History day

Middle and high school students from around the world are taking their learning beyond the textbook with the annual National History Day Contest.

This project-based contest provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their historical research skills through one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance and website.

Guided by an annual theme, students are encouraged to choose a topic that matches their personal interests.

The 2017 theme is Taking a Stand in History.

Students enter their projects in local level contests, with the top entries advancing to regional, state/affiliate, and national levels.

Along the way, students compete for honors, awards, and thousands of dollars in scholarships.

The best entries from around the world will be invited to the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest in June 2017 at the University of Maryland at College Park.

An independent study on the impact of the National History Day Contest found that students who actively participate outperform their counterparts in all levels of academia, including standardized tests.

Participants also expressed greater confidence with research, communication, and analytical skills.

More information on is available at nhd.org/why-nhd-works.