Julian Clement Chase Prize for Research Writing on the District of Columbia

Application Guidance for Undergraduate Research Writing Prize

The Julian Clement Chase Prize for Research Writing on the District of Columbia honors the creation and sharing of knowledge in writing that engages audiences in issues at the heart of life in the District of Columbia—past, present, and future. It celebrates boldness in vision and practice, and acknowledges the transformative experience research can bring to the writer. Sponsored by the University Writing Program.

Entries will be reviewed by a committee composed of GW faculty, representatives from the community and former prize winners. To apply, complete the application form below by the deadline: 2025 Deadline TBA

JCC Research Writing Prize Application

Submission Criteria for the Undergraduate Research Writing Prize

Complete applications will be evaluated based on the values shared by the Founders: 

• Appetite, a hunger for & responsiveness to the city of Washington, D.C.
• Boldness, a commitment to a new idea.
• Striving toward humane excellence, with discipline and integrity.
• Building and joining a community with other (re)searchers.
• Weaving university and city

For a fuller sense of these criteria, we invite you to read The Intentions of the Founders.

Potential Topic Areas for Undergraduate Research Writing Prize

Washington, D.C., is the primary focus of the Julian Clement Chase Prize. Therefore, engagement with D.C. plays a critical role in the judging process.

• Social sciences or humanities students might engage D.C. in terms of place, history, neighborhoods and cultures.
• Students in the arts might engage D.C. in terms of its artistic expressions or research related to art that they have created representing the District.
• Students from the sciences might submit research projects that address quality of life issues in D.C.

Collaborative or team projects are welcome, with a clear explanation of how entrants worked together.