Youth Conferences and Awards
ROTC/JROTC Awards
The National Sojourners award recognizes cadets who meet the following: (1) Be a sophomore or junior; (2) be in the top 25% of the academic class; (3) have encouraged and demonstrated the ideals of Americanism by deed or conduct or both; (4) have demonstrated potential for outstanding leadership; and (5) have not previously received the award. The award consists of a ribbon with a medal pendant and a certificate.
IMPORTANT READ: See the National Sojourners ROTC Award For Americanism Information Sheet for award application details.
ROTC/JROTC Instructors should submit ALL award requests using the request form to your local Chapter or to National Sojourners Inc., at hq@nationalsojourners.org.
Contact your local National Sojourners Chapter (click here to find a National Sojourners Chapter) or the National Office (hq@nationalsojourners.org) for a Sojourner to attend your presentation event and present the award. Our representative would also be happy to deliver a Toast to the Flag at the opening of your presentation event.
Please send pictures of the presentation with captions to the National Office, whenever possible, to hq@nationalsjourners.org for publication in our National magazine.
Learn more about National Sojourners and ROTC/JROTC with this printable tri-fold JROTC and ROTC brochure.
Essay Contest
National Sojourners, Inc. conducts an annual National essay contest for high school students. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place include a plaque and cash prizes of $3000, $2000 and $1000, respectively. Completed essays must be submitted through a local sponsoring chapter. Interested student applicants should go HERE to find their nearest chapter (in their state or a nearby state) and contact information for potential sponsorship of the essay. Essay deadlines are in January of the year, and a new topic is chosen for the upcoming year. The 2024 Essay submission form is available HERE.https://nationalsojourners.org/wp-content/uploads/NS-2023-2024-Essay-Authorized-Cover-Sheet-FINAL-5May23-fillable.pdf
Youth Leadership Conferences
National Sojourners offers a variety of Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) scholarships for rising high school juniors at both Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge and at many regional sites nationwide in partnership with the Military Order of World Wars. The YLCs are designed to instill a sense of patriotism and enhance civic responsibility by “teaching young Americans about America”. Note that the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has placed all National Sojourner sponsored Youth Leadership Conferences (YLCs) on its list of Approved Contests, Programs and Activities for Students.
The Spirit of America YLC Freedoms Foundation
Valley Forge
The Spirit of America YLC at Freedoms Foundation is a four-day conference which affords students an opportunity to interact with experts on citizenship, democracy, the free enterprise system, the judicial system, and the American political process. The program includes thought-provoking lectures; historical tours of Valley Forge and Philadelphia; and experiential workshops, all designed to develop leadership skills and deepen an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of engaged citizenship.
For more details on the Spirit of America YLC program refer to these informational trifold and student packets:
2024 National Sojourners Trifold for Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge-2024 Flyer and Application
Regional YLCs
Joint MOWW/National Sojourner Sponsored
Regional YLC attendees receive patriotic education, including elements of leadership needed to maintain a free society, concepts of a free enterprise system, and the founding principles upon which the US was built. Attendees develop an appreciation for the Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc., and an awareness of the civic responsibilities associated with preserving rights and freedoms. Students also develop leadership and public speaking skills that help them be better citizens and future leaders.
The 2023 Schedule can be found HERE.
Contact your local NSI Chapter or NSI HQ, phone: 703-765-5000, for information on NSI sponsorship to Regional YLCs. Please provide a brief bio to include your name; age; contact information; high school grade and academic standing; overview of your extracurricular activities; and a brief explanation of why you desire to attend.
https://www.moww.org/programs/patriotic-education-program