Middle School Brochure Contest

In this contest, middle school students create a tri-fold brochure (8½″ × 11″ paper) about a Foundational Document of the United States—for example, the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Articles of Confederation, Federalist Papers, or Articles of Association. Entries are judged on Content, Creativity, and Correctness. 

Who can participate?Open to 6th–8th grade students in public, private, parochial, charter, and home schools. Students may also enter via C.A.R. or Scouting when a school isn’t participating. One brochure per student; no group entries.

How it works
  • Format: One sheet of 8½″ × 11″ paper, tri-folded into six panels (inside/outside). 
  • Theme: Choose one U.S. Foundational Document and interpret it clearly and accurately. 
  • Authorship: Highest credit is given for original student-created text and artwork (software tools are allowed). Avoid copy-paste from books or the internet. 
  • Back panel privacy: The student identification box belongs on the back panel and is covered with a 3″ × 3″ Post-It® during judging at all levels. 
Judging criteriaBrochures are evaluated using a rubric that emphasizes:
  1. Content (historical accuracy, clarity),
  2. Creativity (originality, effective visuals), and
  3. Correctness (organization, grammar, spelling, citations). 
Prizes & levelsCompetition begins at the Chapter level; winners advance to State and then National. National cash awards are set annually (local/state awards vary). Check the current year’s details when you advance. 
Illinois timeline (recommended)
  • Chapter submissions: late February–March (confirm with your local chapter)
  • State judging: April
  • National submission: per NSSAR deadline for that year
    Deadlines vary by chapter—confirm locally before you start. 
How to enter (Illinois)
  1. Ask your history teacher, C.A.R. senior leader, or Scout leader to coordinate with your nearest ILSSAR chapter.
  2. If your school/organization isn’t participating, contact the ILSSAR Youth Programs team and we’ll connect you.

Helpful resources
  • Overview & guidance (National level). 
  • Rules at a glance / panels explained (mirrors of national guidance with the Post-It rule). 
  • Example state pages: eligibility, judging, and theme language. 

Student checklist (print-friendly)
  • Tri-fold from a single 8½″ × 11″ sheet
  • One Foundational Document, explained with accurate facts
  • Original text and student-created artwork
  • Clear organization, headings, and captions
  • Back panel identification box included and cover it with a 3″ × 3″ Post-It® for judging
  • Submit through school/C.A.R./Scout to your local SAR chapter by the local deadline