Initiatives · Young Patriots

Raising the next patriots.

A joint initiative with Dell to raise awareness of patriotism among our middle- and high-school students. Open to the children of SOCA members in grades 6–12.

The 2026 application period is OPEN.

Category 1 — Grades 6–8

“Why is it important for young people to learn about American history and civic responsibility?”

Category 2 — Grades 9–12

“What responsibilities of citizenship do you believe to be the most important?”

The Rules

Read before you write.

Submit a 1–2 page essay.
Attach your most recent report card.
Essays are graded anonymously.
The use of AI to fully write your essay will be checked against an AI detector.
Previous winners are not eligible in consecutive years.
Parent/guardian must maintain active SOCA membership.

Deadline	Submissions due June 27, 2026.
Winners notified	By July 15, 2026.
Prize	Each winner receives a Dell computer.

How to Submit

Three steps to enter.

Write the essay

Write the essay for your grade category.

Attach your report card

Attach your latest report card.

Upload both

Upload both via the SOCA website under Initiatives → Young Patriots Essay.

Questions? Email events@thesoca.org.

Ready?

Show us what patriotism means to you.

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