Blog

Currently, many students are engaging in high-level research from their high school years, aiming to publish their research papers or win awards. However, most opportunities for publication or awards are concentrated in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), leaving students who wish to specialize in social sciences like economics or political science uncertain about where to apply. Today, we will introduce journals and opportunities where high school students who have completed research in social science fields can submit their work.



Social Science Journals and Opportunities

1. ISSCY (International Social Science Conference for Youth)

ISSCY is the world's largest research competition for high school students aspiring to careers in social sciences. Co-hosted by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and the GATSVI Challenge, ISSCY discovers student research in humanities and social sciences and publishes it in an online journal.

Students submit research proposals to ISSCY, and if they pass the preliminary round, they get the opportunity to submit their full paper. Ultimately, 80 students are selected to have their research published in the ISSCY online journal. Research papers can be written on any topic related to humanities and social sciences.

Recent topics submitted by students:
   - The application and limitations of the nudge effect in public policy
   - Analyzing the political dynamics of modern Olympics from 1986 to 2021

(※ Click here for more information.)


2. Davidson Institute Fellow

The Davidson Institute offers fellowships in the form of scholarships ($10,000/$25,000/$50,000) to gifted students or those with high academic achievements under the age of 18. Applications can be submitted individually or as a team of two, and only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible.

To be selected for the fellowship, students must submit a project. The criteria for evaluation are whether the project is deemed significant by experts in the field and has the potential for positive social impact. Project fields include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, and philosophy, each with specific requirements.

For example, Alora Young, who won a scholarship in the literature field, recorded her family's lineage from the 1700s to the present day, preserving the lives of her descendants systematically. Despite the challenges of historical accuracy and the emotional toll of researching her ancestors' enslavement, her project aimed to help black children feel part of history and not alone.

(※ Click here for more information.)

3. The Concord Review

The Concord Review is a professional research journal where high school students can submit essays on historical topics. Each year, the most outstanding essays are awarded the Fitzhugh Prize or the Emerson Prize. The journal accepts essays on any historical topic, allowing students with a passion for humanities to explore and connect their interests with historical research.

For instance, in winter 2021, Rowan Mally won the Fitzhugh Prize for their essay "Age of Piracy," and in spring 2022, Khoa Kim Sands received the Emerson Prize for their essay "Springtime in Tibet."

(※ Click here for more information.)

4. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the oldest competitions in the humanities and arts. Students can choose from 28 categories, including art, architecture, industrial design, comics, digital art, fashion, film, and animation. In the writing field, categories include critical essays, journalism, novel writing, short stories, poetry, and flash fiction, among others. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students with artistic interests in the humanities to showcase their talents. For critical essays, the writing should inform and persuade the reader on a specific topic, such as art or media reviews, persuasive essays, or opinion pieces.

(※ Click here for more information.)

These journals and opportunities provide excellent platforms for high school students interested in social sciences to publish their research and gain recognition, helping them stand out in their college applications and future academic pursuits.