American History Essay Contest

Each school year, DAR invites students in grades 5 through 8 to write an essay on an American history topic. California chapters bring the contest to local public, private, parochial, and home-school students. Topics, rules, and deadlines are on the National Society’s Essay Contests page, or ask your local chapter.

DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest

High schools choose one senior each year as their DAR Good Citizen, a student who stands out for dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Good Citizens may also enter a scholarship contest. Eligibility and contest details are on dar.org.

ROTC/JROTC Awards

California chapters present DAR medals to outstanding cadets: a gold medal for college ROTC graduates receiving their commission, and a bronze medal for high school JROTC cadets. Eligibility details are on the National Society’s Youth Leadership Medals page.