The National Center for State Courts is sponsoring its fourth annual national civics education essay contest for elementary, middle, and high school students.

In recognition of Law Day, May 1, 2017, the essay contest focuses on the 14th Amendment, which addresses citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws.  NCSC is asking 3rd-12th grade students the following question: What does it mean to be a U.S. citizen?

Last year, we received more than 300 entries from 13 states. Please help get the word out about the contest by sharing this information with teachers and schools in your area, and encouraging them to incorporate the 14th Amendment and our contest question into their lesson plans.

Submissions will be divided into three groups: 3rd-5th graders; 6th-8th graders; and 9th-12th graders. Entries for all grade levels must be 100 words or less and typed and submitted online at www.ncsc.org/contest<http://www.ncsc.org/contest>. Handwritten submissions will also be accepted and may be sent to:

National Center for State Courts
c/o Deirdre Roesch
300 Newport Ave.
Williamsburg, Va. 23185

PRIZES:

*         First place winners will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.

*         Second place winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

*         Third place winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

First- and second-place winners will receive a class set of NCSC’s graphic novel, Justice Case Files.

­All submissions are due February 24, 2017.

Complete contest details and the contest flyer<http://www.ncsc.org/~/media/Files/PDF/Education%20and%20Careers/civics/2017-essay-contest.ashx> are available at www.ncsc.org/contest<http://www.ncsc.org/contest>.