Campus-to-Congress Policy Challenge

Analyze systemic federal policy issues. Write for policymakers. Win recognition.

Submit Your Memo Learn the Rules

📋 Deliverable

1–2 page policy memo (max 1,000 words) addressing a federal-level systemic issue with clear structural analysis.

🎯 Who Can Enter

College students (undergraduate or graduate, any major, any U.S. institution). Individual submissions only.

🏆 Timeline

Launch: Feb 1 | Deadline: Feb 21 | Winners: Mar 1

Rules & Eligibility

Eligibility

Deliverable Requirements

What Your Memo Must Address

Your memo must tackle one federal-level systemic policy issue by explaining:

  1. The Structural Basis – Show institutional frameworks, incentive structures, or regulatory mechanisms that create the problem
  2. Why Federal Intervention Is Necessary – Explain federal shortfalls and why the federal government must act now
  3. Your Recommendation – Propose specific federal action(s)
  4. Implementation & Feasibility – Address challenges and realistic obstacles

Topic Examples (Choose Any Federal-Level Issue)

Academic Integrity

Honor Statement: By submitting, you affirm that:
✓ This memo is your own original work
✓ You have not submitted this work elsewhere
✓ All sources are properly cited
✓ No unauthorized collaborations

How to Submit

Submission Deadline

Friday, February 21, 2026, 11:59 PM CST

Late submissions cannot be accepted.

Submission Steps

  1. Complete the submission form (link below)
  2. Provide your name, email, and school
  3. Select your policy topic category
  4. Upload your memo as a PDF or DOCX file
  5. Confirm the honor statement
  6. Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission
Submit Your Memo

Evaluation & Prizes

Judging Panel

Memos are evaluated by judges with expertise in policy, law, public administration, or related fields. Memos are judged anonymously (blind review).

Rubric (Total: 20 points)

Criterion What We Look For Points
Problem Clarity & Evidence Is the systemic issue clearly defined? Does it identify root causes (structural) rather than symptoms? Is it supported by credible evidence? 0–5
Federal Necessity & Analysis Does it articulate why federal intervention is essential? Does it explain current federal shortcomings? Is urgency established? 0–5
Feasibility & Implementation Is the recommended action realistic and actionable? Are implementation challenges honestly addressed? Are obstacles acknowledged? 0–5
Clarity & Writing Quality Is the memo well-organized and easy to follow? Is language professional? Is it concise and compelling for a busy decision-maker? 0–5

Example Memo

Review this example memo for analysis level and writing quality expectations.

View Example Memo (PDF)

Winner Selection

  1. Independent judges score each memo using the rubric
  2. Average scores determine ranking
  3. Ties broken by reread and consensus discussion
  4. Winners announced March 1

Prizes

Timeline

February 1, 2026

Competition Launch

Submission form opens.

February 21, 2026

Submission Deadline

11:59 PM CST. All memos must be received by this time. No late submissions.

February 22–28, 2026

Judging Period

Judges anonymously score all memos using the rubric. Deliberation and ranking.

March 1, 2026

Winners Announced

1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mentions notified via email. Public announcement on this site.