The Orestes Brownson Essay Contest is open to undergraduates in the United States with cash prizes up of $5,000. Since Brownson wrote on just about every aspect of culture, science, government, and philosophy, your essay could cover any of his interests. We offer some suggestions here. Ideally, your essay will complement one or more of the papers you are already assigned in your course work.
To participate, follow these easy steps:
Register: Provide your name, email address and the other required fields. You will receive a confirmation email.
Submit Your Essay Concept: When you have decided on your essay concept, return to our website by clicking on the link in the confirmation email and submitting your idea in 1,000 characters or less. Let us help you clarify your theme by emailing essay@amfamproject.org.
Approval: If we approve your suggested essay topic, we will invite you to submit a full essay. Full essays are due December 31, 2025. A dozen Finalists will be announced by the end of February, 2026.
Final Competition: Finalists will defend their papers in person in Washington, D.C. on April 15, 2026. We will select 8 Winners: one first-place ($5,000), two second-place ($2,500), and 5 third-place ($1,000). Along with the prize award, we will cover the travel and accommodations cost for all Finalists. If Congress is in session, we will try to arrange a brief meeting with each Finalist’s representative.
Orestes Brownson Conference: All contestants are invited to a conference marking the 150th anniversary of the death of Orestes Brownson at The Catholic University of American on the following day April 16, 2026. More information on the conference will be available soon.