About NGS

Rubincam Youth Writing Competition

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

Deadline for submissions is 15 December, annually.

History

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.

Categories

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.)

General Guidelines for the Awards

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  • Must be original unpublished work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

Submission Instructions

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.

Senior Rubincam Youth Writing Competition Submissions Online Form Junior Rubincam Youth Writing Competition Submissions Online Form
Senior Application Form (Online Application) > Junior Application Form (Online Application) >

Note: Email contact information is required for all submissions.

NGS Rubincam Youth Writing Competition—Past Winners

AWARD YEAR SENIOR RUBINCAM YOUTH WRITING COMPETITION JUNIOR RUBINCAM YOUTH WRITING COMPETITION
2022 Julian Ananyev Maverick C. Marsh
2021 Wren Marsh Asa Marsh
2020 Jason DiRusso Andrea Bergamaschi
2019 Adriana Sela Andre Galistinos
2018 Ryan Bobo, Meridian, Idaho no winner
2017 Ryan Patrick Day Katie Cowart
2016 Jane M. Wilkey Amelia Dogan
2015 Erin Rose O’Hara Adam Wickham
2014 Rachel Hattok no winner
2013 Andrew Staton no winner
2012 Nathan Thomas Wheeler Oliver Patterson
2011 Matthew Dalton Lauderback no winner
2009 Thomas Adams no winner
2003 D. Joshua Taylor no winner
2002 Matthew Clayton Mitchell no winner
2001 Scott David Seidler no winner