Education Resources

“Betsy Ross” visits schools to help teach about the American Revolution.
 “Betsy Ross” visits schools  to help teach about the American Revolution.

The Colorado Daughters of the American Revolution (CO DAR) and the National Society  (NSDAR) offer many resources on American history for teachers from elementary to high school as well as parents who home school their children. Art and essay contests provide opportunities for teachers to engage their students in creative competitions around historical topics. 

The DAR speakers staff can provide Daughters to speak to students on history and social studies topics. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors and for adults.  In addition, Colorado DAR recognizes an outstanding American History teacher in the state each year.   

American History Essay Contest – Grades 5- 8

Ride of Paul RevereThe contest is open to all students in public, private, or parochial schools, and in registered home-study programs. The theme varies each year, but relates to a character -- such as Paul Revere -- or an event  in American history.  Find out more details at the DAR National site here.

 

Christopher Columbus Essay Contest - Grades 9-12

Since 1996, the NSDAR has joined with the National Italian American Foundation to sponsor an annual national essay contest on Christopher Columbus. The essay topic changes annually and the contest runs during a school year. 

Junior American Citizens  

Junior American Citizens (JAC) offers contests for students, preschool through grade 12, in three categories: gifted, general, and special needs. The JAC was founded in 1901 to promote practical ideas for service to home, community, school and country to encourage a deeper sense of social responsibility and interest in civics and the history of the U.S.

Any school, organization or person can participate in the JAC Contest using free materials under sponsorship of a local DAR chapter. The current national theme is: "America, Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.” Options include:

  • JAC 4th grade poster winner.
    JAC 4th grade poster winner.
    Art contests - Create a poster, a postal stamp, or a banner made of paper or fabric (made in groups of 3 students).
  • Photographic Essay – Up to 25 color photographs illustrating the theme.
  • Community Service - Up to 15 color photographs with a descriptive text of 500 words or less.
  • Writing - Poem (of 300 words or less) or Short Story of (500 words or less) written from the first person or third person point of view.

For more information on JAC and other Colorado DAR essay contests, click here. To learn more about Junior American Citizens, visit this portion of the national DAR web site.

Scholarship

The Colorado DAR awards three scholarships to U.S. citizens based on academic excellence, field of study (if applicable) and need. The scholarships are awarded without regard to race, religion, gender or national origin. Individuals who wish to apply must obtain a letter of sponsorship from a Colorado DAR chapter.


  •  Former DAR State American History Chair Barb Smith recognizes   Erica Wiener for her winning history essay
    Honorary State Regents’ American History Scholarship– is given to a Colorado high school senior in the top fifth of his or her graduating class (or home-schooled student) who plans to major in American History.
  • Adult Advanced Education Scholarship– is given to further the education, in any field, to an adult whose education was interrupted for at least one year.
  • Virginia Leyda Roberts Nursing Scholarship - is given to a graduating senior pursuing a degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school.

Applications are available from the Colorado State Scholarship Chairman.  All three scholarships are determined by impartial committees of persons outside of DAR.