Secondary-school teachers will have a chance to win a $1,000 prize this 2014-15 school year by bringing the First Amendment into their classrooms.

The 1 for All First Amendment Challenge is a nationwide event that aims to promote First Amendment education in schools. Teachers who wish to be considered should submit their lesson plans, activities and student projects about the First Amendment at 1forAll.us. Teachers are encouraged to involve their whole school in the event.

Entries will be judged by a panel of journalists and educators and accepted on a rolling basis until March 1, 2015. The flexible timeframe allows teachers to participate whenever works best for their schedule. First Amendment resources are available at 1forAll.us.

“At a time when only one American in 100 can name the five freedoms of the First Amendment, the First Amendment Challenge taps the creativity and commitment of the nation’s high school teachers,” said Ken Paulson, founder of 1 for All and president of the Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center. “The very best way to protect our freedoms is to embrace them with understanding and insight, and this important educational endeavor should inform and inspire a new generation.”

The First Amendment Challenge launch coincides with the fourth anniversary of the 1 for All educational campaign, which began on July 1, 2010, with extraordinary support from more than 1,100 news, educational, arts and religious organizations to build understanding and appreciation of the First Amendment through education and information. 1 For All is a collaborative program of the American Society of News Editors, the First Amendment Center, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and the Newseum Institute.

The 1 for All First Amendment Challenge is funded by a generous grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and administered by the Youth Journalism Initiative of the American Society of News Editors. The Journalism Education Association has endorsed the First Amendment Challenge.

For more information about 1 for All and the First Amendment Challenge, visit 1forAll.us.

About 1 for All
1 for All is a national nonpartisan program designed to build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms. It provides teaching materials to the nation’s schools, supports educational events on America’s campuses and reminds the public that the First Amendment serves everyone, regardless of faith, race, gender or political leanings. It’s truly one amendment for all.

Robert R. McCormick Foundation
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is committed to fostering communities of educated, informed and engaged citizens. Through philanthropic programs, Cantigny Park and museums, the Foundation helps develop citizen leaders and works to make life better in our communities. The Foundation was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations, with more than $1 billion in assets.

American Society of News Editors
The American Society of News Editors focuses on leadership development and journalism-related issues. Founded in 1922 as a nonprofit professional organization, ASNE promotes fair, principled journalism, defends and protects First Amendment rights, and fights for freedom of information and open government. Leadership, innovation, diversity and inclusion in coverage and the journalism workforce, youth journalism and the sharing of ideas are also key ASNE initiatives.

ASNE’s Youth Journalism Initiative
ASNE’s Youth Journalism Initiative, launched in 2000, provides journalism-related training and resources for teachers and students across the curriculum. Its goal is for every student to learn why news matters and acquire the skills needed to succeed as 21st-century citizens.