Valuable recognition that strengthens college and scholarship applications.

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants must be:

U.S. Citizens or
Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
AND
Must reside in a district represented by a Congressional Black Caucus Member.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CBC Spouses Essay Contest 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Grade Level:

Must be a high school junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) at the time of submission.

Racial/Ethnic Identity:

Must identify as African-American or Black.

Citizenship Status:

Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Residency Requirement:

Must live in a district represented by a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Academic Requirement:

A competitive GPA (specific minimum not stated but academic strength is evaluated).

Essay Requirement:

Must submit an essay responding to the assigned topic for the year, demonstrating strong research, critical thinking, and analysis.

Application Procedure

Follow these steps to apply for the 2026 edition:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the requirements related to grade level, identity, citizenship, and district representation.
Step 2: Review the Essay Topic
Visit the official CBCF scholarships webpage to review the essay prompt for the year.
Step 3: Write the Essay
Conduct research on the topic.
Form a strong argument supported by credible evidence.
Follow word count and formatting guidelines provided by CBCF.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

These may include:

Completed application form
Essay submission
Proof of residency
Academic transcripts
Identification documents
Step 5: Submit the Application Online
Submit all materials before the deadline: March 27, 2026.
Step 6: Await Notification
Selected winners will be contacted by the CBC Foundation and invited to Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

Who can apply for the CBC Spouses Essay Contest? High school juniors and seniors who identify as African-American or Black, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and reside in a congressional district represented by a CBC member.
What is the scholarship amount? Each winner receives a $2,000 scholarship award.
Do winners need to attend the conference in Washington, D.C.? Yes, winners and their families are invited to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, where students participate in a panel discussion and receive recognition.

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Funding

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Organization

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Degree

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Subjects

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Nationality

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Country

USA

Source

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