Students in high school, we have a mission for you, starting Election Day 2025.

Students in High School: We have a mission for you

Over 90,000 days have passed since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America. The first President of the United States took office more than 86,000 days ago. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it only takes one day to make history.

For the presidents of the United States, one day can be enough to chart a new course, reshape a perspective, or throw the world into disarray. One day can define a legacy. We need your help to tell the story of one consequential day in the life of a president…

IN 90 SECONDS OR LESS.

Choose one of the American Presidents and create a video – 90 seconds or less – telling the story of one day during the course of their lifetime. Use at least 3 primary sources as you research. Submit your project to Project POTUS: 24 Hours for the chance to be one of 45 winners- 1 per president, and win up to $1500.

All entries will be reviewed according to the guidelines in the Mission Brief and rules by a qualified, national panel – the Project POTUS Citizen Jury

One video for each of the 45 individuals who have been president will win a Presidential Award of $250, and four of the top scoring entries will win additional prizes up to the Project POTUS: 24 Hours Grand Prize, a total award of $1500. Members of the public will also have the chance to vote for one of the top 10 scoring projects to win a 2026 Citizens Choice Award starting on Tax Day at noon EST on April 15 – midnight EST on April 29, 2026. 

Ready to start your mission? Read the mission brief document to find project guidelines, and review the 2026 contest rules to make sure your project qualifies for awards. Use the resources below and the case files located under each presidential portrait in the Project POTUS winners gallery to begin your research.

Enter your 90 second or less video in the national contest starting Election Day, November 4, 2025 at noon EST. The last day to submit your video is Presidents Day, February 16, 2026, when the Judgify entry portal will close at 11:59pm EST.