National History Day is an educational program that encourages students to engage with our past through a process of project-based learning, in which they “develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking.” Furthermore, it “equips students with the tools necessary to flourish in an ever-evolving democratic society [to be] the next generation of engaged and thoughtful citizens.” The program just marked its 50th year in 2024.

To participate, an individual student or a small group of students would create a history project within the year’s theme. That process begins on the school level and involves cooperative learning and improvement. The website explains that “students present their work to judges, who give all students feedback on their work and select projects to advance to the next level of the competition. Between contest levels, students are encouraged to revise their project based on what they have learned and the judges’ feedback. Students can make any revisions that they want, in accordance with the Contest Rule Book.”

This year’s theme is Rights & Responsibilities in History, a subject that seems particularly important in today’s social and political environment.  For teachers who are interested, here the link to Find Your Local Contest. (There is still time to get started; Southern states’ affiliates have Contest Dates set between late March and early May.)