DAR Essay Contests, Medals and Scholarships*
Essay Contests
There are multiple essay contests sponsored by the DAR. Students in grades 5 through 12 are welcome to participate in the American History (grades 5-8) and Christopher Columbus (grades 9-12) essay contests. Each chapter selects their chapter winner for consideration at the state level. State winners may then be considered at the division and national level.
Junior American Citizen Contests
JAC contests are offered in art, creative expression and community service for grades K-12. Entries are judged by grade on three levels (gifted, general and special needs) so that every child may enter the contest regardless of ability. Children from youth groups, as well as schools, may participate in the contests.
Medals
DAR Youth Citizenship Medal (formerly known as DAR Good Citizenship Medal) is open to individuals in grades 5-11 and is presented to a student who exemplifies the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal recognizes individuals, eighteen years of age and older, who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. it is awarded to emergency first responders; active duty military and veterans of the United States Armed Forces; and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state, or nation in an exceptional manner.
ROTC Medals are awarded to student cadets of outstanding ability and achievement in high school, junior college, college, or university ROTC programs.
DAR Outstanding Cadet Medal recognizes outstanding student cadets participating in non-ROTC, military-affiliated cadet programs for their outstanding leadership, honor, service, courage, and patriotism.
Scholarships
National Scholarships do not require chapter sponsorship, but we are happy to work with the applicant to put together information for the DAR Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are offered for students pursuing higher education in the areas of nursing, education, legal studies, history, and more.
New York State Scholarships do require chapter sponsorship and include:
There are multiple essay contests sponsored by the DAR. Students in grades 5 through 12 are welcome to participate in the American History (grades 5-8) and Christopher Columbus (grades 9-12) essay contests. Each chapter selects their chapter winner for consideration at the state level. State winners may then be considered at the division and national level.
Junior American Citizen Contests
JAC contests are offered in art, creative expression and community service for grades K-12. Entries are judged by grade on three levels (gifted, general and special needs) so that every child may enter the contest regardless of ability. Children from youth groups, as well as schools, may participate in the contests.
Medals
DAR Youth Citizenship Medal (formerly known as DAR Good Citizenship Medal) is open to individuals in grades 5-11 and is presented to a student who exemplifies the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal recognizes individuals, eighteen years of age and older, who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. it is awarded to emergency first responders; active duty military and veterans of the United States Armed Forces; and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state, or nation in an exceptional manner.
ROTC Medals are awarded to student cadets of outstanding ability and achievement in high school, junior college, college, or university ROTC programs.
DAR Outstanding Cadet Medal recognizes outstanding student cadets participating in non-ROTC, military-affiliated cadet programs for their outstanding leadership, honor, service, courage, and patriotism.
Scholarships
National Scholarships do not require chapter sponsorship, but we are happy to work with the applicant to put together information for the DAR Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are offered for students pursuing higher education in the areas of nursing, education, legal studies, history, and more.
New York State Scholarships do require chapter sponsorship and include:
- Helen and Arnold Barben Scholarship for a young woman from New York State
- Damaris Smith Desimone Scholarship for a New York State resident planning to major in United States History
- New York State DAR Scholarship for a student pursing higher education in New York State
- Peggy Jo Gifford Scholarship for a New York State resident planning to major in United States History, Philanthropic Studies or NonProfit Management