The mission begins on Election Day. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site needs your help to tell the story of the American Presidency.

A National Initiative from the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Though there have been nearly half a billion citizens since the founding of our nation, there have only been 47 Presidential Administrations in the history of the United States. Project POTUS for middle school, and Project POTUS: 24 Hours – the inaugural national video contest for high school, challenge students to use the presidency as a lens for discovery about our shared American History.

The national civics initiative and video contest for students in middle school and high school from the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site runs annually from Election Day to Presidents Day. 45 winners per version of the contest are selected – one per president. In 2026, Project POTUS will allocate nearly $20,000 in total awards to student winners.

Middle School students: Since the beginning of American History, there have only been 45 individuals who have become the president of the United States… Your mission is to tell the story of one of the American Presidents in a video of 60 seconds or less, using good history resources- including AT LEAST one primary source. 

High School students: There have been over 90,000 days since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Real change takes time, but it only takes one day to make history. Tell the story of ONE DAY in the life of your chosen POTUS in a video of 90 seconds or less – using good history resources and AT LEAST three primary sources.

Ready to join the mission? Review operation details for the national video contest for Middle School and High School and check out past award winning videos and the NEW Presidential Case File resources in the Project POTUS winners gallery.

Know a history enthusiast who would be interested in Project POTUS? Members of the public are encouraged to fill out the Citizen Jury interest form to take part in the evaluation of excellent student projects from middle and high school students across the country. This microvolunteering opportunity is flexible and online/ remote only! Check out our Citizen Jury callout HERE.