The World Historian Student Essay Prize is an annual essay competition run by the World History Association (WHA), open to students in grades K–12 from any country. Students write an essay of approximately 1,000 words on a family story, personal cultural background, issue of personal relevance, or regional history, and discuss how it relates to them personally and to world history.
Essay requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 1,000 words |
| Format | Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins |
| Topic | Personal, family, or regional connection to world history |
| Criteria | Clear thesis, specific personal examples, critical thinking, organization |
Prize:
| Award | Details |
|---|---|
| First place | $500 cash + 1-year WHA membership |
Submission notes:
Membership in the WHA is not required. Past winners may not compete in the same category again, and finalist essays are checked for AI-generated content. The WHA may publish submitted essays in the online World History Bulletin in consultation with the author.