Each spring, the Chase Center hosts a student writing competition in which students address civics-related topics such as the 2026 prompt, "Is global citizenship more important than U.S. citizenship?" Students have 90 minutes to write a 1,000-word essay on the selected topic. No outside electronic or other materials are permitted.
Three scholarships totaling $7,500 are available to the winners from the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society.
First place winner receives $3,500, second place $2,500, and third place $1,500.
The contest is for undergraduate students enrolled in Spring courses at The Ohio State University.
Participants write on the importance—or possible irrelevance—of citizenship, but the exact prompt remains undisclosed until the competition begins.
Note: Federal regulations prohibit a student from receiving resources in excess of their total cost of attendance. For any questions regarding how accepting funds may impact your financial aid, email Buckeyelink or call 614-292-0300 with any questions.