Since 2004, CMES has sponsored an award for "Best Project in Middle Eastern History" at the Arizona state finals of the National History competition each year. The winning student or group receives a $100 cash award and a certificate recognizing their achievement. Winners can compete in either the middle school or high school division and in any category (website, documentary, exhibit, performance, research paper).
The 2018 winner was Rosie Melendez and Alyssa Ochoa of Cholla High School with a Senior Group Documentary on the women of Afghanistan under the Taliban.
- “How Sports Programs Let Syrian Kids Be Kids.” Al Monitor
- “Afghanistan Women’s Soccer Team Unveils Jerseys With Hijabs.” By Juliet Spies-Gans. Huffington Post. 03/08/2016 10:18 am ET | Updated Jan 04, 2017
- “How Egypt’s Soccer Fans Became Enemies of the State.” By Ishaan Tharoor. Washington Post. Feb. 9, 2015.
- “A Sporting Push for Peace in Israeli-Palestinian Relations.” By James Masters, CNN. Updated June 19, 2013
- “How Muslim Athletes Deal With Ramadan” by Samer Kalaf, Deadspin. June 27, 2014.
- “‘Ebola Spread Risk Too Serious’: Morocco Refuses to Host Africa Football Cup”. RT. 8 Nov. 2014.
- “Qatar Soccer Coach Threatens to Resign If Naturalised Players Excluded.” SBS.
- “After Bombing, Iraqi Player Hopes Soccer Holds the Power to Heal.” By SIMON AUSTIN, APRIL 8, 2016. New York Times.
- Rio 2016: The Syrian refugee who swam for her life - all the way to the Olympics
- Desert riders uphold ancient tradition