“To encourage and recognize our youth as the next generation of family historians.”

Deadline for submissions is 15 December, annually.

The Rubincam Youth Writing Competition was established in 1986 to honor Milton Rubincam, CG, FASG, FNGS, for his many years of service to the National Genealogical Society and to the field of genealogy. These awards encourage and recognize our youth as the next generation of family historians.

The awards may be given annually to a student in either the junior category (grades 6-8) or senior category (grades 9-12) for an appropriately prepared genealogy. Up to two honorable mentions (runners-up) may also be named in each category. The awards are announced and presented at the annual NGS Banquet at the annual NGS Family History Conference. If the winners are not present, award presentations may be made at another agreed-upon time.

Senior

High school students in grades 9–12 at the time of submission. The award winner receives a $500 cash prize, a plaque, and a one-year NGS membership (non-print). Presentation details of the winning submission may appear in NGS Magazine. (This was the only category in the Rubincam Youth Writing Competition until 2007.)

Junior

Middle school students in grades 6–8 at the time of submission. The award winner receives a $250 cash prize, a plaque, and a one-year NGS membership (non-print). Presentation details of the winning submission may appear in NGS Magazine. (This category was established in 2007.)

STUDENTS

• Young persons worldwide are eligible to apply.
• NGS membership is not required.
• Students must apply under the appropriate age/grade award.

SUBMISSIONS

• Must be in English
• Must be original unpublished work
• Become property of NGS and will not be returned
• Are not eligible for later resubmission
• Will not be returned if incomplete

The following downloadable PDF files detail submission requirements for both the Senior and the Junior categories of the Rubincam Youth Writing Competition.

Senior Rubincam Youth Writing Competition Submission Requirements (PDF 817KB) >

Junior Rubincam Youth Writing Competition Submission Requirements (PDF 634KB) >

Deadline for submissions is 15 December, annually.

Note: Email contact information is required for all submissions.