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Honoring our national history is deeply rooted in our mission, and fostering a future that celebrates this history is equally important. Our grants and scholarships empower new generations of students and professionals to live by the ideals of patriotism and hope.

Congressional Essay Contest

Started in 1977, the Congressional Essay Contest is an annual writing competition run by NSCDA Corporate Societies across the United States. The contest is open to students in public schools, private schools, and home schools. High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors submit essays for a chance to win a scholarship for the Workshop Foundation’s renowned Congressional Seminar in Washington, D.C. The 2025 Congressional Seminar is scheduled for June 23-27.

Winners of the contest will receive full tuition and support for travel to our nation’s capital for the Congressional Seminar, a highly interactive, civics-focused workshop. The scholarship also provides university campus housing and meals, access to world class museums, tours, and more!

To participate in the Congressional Essay Contest, each applicant must:

  • Be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior*
  • Be 16 years of age or older by the start of the seminar the summer after the application deadline
  • Write a compelling 750-word essay

Note: While children and grandchildren of active NSCDA members are encouraged to submit essays and may participate in the Seminar as Legacy Scholars at their family’s expense, they are not eligible for scholarships awarded to Congressional Essay Contest winners.

Describe the principles in the Declaration of Independence you believe are most important in lifting the human condition and explain how they have helped this country meet evolving challenges over our 249 years.

Winners of the contest will receive full tuition and support for travel to our nation’s capital for the Congressional Seminar, a highly interactive, civics-focused workshop. The scholarship also provides university campus housing and meals, access to world-class museums, tours, and more!

Great American Treasures encompasses over 75 historical sites, both grand and modest, that collectively narrate the full story of America’s formation. Experience the drama, humanity, daily life, and monumental triumphs in such a profound way that you’ll never view history the same again.

The concept of Great American Treasures has been evolving for 129 years, with the aim of preserving America’s origins and honoring the pioneers of its founding. While Colonial history is often associated with the period around the Revolutionary War, our story truly began with the discovery, exploration, exploitation, and eventual settlement of this continent.

The journey of this project starts with the NSCDA, a national organization comprising individual state societies. Many of these societies own or help preserve historic sites within their states. In 2014, the NSCDA formed a National Museum Alliance, a unified group with shared expertise and an impressive collection of places and artifacts.

From this Alliance, Great American Treasures emerged as a unique brand with a mission to engage a new generation of history enthusiasts. Designed with visitors in mind, the brand leverages the power of collective storytelling to offer a fresh perspective on history.

Launching a new initiative is never easy, especially one that reimagines how we view history. However, as the public becomes acquainted with Great American Treasures, they will see that this brand is built to endure. It is the result of dedicated efforts by the NSCDA, its staff, museum directors, and creative teams. This project is not just about attracting visitors; it’s a gift to them.

We hope that Great American Treasures will connect with people and open new doors to experiencing historic sites in unprecedented ways. Wherever you find us, know that we are delighted to have you here.

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Jodi King Portrait

American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS)

Adopted as a national project in the 1930s, the American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS) supports students of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native descent pursuing careers in nursing, healthcare, and health education. The scholarship assists students who plan to work on reservations or in hospitals serving Native populations, aiming to improve healthcare within these communities. Recipients receive $1,500 each semester, provided they maintain good academic standing, with funds restricted to tuition and specific academic expenses.

NSCDA-OR’s Native American Nurse Education Committee

The Native American Nurse (NANE) committee supports NSCDA’s American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS). The AIMS scholarship is to support Native American youth toward achieving degrees in nursing and other approved medical fields that will enable them to support their Native American communities.

Beyond providing scholarship support, the NANEP committee continues to seek out opportunities to learn more about Native Americans in Oregon. NANEP committee members visited the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Reservation, engaged with tribal cultural resource staff, and enjoyed watching traditional dances at a powwow. The committee sponsored a popular lecture on the history of American Indians by noted historian Dr. Stephen Dow Beckham and is looking forward to a presentation by William Lang on Joel Palmer, Superintendent for Indian Affairs Oregon Territory. Their growing understanding of Native American culture is reflected in an expanding booklist featuring works by Native American authors and others on Native American history. Many of these selections are available in a lending library to all NSCDA-OR society members.

This dynamic and engaged group welcomes new members who share a passion for Native American history.

The American Heritage Awards

This scholarship award honors organizations, groups, or students who actively foster knowledge of patriotism and American heritage through community engagement, meaningful projects, or academic study. Funded by contributions from Region I societies, this initiative encourages a deeper appreciation of American values.

The American Heritage Awards reflect the NSCDA’s commitment to celebrating patriotism by recognizing those who uphold and promote its ideals. Each year, four Corporate Societies, known as “Spotlight Societies,” select distinguished recipients. In 2021, the Oregon Historical Society, nominated by NSCDA-OR, was among those recognized for its contributions.

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Attingham Scholarship

We’re proud to offer NSCDA museum professionals a rare opportunity: to study the collections and landscapes of historic English country homes at the prestigious Attingham Summer School. This intensive three-week program, based in Britain, provides attendees with an unparalleled curatorial experience.

Recipients of the Attingham Scholarship receive full tuition and a travel stipend for this illustrious program.

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