The 2026 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, an annual essay and video competition, is now accepting entries from high school students who reside within the geographic region of the Ninth Circuit.  The contest theme is “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness—Your Voice. Your Story. Your America.”  The theme celebrates the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Montana essay and video winners will share $7,000 in total cash prizes–$2,000 for first place, $1,00 for second place and $500 for third place.  Winners of the Montana contest will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes at Ninth Circuit level.  Essay and video winners at the circuit level will share $11,400 in total cash prizes–$3,000 for first place, $1,700 for second place and $1,000 for third place.

For mor information and registration, please visit https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest/.