Degenerate! Hitler’s War on Modern Art

This year’s writing contest is inspired by the special exhibit Degenerate! Hitler's War on Modern Art. 

Essay Prompt

According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab, "the argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner."

Write an argumentative essay explaining the importance of freedom of expression in the arts. You must refer back to Hitler’s war on modern art within the essay. Be sure to follow all requirements below on length, sources, citations and bibliography.

Please see the webpage with more information on the topic and contest policies.

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/school-programs/student-writing-contest 

The Billy Michal Student Leadership Award is presented annually to one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embodies the American spirit in his or her community. The values of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity, and perseverance can and should be learned and lived by all Americans, regardless of age. 

The 51 selected student leadership award winners will travel to New Orleans June 4-7, 2026, along with a parent or chaperone, all expenses paid, to attend the 2026 American Spirit Awards, where they will represent their state at the event. Students will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Museum, participate in leadership activities with their cohort and attend an awards ceremony to honor their accomplishments. 

Nomination criteria:

· Nominees must be in grades 8–12.

· Only individual students can be nominated, not groups.

· Students cannot be nominated by a family member.

· Students must be in public, private, parochial, or home school in the United States.

· Nominations must be submitted through the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award webpage by January 23, 2026.

Awardees will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to making a positive contribution to their school, community, country, and/or the world. Only fully completed nominations will be eligible for consideration.

WWII Educator Seminar 2026

Dates: July 6, 2026- July 10, 2026

Objective: By the end of the week, educators will have a better understanding of World War II and the best strategies to use Museum resources to teach about the war. Additionally, educators will gain pedagogical tools to not only strengthen their teaching of World War II but also bring history alive for their students in new ways.

Target Audience: Grades 5-12 Social Studies teachers, English teachers, Librarians, and current or pre-service teachers

Educators will receive: 

· Arranged airfare OR a reimbursement for travel if within driving distance

· Transportation from and to the New Orleans airport if flying/paid parking if driving

· Double-occupancy rooming at The Higgins Hotel (across the street from the Museum) [*If educators would like a single-occupancy room, they may pay for half of the room rate]

· 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner

· Curriculum, books, and materials

· Certificate of completion showing 25 hours of professional development

 *Educators who complete the workshop will be required to design and facilitate one professional development session on their own within the 2026-2027 school year. More information will be given to those who are accepted.

 Applications:

Applications will be accepted October 27, 2025-January 23, 2026

Louisiana Teacher Academy

Dates: June 7-June 13, 2026

This workshop is designed exclusively for Louisiana educators. It will provide an in-depth look at the complexities and relevancy of World War II, paying close attention to what is covered in the 2022 K-12 Louisiana Student Standards for Social Studies. 

Additionally, participants will learn how to implement Louisiana History Day in their classrooms and schools (requirements of participants). 

Target Audience: Social Studies teachers in Louisiana 

Educators will receive: 

· Mileage reimbursement for travel

· Double-occupancy rooming at The Higgins Hotel (across the street from the Museum) [*If educators would like a single-occupancy room, they may pay for half of the room rate]

· 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner

· Curriculum, books, and materials

· Certificate of completion showing 40 hours of professional development

 *Educators who complete the workshop will be required to judge National History Day OR participate in National History Day within the 2026-2027 school year. More information will be given to those who are accepted.

 Applications:

Applications will be accepted October 27, 2025- January 23, 2026

This application is for students that are applying to the High School Normandy Academy programs. There will be two trips offered in 2026: 

• High School 1 - June 24th - July 5th
• High School 2 - June 30th - July 12th 

Normandy Academy is an 11-day college travel program that exposes students to the heroic efforts of the Allied forces during the historic D-Day landings in June, 1944 and the overall Battle of Normandy during World War II. Starting in New Orleans at The National WWII Museum, students tour the Museum's immersive exhibits and get a behind-the-scenes view of the weapons, gear, and materials used in the Normandy campaign.  Following the New Orleans experience, students will continue to Normandy for the most immersive and in-depth program on the same ground where the battle for Normandy took place in the summer of 1944. Experiences include walking on all five landing beaches, visiting museums and battlefields across the Normandy region, and exploring the charming medieval town of Bayeux. 

All meals, airfare, ground transportation in New Orleans and France, museum admissions, and lodging are included in the tuition for the program which totals $5895.00.

REQUIREMENTS: 

It is imperative that students and parents adhere to the following:

1.  We are seeking students who have a genuine interest in history, particularly World War II, and who are motivated by more than just the opportunity to travel to France or have fun. While enjoyment is naturally part of this experience, the primary purpose of the trip is educational: to explore the history of D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and the sacrifices made by American and Allied forces. Students who are not truly interested in history may find the trip less meaningful and engaging, which could lead to challenges that detract from the experience for others. To ensure a respectful and enriching environment for all participants, we ask that applicants reflect on their motivations and commit to approaching this journey with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to learn.
2. We expect students to demonstrate the maturity required to travel with adults who are not their parents or regular teachers. This includes a willingness and ability to follow all rules and guidelines that will be reviewed with both students and their parents prior to departure. Additionally, students must be prepared to follow instructions promptly and respectfully the first time they are given.

Additionally:

If in high school, students must be at least 16 years old and be a rising junior through graduating senior.

You will be notified by the end of February if you have been accepted.

Students and parents will be required to complete paperwork pertaining to rules, guidelines, health information, etc. that will be sent via email after this application has been submitted.

Parents will be sent an invoice from the Museum's Finance Department. Payments can be made in full or in 2 installments in  March and May by check or credit card. If payments are not made in full by May 31st, the student will not be allowed to attend.

The 2026 Student Leadership Academy is open to current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

July 13-18, 2026

The Student Leadership Academy is the Museum’s premier leadership training program for high school students. Each session draws on the Museum’s rich resources, including its oral history collection, public exhibits, in-person interviews with veterans of World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as guest scholars and Museum leaders.

All students accepted will receive a non-monetary scholarship which is valued at $1,840. It covers round-trip travel to and from New Orleans, hotel accommodations at the Higgins Hotel, all meals, ground transportation, and admission to additional museums and historic sites.

*Students may select a college credit option through Nicholls State University (for a fee to be covered by the student) in conjunction with the program. More information pertaining to the college credit will be available at a later date.     

This application is for students that are applying to the 2026 Normandy Academy College trip.

 July 6th - 17th

Normandy Academy is an 11-day college travel program that exposes students to the heroic efforts of the Allied forces during the historic D-Day landings in June, 1944 and the overall Battle of Normandy during World War II. Starting in New Orleans at The National WWII Museum, students tour the Museum's immersive exhibits and get a behind-the-scenes view of the weapons, gear, and materials used in the Normandy campaign.  Following the New Orleans experience, students will continue to Normandy for the most immersive and in-depth program on the same ground where the battle for Normandy took place in the summer of 1944. Experiences include walking on all five landing beaches, visiting museums and battlefields across the Normandy region, and exploring the charming medieval town of Bayeux. 

All meals, airfare, ground transportation in New Orleans and France, museum admissions, and lodging are included in the tuition for the program which totals $5895.00.

Scholarships are available for the College program. Please complete this application and check the box that you would like to be considered for a scholarship. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

It is imperative that students adhere to the following:

1. We require students to be interested in history and WWII and are not only looking for a free trip to France or just to have fun. The fun is inherently built into this trip so there is no need to worry that students won't have fun; however, the goal is for students to learn about D-Day and the Battle of Normandy and the sacrifices made by Americans and other Allied forces. Students who are not interested in history and who are only looking for fun will not enjoy the trip as much as we want student to and that could cause problems that will not be accepted.
2. We require students to be mature enough to travel with adults who are not their parents or own teachers. This means that they should be willing and able to follow all rules and regulations that will be discussed with them and their parents prior to the trip as well as follow all directions the first time they are given.

Additionally:

College, students must have completed their first year of college and should be a major related to history or education (though other majors may be considered).  

You will be notified by the end of February if you have been accepted.

Students will be required to complete paperwork pertaining to rules, guidelines, health information, etc. that will be sent via email after this application has been submitted.

Students who are self paying will be sent an invoice from the Museum's Finance Department. Payments can be made in full or in 2 installments in  March and May by check or credit card. If payments are not made in full by May 31st, the student will not be allowed to attend.