INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Project POTUS, a national civics initiative organized by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, invites middle and high school students to explore American history through a unique video contest.
Running annually from Election Day to Presidents Day, the contest challenges middle school students to create a 60-second video about one of the 45 American presidents, using at least one primary source. High school students participate in Project POTUS: 24 Hours, where they create a 90-second video about a single day in the life of a president, using at least three primary sources.
“It’s really great to talk about the program,” Molly Beausir said, a Presidential Fellow for Project POTUS. “We encourage students to take an interest in civics from a young age and learn about the qualities that make for interesting leaders.”
The program awards nearly $20,000 in total prizes, with 45 winners selected per version of the contest—one for each president. The contest aims to engage students with history and civics, offering awards ranging from $100 to $1,500.
Beausir noted that lesser-known presidents often receive more attention, as the contest awards a winner for each president every year. Millard Fillmore, for example, was the first grand prize winner in 2021.
The initiative has attracted over a thousand participants from more than 30 states, with a strong presence in Indiana, where the program originated. The contest also involves members of the public as judges, who can view and evaluate the student videos.
Students have showcased their creativity through various mediums, including stop-motion Lego videos and original music compositions. This approach has helped engage students who might not typically be interested in history.
Project POTUS continues to expand its reach, encouraging young people to delve into American history and civics through creative storytelling. The contest remains open for entries until Presidents Day, offering a platform for students to share their unique perspectives on historical events.