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Student Essay Contest

The Michigan Historical Review's essay contest, open to graduate students each year. 

An essay contest highlighting student scholars

PUB - Pen and Paper

​Student Essay Contest

Each year, The Michigan Historical Review invites graduate students studying Michigan history to submit their research papers.

Earn a cash prize of $1,000 and get your work published!

Have your scholarship published in The Michigan Historical Review after a blind review by a panel of professional historians in addition to the cash award.

Details: 

  • Graduate student essays must be on the history of Michigan, the Great Lakes region, or their peoples. We welcome topics on American, Canadian, and Midwest history that explore themes related to Michigan's past.
  • Essays must include significant original research in primary sources and represent an addition to historical knowledge. They will be judged based on originality, research, writing style, and proper documentation.
  • Manuscripts should be 10,000-15,000 words in length, double-spaced and footnoted in Chicago Style. To permit anonymous reviewing the author's name should not appear in the manuscript.
  • The winning essay's author will receive $500 immediately and an additional $500 once the article is ready for publication. Winning authors will be required to complete direct deposit forms. Strong essays that do not win may receive editorial advice and encouragement for publication.
  • Submit your essay and a cover letter identifying your school, program, and the paper's supervisor before July 1, 2023. ​​

Questions?

For any clarifications or questions regarding the Student Essay Contest, send an email to editor@hsmichigan.org to speak with a member of our editorial team.