The 2026 KHREF Essay Contest invites high school students to explore the question: When if ever do human rights violations by a country against its own citizens justify armed intervention by other countries? Cash prizes of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,250 are awarded to first, second, and third place respectively for two separate contests: one for U.S. students and one for international students. Winners are announced and awards presented by the end of January 2027.
Open to high school students who are citizens or residents of the United States. Participants must be enrolled in a high school or equivalent program at the time of submission. There are no GPA or age restrictions beyond standard high school enrollment.
Essays must be written in English and be a maximum of 2,500 words (not including footnotes and bibliography). Students must support arguments with scholarly research and include citations with names, titles, publication years, and page numbers. A cover page must include: essay title, author's name and grade level, high school name and address, a signed statement from a teacher confirming the student's independent work, and signed statements from the student: (a) confirming they did not use generative AI tools in any aspect of writing, (b) agreeing to participate in a Zoom interview with KHREF board members if they win, and (c) granting permission to publish the essay. Submissions are made by December 10, 2026 (Human Rights Day). Students may submit only one entry per contest cycle.
Most students miss 2659+ scholarships they actually qualify for — don't be one of them.