American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

Since 1938, a public-speaking competition on the U.S. Constitution for high schoolers, run through a multi-level structure (post/local, department/state, and national). Students deliver a prepared oration plus respond to an extemporaneous topic on an assigned constitutional article or amendment. The 2026 finals were held in May 2026, and the next National Finals are scheduled for May 14-16, 2027 at Hillsdale College. Every department (state) winner who competes at nationals receives at least $2,000, with the top three national finishers receiving five-figure scholarships.

Eligibility

Fields of studyPolitical Science · History

DemographicsOpen to students enrolled in grades 9-12 (or equivalent), under age 20 on the date of the national contest, who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Applying

National final: 1st $25,000, 2nd $22,500, 3rd $20,000. Every department (state) winner certified into the national contest receives $2,000 for the first round, plus an additional $2,000 if they advance past it. More than $203,500 was awarded in the 2026 cycle.