Pathfinder 2026 Essay Contest
Quick answer
Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is offering a $1,000 honorarium for the 1st place winner of the 2026 Pathfinder essay contest, with 2nd and 3rd place winners receiving $500 and $250 respectively, and all winners will be published and invited to the 2027 National Security Conference in Washington, DC.
- Role
- Pathfinder 2026 Essay Contest
- Organization
- Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
- Location
- Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Compensation
- $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place, $250 for 3rd place
- Category
- Other
The role
CNAS is seeking applicants for the 2026 cycle of the Pathfinder national security essay contest, where participants must submit an 800-1,000 word essay analyzing a national security challenge and offering a policy recommendation.
What you'll do
- Submit an 800-1,000 word essay
- Analyze a national security challenge
- Offer at least one actionable policy recommendation
What it takes
- Early-career professionals with up to five years of experience or graduate students
- U.S. citizen, enrolled in a U.S. educational institution, or legally reside in the United States
- Original and unpublished work
What you'll bring
How we treat you
Publication in CNAS and Breaking Defense, invitation to the 2027 National Security Conference
Frequently asked questions
Where is the application due?
Applications are due by November 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
What is the compensation for the winners?
The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 honorarium, the second-place winner will receive a $500 honorarium, and the third-place winner will receive a $250 honorarium.
What are the key qualifications?
Applicants must be early-career professionals with up to five years of experience or graduate students, U.S. citizens, enrolled in a U.S. educational institution, or legally reside in the United States, and must submit original and unpublished work.
Is the job remote?
The job is not a traditional employment position but an essay contest with no specific work schedule or location requirements.
How do I apply?
Complete the application by submitting a 800-1,000 word essay analyzing a national security challenge and offering a policy recommendation, along with a resume.
How to apply
Apply directly on Center for a New American Security (CNAS)'s site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Center for a New American Security (CNAS)'s official posting before applying.