The Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the American volunteers who fought in the Spanish Civil War, has an annual essay contest, The Watt Prize, named in honor of Lincoln Brigade volunteer George Watt, a writer, and lifelong activist central to the creation of ALBA, is now accepting submissions. Students from anywhere in the world are invited to submit an essay or thesis chapter about any aspect of the Spanish Civil War, the global political or cultural struggles against fascism in the 1920s and 1930s, or the lifetime histories and contributions of the international volunteers who fought in support of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to 1938.

The contest offers cash prizes and accepts submissions in Graduate and Undergraduate categories. The deadline for submission is July 5, 2022, and all submissions should be emailed to dmeaney@alba-valb.org

More information about the essay contest and a detailed look at the contest requirements and judging criteria are located here on our website.

Email Submissions to dmeaney@alba-valb.org

Graduate Award (Up to $1000)

• Submissions must be between 3,500 and 12,500 words.
• Submissions may be in Spanish or English.
• The Applicant must currently be registered as a graduate student and work must be related to graduate studies.
• Winners are expected to make a statement/presentation to the selection committee prior to award disbursement.
• Any work produced since August 1, 2021 is eligible for the competition.
• One essay will be awarded up to $1000
• Deadline: July 5, 2022

Undergraduate Award (Up to $500)

• Essays must be between 2,000 and 10,500 words.
• Submissions may be in Spanish or English.
• Submissions must have been produced to fulfill an undergraduate course or degree requirement (please specify course, degree, and institution; for thesis chapters, please add a thesis abstract).
• Winners are expected to make a statement/presentation to the selection committee prior to award disbursement.
• Any work produced since August 1, 2021 is eligible for the competition.
• One essay will be awarded up to $500
• Deadline: July 5, 2022