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Policy Pitch Contest

International Policy Pitch Contest

Contestants propose a detailed policy solution to a global issue of their choice via video or writing.

July 15th - August 30th, 2024

We will award the top submission with a $250 prize to the author!

Contest Information

At the Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP), we're dedicated to nurturing future leaders and encouraging a deeper understanding and engagement in important policy discussions. Our International Policy Pitch Contest (IPP) is more than just an essay contest—it's a platform for outstanding individuals. Eligibility Criteria: We invite all high school and college/university students who see themselves not only as leading thinkers but also as proactive doers. We're looking for individuals with a unique perspective and the ability to express their ideas as clear and comprehensive policy recommendations. ‍ This contest isn't just about creating a three-minute video or writing a three-page essay; it's about magnifying your impact on the world. ‍ We're interested in recommendations that address urgent societal issues—whether they concern the environment, education, healthcare, or any other area requiring immediate attention. We believe that young minds have the potential to catalyze significant change, and we're eager to hear your innovative solutions. ‍ The choice is yours. Either advocate in a 3-minute video or a 3-page essay. It’s that simple! The top three competitors and ten semi-finalists will receive certificates of merit and recognition on the YIP website. The overall winner will be granted a guaranteed spot in our next fellowship cohort, a direct pathway to a YIP staff role. If the winner declines the fellowship offer, YIP will try to find an appropriate role in a partner organization or another policy project. The contest is open for submissions from July 15th to August 30th, 2024.

As a government official, you are tasked with addressing urgent issues that require immediate attention.Your constituents have entrusted you to act on their behalf concerning these critical issues or problems. Consequently, you have formulated a bill, regulation, or policy that directly targets these particular issues or problems.Please share your proposed solution

7/26: We will now award the author of the top submission with a $250 prize, subject to our standard Terms and Conditions . ‍ @yipinstitute on Instagram for regular updates! Email [email protected] with any questions.

Submit Policy Pitch Below:

Applications Open July 1st

Your submission (video or text) is due by 11:59pm ET on August 30th, 2024.

Results generally get released within 45 days after the initial deadline.

Winners will be contacted using the email they provided following a eligibility check.

Essay Competitions

With our essay competitions, we aim to encourage students, researchers, and young professionals to develop innovative policy solutions and contribute to public debate on important current issues.

All submissions are preselected by our editorial team and judged by an independent expert panel.

We work to bring young, fresh ideas to the attention of established organizations policymakers by publishing the work online and through  award ceremonies and discussion events, where we give competition winners, experts, and the public the opportunity to interact and discuss policy ideas face-to-face.

If you or your organization would like to work together with us to run an essay competition or encourage public debate in a certain policy area, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Current Call for Papers

Regular submissions to all topic areas are open.

Past Competitions

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American Foreign Service Association

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National High School Essay Contest

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The 2025 Contest Will Launch on September 30, 2024!

2024 Essay Contest Topic

This year, AFSA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the United States Foreign Service. Over the last century, our diplomats and development professionals have been involved in groundbreaking events in history – decisions on war and peace, supporting human rights and freedom, creating joint prosperity, reacting to natural disasters and pandemics and much more. As AFSA looks back on this century-long history, we invite you to join us in also looking ahead to the future. This year students are asked to explore how diplomats can continue to evolve their craft to meet the needs of an ever-changing world that brings fresh challenges and opportunities to the global community and America’s place in it.

Over the past 100 years the Foreign Service has faced a multitude of challenges such as world war, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, humanitarian disasters, global pandemics, and economic crises. In a 1,000-1,500-word essay please identify what you believe will be the biggest challenge to face the Foreign Service in the future. The essay will describe this challenge and clearly define how American diplomats can help mitigate it.

Successful essays will use past or current diplomatic efforts to support what you believe to be the best course of action to tackle this obstacle.

For more information on Essay Contest Rules and Guidance please visit this page . For additional resources and to view the 2024 Study Guide please visit this page .

AFSA Announces the Winner of the 2023 High School Essay Contest

The American Foreign Service Association’s national high school essay contest completed its twenty-third year with over 400 submissions from 44 states.

Three randomized rounds of judging produced this year’s winner, Justin Ahn, a junior from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In his essay, “Mending Bridges: US-Vietnam Reconciliation from 1995 to Today,” Justin focuses on the successful reconciliation efforts by the Foreign Service in transforming US-Vietnam relations from post-war tension to close economic and strategic partnership.

Justin traveled to Washington in AUgust 2023, where he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He also received a full tuition scholarship to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Niccolo Duina was this year’s runner-up. He is a senior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Niccolo attended the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference in summer 2023.

There were eight honorable mentions:

• Santiago Castro-Luna – Chevy Chase, Maryland
• Dante Chittenden – Grimes, Iowa
• Merle Hezel – Denver, Colorado
• Adarsh Khullar – Villa Hills, Kentucky
• Nicholas Nall – Little Rock, Arkansas
• Ashwin Telang – West Windsor, New Jersey
• Himani Yarlagadda – Northville, Michigan
• Sophia Zhang – San Jose, California

Congratulations! We thank all students and teachers who took the time to research and become globally engaged citizens who care about diplomacy, development, and peacebuilding.

If you are not graduating this year, please consider submitting another essay for next year’s contest. The new prompt will be published in fall 2023.

PRIVACY POLICY:

AFSA collects your information for this contest and for AFSA partners. You may be signed up to receive updates or information from AFSA and our partners. You will receive confirmation from AFSA that your submission has been received and a notification if you are the winner or an honorable mention in June . You may also receive a message from our sponsor regarding their program offerings.

PLEASE NOTE:

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school. Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted. Previous first-place winners and immediate relatives of directors or staff of AFSA, NLSC and Semester at Sea are not eligible to participate. Previous honorable mention recipients are eligible to enter. $2,500 to the writer of the winning essay, in addition to an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and his or her parents, and an all-expense paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea.

The winner's school also receives a donation of 10 copies of AFSA's Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work

The Fund for American Diplomacy is AFSA's 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports AFSA’s outreach goals. AFSA National High School Essay contest is AFSA’s main outreach initiative to high school students. We appreciate your willingness to contribute. Rest assured that your contribution will be put to good use. Donations to the FAD are fully tax deductible.

Contest Information

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United States Institute of Peace

National high school essay contest.

USIP partners with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on the annual National High School Essay Contest. The contest each year engages high school students in learning and writing about issues of peace and conflict, encouraging appreciation for diplomacy’s role in building partnerships that can advance peacebuilding and protect national security. 

The winner of the contest receives a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet U.S. Department of State and USIP leadership, and a full-tuition paid voyage with Semester at Sea upon the student’s enrollment at an accredited university. The runner-up receives a $1,250 cash prize and a full scholarship to participate in the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference. 

2023 National High School Essay Contest

The American Foreign Service Association’s national high school essay contest completed its twenty-third year with over 400 submissions from 44 states. Three randomized rounds of judging produced this year’s winner, Justin Ahn, a junior from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In his essay, “Mending Bridges: U.S.-Vietnam Reconciliation from 1995 to Today,” Ahn focuses on the successful reconciliation efforts by the Foreign Service in transforming U.S.-Vietnam relations from post-war tension to close economic and strategic partnership.

Ahn will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with a member of the Department of State’s leadership and receive a full tuition scholarship to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Niccolo Duina was this year’s runner-up. He is currently a junior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Duina will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer.

There were eight honorable mentions:

• Santiago Castro-Luna – Chevy Chase, Maryland
• Dante Chittenden – Grimes, Iowa 
• Merle Hezel – Denver, Colorado
• Adarsh Khullar – Villa Hills, Kentucky
• Nicholas Nall – Little Rock, Arkansas
• Ashwin Telang – West Windsor, New Jersey
• Himani Yarlagadda – Northville, Michigan 
• Sophia Zhang – San Jose, California

Congratulations! We thank all students and teachers who took the time to research and become globally engaged citizens who care about diplomacy, development and peacebuilding.

2023 National High School Essay Contest Topic

In 2024, the U.S. Foreign Service will celebrate its 100th birthday. The Foreign Service is an important element of the American approach to peacebuilding around the world. Over the last century, U.S. diplomats have been involved in some of the most significant events in history — making decisions on war and peace, responding to natural disasters and pandemics, facilitating major treaties, and more.

As AFSA looks back on their century-long history, we invite you to do the same. This year, students are asked to explore a topic that touches upon this important history and sheds light on how vital it is for America to have a robust professional corps focused on diplomacy, development and peace in the national interest.

In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the U.S. Foreign Service has been involved in at any point since 1924 and describe — in 1,500 words or less — how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals, including promoting peace, in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

Contest deadline: April 3, 2023

Download the study guide for the 2023 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes the essay question, prizes and rules for the contest; an introduction to diplomacy and peacebuilding; key terms; topics and areas students might explore; and a list of other useful resources.

Learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your essay on the American Foreign Service Association’s contest webpage .

2022 National High School Essay Contest

Katherine Lam, a freshman from University High School in Tucson, Arizona, is the 2022 National High School Essay Contest winner. In her essay, “Competition and Coaction in Ethiopia: U.S. and Chinese Partnerships for International Stabilization,” Lam focuses on how the Foreign Service has partnered with other U.S. government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and — most notably — China to promote peace and development in Ethiopia. Lam will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with a member of the U.S. Department of State’s leadership and gain full tuition for an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Olivia Paulsen was this year’s runner-up. She is a currently a junior receiving a home-schooled education in Concord, Massachusetts. Paulsen will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer.

The 2022 honorable mentions were: Josh Diaz (Little Rock, AR); Grace Hartman (Bethlehem, PA); Elena Higuchi (Irvine, CA); Ovea Kaushik (Oklahoma City, OK); Evan Lindemann (Palm Desert, CA); Percival Liu (Tokyo, Japan); Alexander Richter (San Jose, CA); and Gavin Sun (Woodbury, MN).

USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2022 National High School Essay Contest.

Partnerships for Peace in a Multipolar Era

The current multipolar era poses challenges for U.S. foreign policy but also provides new opportunities for partnership across world powers—including emerging great powers like China and Russia—to build peace in conflict-affected countries. Describe a current situation where American diplomats and peacebuilders are working with other world powers, as well as local and/or regional actors, in a conflict-affected country to champion democracy, promote human rights, and/or resolve violent conflict.    A successful essay will lay out the strategies and tactics U.S. Foreign Service Officers and American peacebuilders are employing to build successful partnerships with other world and regional powers and with local actors in the chosen current situation.  The essay will also describe specific ways that these partnerships are helping to promote stability and build peace.

Contest deadline: April 4, 2022

Download the study guide for the 2022 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes the essay question, prizes, and rules for the contest; an introduction to diplomacy and peacebuilding; key terms; topics and areas students might explore; and a list of other useful resources.

Learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your essay on the American Foreign Service Association’s contest webpage.  

2021 National High School Essay Contest

Mariam Parray, a sophomore from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, is the 2021 National High School Essay Contest winner. In her essay, “Diplomats and Peacebuilders in Tunisia: Paving the Path to Democracy,” Ms. Parray focuses on how the Foreign Service partnered with other U.S. government agencies and NGOs to effect a peaceful democratic transition in Tunisia. She emphasizes the importance of multifaceted approaches as well as the importance of bringing marginalized groups into the fold. Mariam will travel to Washington to meet with a member of the Department of State’s leadership and will also gain a full tuition to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea. Harrison McCarty was this year’s runner-up. Coincidentally, he is also a sophomore from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Harrison will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer. The 2021 honorable mentions were: Louisa Eaton (Wellesley, MA); Samuel Goldston (Brooklyn, NY); Lucy King (Bainbridge Island, WA); Haan Jun Lee (Jakarta, Indonesia); Khaled Maalouf (Beirut, Lebanon); Madeleine Shaw (Bloomington, IN); Allison Srp (Austin, MN); and Daniel Zhang (Cortland, NY).

USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2021 National High School Essay Contest. 

Diplomats and Peacebuilders: Powerful Partners

What characteristics lead to a successful effort by diplomats and peacebuilders to mediate or prevent violent conflict? The United States Foreign Service—often referred to as America’s first line of defense—works to prevent conflict from breaking out abroad and threats from coming to our shores. Peacebuilders work on the ground to create the conditions for peace and resolve conflicts where they are most needed. 

Successful essays will identify, in no more than 1,250 words, a situation where diplomats worked on a peacebuilding initiative with partners from the country/region in question, nongovernmental organizations, and other parts of the U.S. government, and then go on to analyze what characteristics and approaches made the enterprise a success.  

Contest deadline: April 5, 2021

Download the study guide for the 2021 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes key terms in conflict management and peacebuilding and examples of peacebuilding initiatives, with reflection questions for independent learners to dig more deeply or for teachers to encourage class reflection and discussion. We hope this study guide will be a useful resource for educators and students participating in this contest, and for educators who want their students to learn more about this year’s contest topic.

2020 National High School Essay Contest

Jonas Lorincz, a junior from Marriotts Ridge High School in Marriottsville, MD, is the 2020 National High School Essay Contest winner. In his essay, “Verification, Mediation, and Peacebuilding: The Many Roles of the U.S. Foreign Service in Kosovo,” Mr. Lorincz focused on the importance of interagency cooperation in mediating the crisis in Kosovo – primarily looking into how diplomats and other civilian agencies engaged in peacebuilding throughout the conflict.

Claire Burke was this year’s runner-up. She is a junior at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, KS. 

The 2020 honorable mentions were: Grace Cifuentes (Concord, CA), Grace Lannigan (Easton, CT), Seryung Park (Tenafly, NJ), Vynateya Purimetla (Troy, MI), David Richman (Norfolk, VA), Madeleine Shaw (Bloomington, IN), Sara Smith (Fargo, ND), and Jack Viscuso (Northport, NY).  USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2020 National High School Essay Contest. 

2020 National High School Essay Contest Topic

Why Diplomacy and Peacebuilding Matter

How do members of the Foreign Service work with other civilian parts of the U.S. Government to promote peace, national security and economic prosperity?

Qualified essays focused on a specific challenge to U.S. peace and prosperity and included one example of the work of the Foreign Service and one or more examples of collaboration between America’s diplomats and other civilian (i.e. non-military) U.S. Government agencies or organizations.

2019 National High School Essay Contest

In its 21st year, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)’s National High School Essay Contest encouraged students to think about how and why the United States engages globally to build peace, and about the role that the Foreign Service plays in advancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

For the second year in a row, the National High School Essay Contest focused on an important aspect of operating in countries affected by or vulnerable to violent conflict: effective coordination of the many different foreign policy tools the United States has at its disposal. Whether you were addressing the prompt for a second year or new to the contest, the contest will have challenged you to expand your understanding of the role of the Foreign Service and other actors in foreign policy, identify case studies, and provide a sophisticated analysis in a concise manner.

The essay prompt and a helpful study guide are included below; you can find out more information about the rules and how to submit by checking out AFSA’s essay contest page .

2019 Essay Question

The United States has many tools to advance and defend its foreign policy and national security interests around the world—from diplomatic approaches pursued by members of the Foreign Service, to the range of options available to the U.S. military. In countries affected by or vulnerable to violent conflict, peacebuilding tools are important additions to the national security toolkit.

In such complex environments, cooperation across agencies and approaches is challenging, but it can also blend knowledge and skills in ways that strengthen the overall effort to establish a lasting peace. On the other hand, lack of coordination can lead to duplication of effort, inefficient use of limited resources and unintended consequences.

In a 1,000-1,250-word essay, identify two cases—one you deem successful and one you deem unsuccessful—where the U.S. pursued an integrated approach to build peace in a conflict-affected country. Analyze and compare these two cases, addressing the following questions:

• What relative strengths did members of the Foreign Service and military actors bring to the table? What peacebuilding tools were employed? Ultimately, what worked or did not work in each case?
• How was each situation relevant to U.S. national security interests?
• What lessons may be drawn from these experiences for the pursuit of U.S. foreign policy more broadly?

Download the study guide for the 2019 AFSA National High School Essay Contest

2018 National High School Essay Contest

Jennifer John from Redwood City, CA is the 2018 National High School Essay Contest winner, surpassing close to 1,000 other submissions. Her essay examined to what extent U.S. interagency efforts in Iraq and Bosnia were successful in building peace. Aislinn Niimi from Matthews, NC was the runner up.

The 2018 honorable mentions were: Alex, DiCenso (North Kingstown, RI),Alexandra Soo (Franklin, MI), Caroline Bellamy (Little Rock AR), Colin LeFerve (Indianapolis, IN), Elizabeth Kam (Burlingham, CA), Emma Singh (Tenafly NJ), Emma Chambers (Little Rock AR),  Francesca Ciampa (Brooksville, ME), Greta Bunce (Franktown, VA), Isaac Che (Mount Vernon OH), Isabel Davis (Elk River MN), Katrina Espinoza (Watsonvile, CA), Molly Ehrig (Bethlehem, PA), Payton McGoldrick (Bristow, VA), Rachel Russell (Cabin John, MD), Sarah Chapman (Tucson, AZ), Shalia Lothe (Glen Allen VA), Sohun Modha (San Jose CA), Suhan Kacholia (Chandler, AZ), Supriya Sharma (Brewster, NY), Sydney Adams (Fort Wayne, IN), Tatum Smith (Little Rock AR), and William Milne (Fort Wayne, IN).  

2017 National High School Essay Contest

Nicholas Deparle, winner of the 2017 AFSA National High School Essay Contest, comes from Sidwell Friends School in Washington DC. A rising senior at the time, Mr. Deparle covers the Internally Displaced Persons crisis in Iraq and potential ideas to help resolve the issue.  Read his winning essay here . Mr. Manuel Feigl, a graduate of Brashier Middle College Charter High School in Simpsonville, SC took second place.

This year there were twenty honorable mentions: Mohammed Abuelem ( Little Rock, Ark.), Lucas Aguayo-Garber (Worcester, Mass.), Rahul Ajmera (East Williston, N.Y.), Taylor Gregory (Lolo, Mont.), Rachel Hildebrand (Sunnyvale, Calif.), Ryan Hulbert (Midland Park, N.J.), India Kirssin (Mason, Ohio), Vaibhav Mangipudy (Plainsboro, N.J.), William Marsh (Pittsburgh, Penn.), Zahra Nasser (Chicago, Ill.), Elizabeth Nemec (Milford, N.J.), David Oks (Ardsley, N.Y.), Max Pumilia (Greenwood Village, Colo.), Nikhil Ramaswamy (Plano, Texas), Aditya Sivakumar (Beaverton, Ore.), Donovan Stuard (Bethlehem, Penn.), Rachel Tanczos (Danielsville, Penn.), Isabel Ting (San Ramon, Calif.), Kimberley Tran (Clayton, Mo.), and Chenwei Wang (Walnut, Calif.).

2017 Essay Contest Topic

According to the United Nations, 65 million people worldwide have left their homes to seek safety elsewhere due to violence, conflict, persecution, or human rights violations. The majority of these people are refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Imagine you are a member of the U.S. Foreign Service —– a diplomat working to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the United States abroad – and are now assigned to the U.S. embassy in one of these four countries.

• Turkey (Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs)
• Kenya (Bureau of African Affairs)
• Afghanistan (Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs)
• Iraq (Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs)

Your task is to provide recommendations to address the refugee/IDP crisis facing the country in which you are now posted. Using the resources available to you as a member of the Foreign Service, write a memo to your Ambassador outlining how the United States might help address the current unprecedented levels of displacement. You may choose to address issues related to the causes of refugee crisis, or to focus on the humanitarian crisis in your host country.

A qualifying memo will be 1,000-1,250 words and will answer the following questions:

• How does the crisis challenge U.S. interests in the country you are posted and more broadly?
• Specifically outline the steps you propose the U.S. should take to tackle the roots or the consequences of the crisis, and explain how it would help solve the issue or issues you are examining. How will your efforts help build peace or enhance stability?
• How do you propose, from your embassy/post of assignment, to foster U.S. government interagency cooperation and cooperation with the host-country government to address these issues?  Among U.S. government agencies, consider U.S. Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial Service and the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Memo Template

TO: Ambassador ______________________

FROM: Only use your first name here

RE: Think of this as your title, make sure to include the country you are writing about

Here you want to lay out the problem, define criteria by which you will be deciding the best steps the U.S. could take, and include a short sentence or two on your final recommendation. Embassy leadership is very busy and reads many memos a day —– they should be able to get the general ““gist”” of your ideas by reading this section.

Background:

This section should provide any background information about the crisis or conflict relevant to your proposed policy. Here, you should mention why the issue is important to U.S. interests, especially peace and security.

Proposed Steps:

This is where you outline your proposed policy. Be specific in describing how the U.S. might address this issue and how these steps can contribute to peace and security. Include which organizations you propose partnering with and why.

Recommendation:

This is where you write your final recommendations for embassy leadership. Think of this as a closing paragraph.

Companion Guide for the 2017 National High School Essay Contest

It is no easy task to jump into the role of a diplomat, especially when confronted by such an urgent crisis. USIP, in consultation with AFSA, developed a guide to provide a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist you in answering the question, while still challenging you to develop your own unique response. As such, this guide should be used as a starting point to your own research and as you ultimately prepare a compelling memo outlining recommendations the U.S. government should follow to respond to the refugee and IDP crisis.

In the guide you will find: insights into the role of the Foreign Service; country, organization, and key-term briefs to provide a foundational understanding; and a list of other useful resources. Download the Companion Guide for the 2017 National High School Essay Contest (.pdf).

2016 National High School Essay Contest

USIP first partnered with AFSA for the 2016 contest and was pleased to welcome winner Dylan Borne to Washington in August. His paper describes his role as an economic officer in the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance. He writes about promoting education for girls in Afghanistan through on-line courses and dispersal of laptops. Read his winning essay (.pdf).

THE 2024-25 TOPIC

RESOLVED: Equitable access to pharmaceuticals should be prioritized over protecting intellectual property rights.

Sponsored by the brewer foundation and new york university, the ippf is the first and only competition that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public p olicy.   the competition begins in october, as teams submit qualifying round essays on the ippf topic. the top 64 teams are invited to engage in a single elimination, written debate tournament — volleying essays back and forth via email. the top eight teams earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the ippf finals in new york city ​​   this international contest is open to all schools - public and private - for free. teams compete for awards and scholarships. the ippf world champion wins a $10,000 grand prize.

about THE IPPF

2024 CHAMPIONS

In May 2024, Westwood High School was named the IPPF World Champion at the IPPF's 23rd annual competition. The team was awarded a $10,000 grand prize! 

ELIGIBILITY

The IPPF is open to high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools. There is no cost to participate!

AWARDS & PRIZES

Teams that advance to the rounds of 64 and 32 receive custom IPPF medals. Teams advancing to the Sweet 16 round and beyond receive cash awards!

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Student Essay Contest

The Fraser Institute hosts an annual Student Essay Contest to promote student participation in economic discourse on current events and public policy. This contest affords students the opportunity to have their work peer-reviewed and published early on in their academic career. In addition, we offer exciting cash prizes for the top five winning submissions!

The Fraser Institute’s 2024 Student Essay Contest is now closed. Thank you to all the students who submitted their work. We look forward to reading your essay and your contributions to economic and public policy discourse. Due to the volume of submissions, we will announce winning essays in early fall 2024. All participants will receive an email in regards to the status of their submission.

We will be announcing our 2025 Student Essay Contest prompt in early 2025. To be the first to know about the 2025 Student Essay Contest click the subscribe link below: Subscribe for 2025 Student Essay Contest Updates

Learn more about essay contest requirements and submission process by reading our Contest Rules and FAQ Student Essay Contest .

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Building a Better US Foreign Policy

An annual student competition.

The Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program strengthens US foreign policy by testing assumptions, reassessing conventional wisdom, and exploring innovative approaches to international engagement.

As part of its mission, the Strategy Program provides a platform for future national security professionals to express their thoughts. Its Annual Student Competition invites undergraduates to share creative ideas for improving U.S. foreign policy, drawing new and innovative talent into the policy space, and providing avenues for young thinkers to engage with leading foreign policy institutions.

The 2024 competition concluded on April 30, 2024. See the link below for the announcement of the winners.

Previous Competition

2024 Winning Submission

2023 Winning Submission

2024 Competition Details

Briefly analyze a core assumption guiding U.S. foreign policy that you believe is most in need of scrutiny, or identify a new opportunity for the United States to better engage with the world. Explain the importance of this assumption or opportunity and propose at least one concrete policy prescription based on your analysis.

The competition is a short essay contest to encourage students to develop their analytical and writing skills to effectively communicate ideas to policymakers. Students are expected to showcase unconventional ideas and are invited to propose new modes of global engagement for the United States.

The competition’s timeline is as follows:

• Late 2023: Informational period
• January 1 – April 30: Submissions period is open
• May 1 – 31: The Strategy Program evaluates the entries and selects winners and runners up
• The winner and two runners-up will be announced on the Stimson Center’s webpage.

Essays should be submitted as either a Word document or PDF– with hyperlinks included to cite outside sources.

Awards include:

• Cash prizes : The first-place winner will receive $1,000, the first runner-up $500, and the second runner-up $250.
• Publication in an online outlet : Following a period of review and editing in collaboration with the writer, the winning essay will be published by Inkstick Media. Additional essays may also be considered for publication, subject to the discretion of the reviewers.
• Invitation to exclusive event : A selection of up to 20 students with exemplary essays will receive an invitation to participate in a virtual whiteboarding event with the Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy team. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with our team members, meet other high-achieving students, and get a peek inside the work being done at a leading international relations think tank.

Eligibility Criteria

Only submissions adhering to the following criteria will be considered for the competition:

• Students must be enrolled in a U.S. university or college as an undergraduate student at the time of the submission of their entry. Only applicants with U.S. residency will be eligible for the cash prizes, but all applicants (regardless of residency) will be eligible for publication and invitation to the exclusive virtual event. Only one entry per student is allowed.
• Should the number of submissions exceed our reviewing capacity, the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program will select completed essays for review on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The Stimson Center has a strict no-plagiarism policy . Essays submitted to the competition will be reviewed accordingly. Students are allowed, however, to repurpose their prior written work for the competition—so long as it has not been published elsewhere.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be judged upon:

• The quality of the analysis and writing
• The strength of the essay’s arguments and sources
• The originality and creativity of policy prescriptions that are also practical and realistic
• A respect for the word count limit (1,000 words maximum)

For questions about the competition, please e-mail  [email protected] .

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2022 NPS Foundation/U.S. Naval Institute Annual Essay Contest

Sponsored by the nps foundation and naval institute.

The NPS Foundation/U.S. Naval Institute Annual Essay Contest is jointly sponsored by the NPS Foundation and the U.S. Naval Institute to encourage writing for publication and critical thinking among students, faculty, and staff at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Essays should be based on thesis, research, or operational experience that best advances the military profession.

Eligibility:

Open to U.S. Naval Postgraduate School students, faculty or staff members.

• For NPS students:  The essays can be directly related to a thesis or recent operational experience.
• For NPS faculty or staff members:  The essays could address an issue of particular relevance to the military profession.

Submission Guidelines

• Open to NPS students, faculty, and staff.
• Essays must be no more than 3,000 words , excluding footnotes, endnotes and sources. 
• Essays are judged in the blind. Include word count on title page of essay but do not include author name(s) on title page or within essay.
• Submit essay as a Word document at www.usni.org/npsessay no later than 31 March 2022.
• Essay must be original and not previously published (online or in print) or being considered for publication elsewhere. 

Selection Process:

Final selection of the winning essay will be made by the Proceedings staff.  Since we receive so many submissions (more than 100 per month!), notification of acceptance on one of our platforms can take 4-6 months. We will notify you via email if your essay is selected for a prize or for publication.

Announcement of the Winner:

The winner will be published in Proceedings and recognized by the Naval Postgraduate School.

Selected Submissions

Previous Winners

2023 nps foundation/u.s. naval institute annual essay contest sponsored by the nps foundation and naval institute, 2021 nps foundation/u.s. naval institute annual essay contest sponsored by the nps foundation and naval institute, 2020 nps foundation/u.s. naval institute annual essay contest sponsored by the nps foundation and naval institute, 2019 nps foundation/u.s. naval institute annual essay contest award sponsored by the nps foundation and naval institute, receive the newsletter.

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18 Writing Contests for High School Students

By Eric Eng

If you’re a high school student passionate about writing, entering writing contests can open many doors. These contests do more than showcase your talent; they offer potential scholarships, publication opportunities, and recognition that can make you stand out in the college admissions process. Participating helps you sharpen your writing skills and shows college admissions officers your dedication, creativity, and ability to excel in your field.

Here’s a list of 19 writing contests tailored for high school students, giving you the opportunity to shine and strengthen your higher education applications.

1. American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

• Location: Online
• 
 Contest Dates: Accepting applications from October 2, 2023
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT
• 
 Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9-12 attending a U.S. high school or equivalent. Eligible students include those in the District of Columbia , U.S. territories, and U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service can also participate if they meet the location criteria.

The American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest offers a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in a critical analysis of international relations and U.S. foreign policy. Participants are tasked with writing an essay that demonstrates a clear understanding of the Foreign Service and its role in the global arena. The contest requires essays to be at least 1,000 words but not exceed 1,500 words. Submissions will be judged on analysis, research quality, and writing mechanics. Essays should follow the MLA Handbook guidelines and use a variety of sources, including academic journals, news articles, books, and government documents, ensuring at least three primary sources.

This contest distinguishes itself by emphasizing analytical skills, research quality, and writing style. It encourages participants to explore and understand the complex world of international diplomacy and foreign affairs. Winning this contest comes with prestigious awards, including a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital, and a voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. The runner-up receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference . Participation in this contest not only offers significant rewards but also enhances your college application, demonstrating your ability to engage with complex topics and conduct thorough research. The skills developed through this contest, including critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of international relations, are highly beneficial for academic and career advancement in a wide range of fields.

2. Engineer Girl Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Topic and instructions were posted in September, with the contest running until February 1st.
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2024, by 11:59 pm ET
• Eligibility: Open globally to girls in grades 3-12 (ages 8-18).

The Engineer Girl Essay Contest is an annual event that encourages girls to explore the intersection of engineering and writing. For the 2024 contest, participants are asked to write about the lifecycle of an everyday object, showcasing their understanding of engineering concepts and their ability to communicate these ideas effectively. This exercise pushes contestants to think about how objects are made, used, and disposed of, and to consider the engineering processes involved in each stage of the object’s lifecycle. The contest, a standout among writing contests for high school students, fosters a deeper appreciation for the role of engineering in daily life and promotes critical thinking about sustainability and environmental impact.

This contest stands out by empowering young girls to engage with engineering topics, a field where women are traditionally underrepresented. It provides a space for girls to express their creativity and understanding of engineering through writing, bridging the gap between technical subjects and the arts. Winning this contest can significantly enhance college applications, demonstrating the participant’s ability to apply scientific concepts in a practical and thoughtful manner. It also helps in developing research and analytical skills, which are essential for academic success in any field. By participating in the Engineer Girl Essay Contest, girls not only expand their knowledge of engineering but also gain confidence in their ability to succeed in STEM-related fields.

 3. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Awards

• Location:   Online ( Columbia University)
• Cost: Free for the Gold Circle Awards; Crown Awards included in Regular or Associate Membership fees
• Contest Dates:   Guidelines for the 2024 CSPA Awards have not been announced
• Application Deadline:   Guidelines for the 2024 CSPA Awards have not been announced
• 
Eligibility: CSPA membership required. Open to middle/junior high schools, high schools, and colleges/universities in the U.S., Canada, and international schools with American or Canadian accreditation. Specific eligibility varies between Crown and Gold Circle Awards.

The CSPA Awards, comprising the Crown Awards and the Gold Circle Awards, are prestigious honors celebrating excellence in student publications. The Crown Awards recognize outstanding student newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and digital/broadcast media published during the academic year. Entries are judged on their excellence as shown by their design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing. The Gold Circle Awards are individual honors for student journalists contributing to their school’s publications. These awards span various categories, including writing, editing, design, photography, and multimedia, allowing students to showcase their talents in specific aspects of journalism and publication design.

What sets the CSPA Awards apart is their comprehensive recognition of both collective and individual achievements in scholastic journalism and media. These awards provide an opportunity for students and advisers to showcase their creativity, journalistic skills, and dedication to producing high-quality publications. Participating in the CSPA Awards is not only an honor but also a valuable learning experience. Students receive professional feedback, helping them improve their journalism and design skills. This recognition and experience are impressive additions to college applications, demonstrating the students’ commitment to excellence in journalism and media arts. For advisers, the awards acknowledge their impactful mentorship, enhancing their professional credentials. Overall, the CSPA Awards foster a culture of excellence in scholastic journalism, encouraging students and advisers to strive for the highest standards in their work.

4. Letters About Literature Contest

• Location:   Online
• Contest Dates: Entries typically begin in November each year
• Application Deadline: January 29, 2024
• Eligibility: Students in grades 4-12 in the United States. Participants are required to read a book, poem, or speech and write a letter to the author (living or deceased) about how the work personally affected them.

The Letters About Literature Contest is a unique reading and writing competition that invites students in grades 4 through 12 to deeply engage with literature. Participants select a book, poem, or speech and write a letter to the author explaining how the text impacted them on a personal level. This exercise encourages students to reflect on their reading experiences and articulate their feelings and thoughts in a meaningful way. Letters are judged at state and national levels, providing opportunity for young readers and writers to gain recognition for their insights and expressive abilities.

What makes the Letters About Literature Contest stand out is its focus on the personal connection between reader and writer. Unlike typical writing contests that may emphasize creative or academic writing skills, this contest delves into the personal impact of literature, fostering a deeper appreciation for reading among participants. The contest’s format helps students develop empathy and reflective thinking, skills that are invaluable in both academic and personal growth. Winning state-level participants receive a $250 award, adding a tangible incentive to the contest. Participation in this contest can be a notable addition to college applications, showcasing a student’s engagement with literature and their ability to express complex thoughts and emotions in writing. It encourages a lifelong love for reading and writing, laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors in the humanities and beyond.

5. Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People

• Location:   Online (based in Japan)
• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People will be announced by mid-February 2024.
• 
 Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People will be announced by mid-February 2024.
• 
 Eligibility: Open globally to young people up to 25 years old, divided into two categories: children (up to 14 years old) and youth (15-25 years old)

The Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People is an annual global competition that invites young minds to explore themes of peace and sustainability. Each year, the contest focuses on a specific theme, encouraging participants to reflect and write about creating a better world. For instance, the theme for the 2023 contest was “Youth Creating a Peaceful Future.” This contest gives young people the opportunity to articulate their ideas and visions for a more harmonious and sustainable future. The winners receive a certificate of commendation from Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, along with a special gift.

This contest stands out for its global reach and focus on critical contemporary themes such as peace and sustainability. It encourages young writers to think deeply about global issues and their role in addressing them. Participation in this contest can be a significant addition to college applications, demonstrating a commitment to global issues and the ability to think critically and creatively about solutions. It offers young people a chance to contribute to important global dialogues and to be recognized on an international stage for their ideas. The contest not only fosters writing skills but also promotes global awareness and a sense of responsibility towards creating a peaceful, sustainable future. The experience and recognition gained from this contest can inspire and empower young individuals to continue their efforts to make positive changes in the world.

6. Apprentice Writer Contest

• Location: Susquehanna University
• 
Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024 contest are currently unspecified
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024 contest are currently unspecified
• Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9 to 12

The Apprentice Writer contest, held at Susquehanna University and overseen by the Writer’s Institute, offers a stage for high school students to showcase their writing and artistic talents. This annual competition focuses on capturing the creativity and skill of young writers and illustrators, providing an opportunity for them to get their work published in an esteemed journal. The contest covers various genres and styles, allowing students to express themselves in diverse literary and artistic formats. Aspiring writers and artists in high school are encouraged to submit their best work, which is then evaluated by a panel of judges with professional expertise.

What sets The Apprentice Writer contest apart is its association with Susquehanna University and the Writer’s Institute, institutions renowned for their commitment to fostering literary talent. Being published in the annual journal of The Apprentice Writer not only serves as a significant accolade for young creators but also offers an early start in building a portfolio of published work. This recognition can be instrumental in college applications, highlighting a student’s dedication to and proficiency in writing and art. Furthermore, participation in this writing contest helps high school students refine their skills, receive valuable feedback from established professionals, and gain confidence in their creative abilities. The experience gained from this contest can be a stepping stone to further opportunities in writing and art, setting the foundation for a successful academic and professional journey in the creative fields.

7. NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Award

• 
Cost: $25 entry fee (waived for first-time submissions)
• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024 
 REALM Award have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024 
REALM Award have not been announced
• Eligibility: Open to all middle and secondary schools, colleges, and universities that are US accredited. Magazines submitted must have been published between September of the previous year and June of the entry year. Newspapers and yearbooks are not eligible.

The REALM program is designed to honor and acknowledge outstanding literary magazines created by students under the guidance of their teachers. It serves as a national platform for recognizing the artistry and skill involved in producing student literary magazines. The contest requires digital submissions of a school’s magazine, ensuring a broad range of participation. The evaluation process involves a point system, where magazines are judged and awarded based on their total points, falling into categories such as REALM First Class, Superior, Excellent, Distinguished, and Honorable Mention. This comprehensive judging system ensures a fair and thorough assessment of each submission.

The REALM Award stands out for its emphasis on the creative and editorial skills of students in the realm of literary publication. Participation in this contest not only fosters a love for literature and arts among students but also cultivates skills in writing, editing, and magazine production. Receiving recognition through the REALM program can significantly enhance the profile of the school’s literary magazine, serving as a testament to the quality of the student’s work and the school’s commitment to supporting the arts. For students, such an accolade is a valuable addition to their academic portfolio, reflecting their creative abilities and dedication to literary arts. This recognition can be advantageous for college applications, demonstrating involvement in and contribution to significant extracurricular activities. The REALM Award, therefore, not only celebrates student achievement but also nurtures future writers, editors, and literary enthusiasts.

8. One Teen Story Contest

• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024
 One Teen Story Contest have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024
 One Teen Story Contest have not been announced
• 
Eligibility: Open to writers aged 13-19 worldwide, with a limit of one story submission per writer

The One Teen Story contest is an international writing competition specifically designed for young writers between the ages of 13 and 19. This contest provides a unique opportunity for teenagers to showcase their storytelling skills through short stories. Participants are encouraged to submit original, unpublished stories. The focus of the contest is on fiction that resonates with both teenage writers and readers, offering a chance for young authors to have their voices heard on a global stage. The winning stories are selected based on originality, narrative coherence, character development, and overall impact.

What sets the One Teen Story contest apart is its commitment to nurturing young literary talent. Winning stories are published in “One Teen Story,” a magazine that reaches over ten thousand readers, providing significant exposure for emerging young writers. Additionally, winners receive a prize of $500 and 25 copies of the magazine issue featuring their story. This opportunity not only rewards creativity but also introduces young writers to the publishing world. Working with a One Teen Story editor prior to publication is an invaluable learning experience, offering insights into the editorial process and professional writing standards. For college applications, this accolade is a powerful testament to a student’s writing abilities and dedication to their craft. Participation in this contest can ignite a passion for writing and storytelling, laying the groundwork for future literary pursuits and academic successes.

9. Polyphony Lit

• Cost: Varies; free for the annual volume and some seasonal contests, others cost $5
(application fee)
• Contest Dates: Vary depending on the contest; for example, the Polyphony Lit Winter Contest typically starts on January 1st, and the Fall Contest runs from September 1st to October 31st
• Application Deadline: Varies; the Polyphony Lit Winter Contest is February 29th or until a maximum of 200 submissions is reached
• Eligibility: Open to high school students globally, with specific writer qualifications varying by contest

Polyphony Lit offers a series of literary contests for high school students across the globe, focusing on poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Each submission is meticulously read and evaluated by an international editorial team comprising over 150 high school students. The contest cycles include various seasonal competitions and an annual volume submission period. The contest allows young writers to showcase their literary talents and gain recognition in the international literary community.

The Polyphony Lit contest is unique in its global reach and its editorial process, which involves high school students from around the world. This peer-review system not only ensures a fair and relatable evaluation process but also fosters a sense of community among young writers. Winners of the contest receive the prestigious Polyphony Lit Writing Award, publication in the annual volume, a full scholarship for Polyphony’s editor training course, and eligibility for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards. These accolades provide substantial recognition and can significantly enhance college applications, demonstrating a commitment to and achievement in creative writing. Participation in the contest also offers invaluable experience in the world of literary publishing and editing, equipping young writers with skills that are beneficial for both academic and future career endeavors in writing and beyond.

10. Teen Ink 

• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024
 Teen Ink Writing Contest have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024
 Teen Ink Writing Contest have not been announced
• Eligibility: Open to students ages 13 to 19 attending middle or high school globally

The Teen Ink contest, recognized as one of the premier writing contests for high school students, encourages young writers and artists aged 13 to 19 to submit their best work across various creative categories. This online contest is designed to publish exceptional works by teens in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art, photography, and reviews. It provides an opportunity for high school students from around the globe to share their creativity, thoughts, and perspectives with a wider audience. Each submission is a chance to contribute to the rich collage of Teen Ink’s magazine content, which is celebrated for its diversity and depth.

What sets Teen Ink apart is its broad scope and inclusive nature, offering a venue for a wide array of artistic and literary expressions. The contest celebrates the voices of young creators, offering them publication opportunities in a magazine that has already featured the works of over 55,000 teens. Winning or being published in Teen Ink can be a significant feather in the cap of any young creator, providing not just the thrill of seeing their work in print, but also the validation of their talents. Such achievements can bolster college applications, showcasing a student’s commitment to and aptitude for their chosen art or literary form. In addition, the collaborative and competitive aspects of Teen Ink contests promote growth, resilience, and a sense of community among participants, all of which are invaluable traits for personal and academic success.

11. The Emerson Prize

• Location: Worldwide
• Cost:   Entry fee ranging from $70 to $150, based on the subscription type chosen.
• Contest dates: Rolling admissions
• Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; specific issues deadlines are February 1 (Summer), May 1 (Fall), August 1 (Winter), and November 1 (Spring)
• Eligibility: High school students who have authored a history research paper.

The Emerson Prize is a distinguished annual award granted to high school students who have demonstrated exceptional historical scholarship through their research papers published in The Concord Review . As a celebration of scholarly excellence, it recognizes young historians who contribute original research and thoughtful analysis to the discourse of history. The essays cover a wide array of topics, showcasing the writers’ dedication to uncovering and presenting historical truths.

The Emerson Prize elevates the importance of historical study among high school students, spotlighting those who go above and beyond in their academic endeavors. Recipients of the prize not only receive national recognition but are also awarded $1,000, affirming the value of their scholarly contributions. This accolade can be a pivotal advantage for college admissions, underscoring a student’s capability for in-depth research and academic writing. It also signals to colleges the student’s readiness for the rigors of undergraduate study and potential for future scholarly work. Beyond the immediate recognition, the prize encourages a lifelong pursuit of historical understanding and critical thinking, fostering a foundation that benefits students in any field they choose to pursue.

12. NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing

• Contest Dates: Accepting applications from August 29, 2023
• Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
• 
 Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students in the United States and Canada

The NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing is a distinguished program designed to recognize the writing talents of 10th and 11th-grade students and to encourage their growth as writers. With the contest prompt released on August 29, 2023, students are invited to brainstorm, draft, and refine their submissions until the February deadline. The submissions are evaluated on a variety of criteria including content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, structure, development, and style. This comprehensive review process ensures a fair and merit-based assessment of each student’s writing.

What sets the NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing apart is its status as a school-based recognition program, underlining the educational community’s role in nurturing young writers. Students who earn the Certificate of Superior Writing/First Class distinction gain national recognition, with their names and states published on the NCTE website. This recognition can enhance a student’s academic portfolio, reflecting their dedication and skill in writing—an asset for college applications. The emphasis on varied elements of writing also prepares students for the demanding writing tasks they will face in higher education and beyond, fostering a skill set that is critical for academic success across disciplines.

13. Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Specific submission dates for the 2023-2024 contest have not been mentioned
• Application Deadline: October 31, 2023
• Eligibility: 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students in public, private, parochial schools, home-schooled, and dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is a youth essay competition that inspires middle school students to reflect on American history and their own experiences to express their ideas based on a patriotic theme. Participants are tasked with writing a 300 to 400-word essay, typed in English with black ink, to articulate their views under the guidance of the annual theme set by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. The essays must adhere to strict guidelines, including word count and anonymity, to ensure a level playing field. Contestants must also submit three typed copies of their essay along with the official entry form.

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest distinguishes itself with its patriotic emphasis, motivating students to engage critically with their national heritage and the principles of American society. It offers significant rewards, including a $5,000 national first-place prize, and a minimum of $500 for each first-place state winner, fostering academic motivation and recognition. Participation in this contest can be an impressive addition to educational credentials, signalling a student’s ability to think critically and write clearly about complex themes. For many young students, the contest provides their first experience with a national competition, laying a foundation for future academic pursuits and instilling a sense of national pride and responsibility.

14. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Submissions open on September 1, 2023
• Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
• Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. students under 20 in high school correspondence/GED programs; U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges high school students to write an essay on a U.S. elected official who demonstrated political courage past 1917, the year of John F. Kennedy’s birth. The essay must explore an act of bold leadership on a pressing issue at any level of government — local, state, national, or international. Students are asked to provide an in-depth analysis of their chosen act of political courage, discussing the implications and the impact of the official’s actions.

Standing out for its focus on political courage and historical analysis, the Profile in Courage Essay Contest provides an enriching educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. It encourages students to delve into the complexities of governance and ethics, fostering critical thinking and an appreciation for civic responsibility. The contest offers substantial awards, with the first-place winner receiving $10,000, and additional significant prizes for runners-up and finalists. The recognition from such a prestigious writing contest can be a remarkable asset for college applications, highlighting high school students’ research skills and ability to engage with historical and contemporary political issues. Winners also have the honor of attending the Profile in Courage Award ceremony, providing a unique opportunity to connect with leaders and be part of a community that values courage and integrity in public service.

15. Stone Soup Contests

• Contest Dates: Guidelines for the 2024
 Stone Soup Contests have not been announced
• Application Deadline: Guidelines for the 2024
 Stone Soup Contests have not been announced
• Eligibility: Varies by contest; the Annual Book Contest 2022 was open to individuals aged 14 or under, and there are specific contests for upcoming college students.

Stone Soup, the esteemed literary magazine for young writers and artists, holds various contests throughout the year, such as the Annual Book Contest and writing contests for college-bound students. These competitions seek to discover and celebrate the talents of young creators in genres, including short stories, poetry, personal essays, and artwork. Each contest comes with its own theme and guidelines, offering young creators multiple opportunities to showcase their skills and creativity.

What distinguishes the Stone Soup contests is their commitment to fostering the artistic and literary development of young people. The contests provide a respected outlet for publication, which can be a significant milestone in a young creator’s life. Having work published in Stone Soup can be a strong point of interest in college applications, indicating a student’s dedication to their craft and ability to achieve at a competitive level. Beyond the honor of publication, the contests offer experience with the submission and editorial process, which is valuable for any budding writer or artist. Participation also encourages discipline and creativity, which are important skills for academic success and personal growth.

16. We the Students Essay Contest

• Contest Dates: Submissions typically open in the fall
• Application Deadline: February 14, 2024
• Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 attending public, private, religious, or charter schools, enrolled in a GED or correspondence school program, or participating in a home school program in the United States and its territories

The “We the Students Essay Contest” is a prestigious annual competition hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute, designed to engage U.S. students in grades 8 through 12 in thoughtful reflections on the principles of the Constitution. Participants are tasked with crafting compelling essays on topics related to civic understanding and the role of the Constitution in the contemporary United States. The contest provides the opportunity for students to articulate their insights and demonstrate their understanding of the importance of the Bill of Rights and the founding principles of American governance.

The contest is distinguished by its emphasis on civic education and the encouragement of students to critically analyze and discuss key constitutional concepts. Winning this contest comes with substantial awards, with the first-place winner receiving $7,500 and a scholarship to attend the Constitutional Academy in Washington, D.C. Such an achievement can be instrumental in college applications, highlighting students’ engagement with complex historical and governmental topics and their ability to express informed opinions. Participation in the contest not only bolsters students’ credentials but also enriches their understanding of American democracy, a knowledge base that is valuable in academic pursuits and as active citizens.

17. American Scholastic Press Assn (ASPA) Yearbook and Newspaper Contest

• Cost: $100 for yearbooks, $60 for newspapers
• Contest Dates: Submissions for 2024 Yearbooks and Magazines accepted in Summer and Fall 2024
• Application Deadline: The 2024 deadline has not 
been announced
• Eligibility: Open to schools in the United States and its territories that publish yearbooks or newspapers

The ASPA Yearbook and Newspaper Contest is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and recognizing excellence in scholastic publishing. Schools across the United States and its territories are invited to submit their yearbooks and newspapers for critique and assessment. The contest aims to evaluate the quality of student journalism and design, offering categories that cover a broad spectrum of school publication activities. It gives students an opportunity to showcase their journalistic talents, editorial skills, and creativity in both print and digital formats.

The ASPA contest stands out for its comprehensive evaluation process, which offers valuable feedback sensitive to school budgetary concerns. This feedback helps schools improve their publications and encourages high standards in scholastic journalism. The recognition from winning an ASPA award can significantly enhance the profile of a school’s publication team, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in journalism and publication design. For high school students, participating in this writing contest can be instrumental in college applications, as it showcases their involvement in significant extracurricular activities and their ability to collaborate on complex projects. The skills developed through participation—writing, editing, design, and teamwork—are invaluable for academic and professional success. Additionally, the contest fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among student journalists and can inspire them to pursue careers in journalism, media, and related fields.

18. Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contests

• Location: United States and its territories
• Cost: Each entry is $7
• Contest dates: Typically opens for submissions in the fall (specific dates for the 2024 contest not mentioned)
• Eligibility: Open to schools in the United States and its territories that publish yearbooks

The Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contests are designed to honor and celebrate superior yearbook design and coverage by schools across the United States and its territories. This contest provides a platform for students and educators to showcase their yearbook programs, focusing on various aspects of yearbook production, such as design, photography, and editorial content. Participation in these contests offers an opportunity for schools to have their yearbook evaluated against high standards, encouraging excellence in scholastic journalism and publication design.

What sets the Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contests apart is their focus on both the overall yearbook program and individual achievements within yearbook production. This dual approach allows for recognition of comprehensive team efforts as well as individual talent in various aspects of yearbook creation. Winning these contests or receiving critiques can significantly benefit a school’s yearbook program, offering insights for improvement and recognition for excellence. Participating in writing contests for high school students can be particularly advantageous for those interested in careers in journalism, design, or related fields, as it showcases their practical experience and achievements. Participation in the contests can also enhance college applications, demonstrating involvement in significant extracurricular activities and the ability to work collaboratively on complex projects. Furthermore, these contests foster a sense of pride and accomplishment in students, motivating them to continue striving for excellence in their creative and journalistic endeavors.

In conclusion, these 18 writing contests provide high school students with a remarkable opportunity to cultivate their writing skills, gain recognition, and potentially earn scholarships and other rewards. Participating in these contests not only prepares students for the challenges of college-level writing but also adds significant value to their college applications, showcasing their talents and commitment to their craft. Whether aspiring to a career in journalism, creative writing, or any other field, these contests are a stepping stone toward achieving academic and professional goals.

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Law and Public Policy Essay Contest

The Law & Public Policy Essay Contest is designed to encourage students to participate in discourse on state, national, and global legal issues by combining their research and writing skills to increase understanding on a law or policy matter and advocate for a position. Because the practice of identifying issues, applying rules to a set of facts, and making a well-reasoned conclusion is fundamental to the study and practice of law, the Law & Public Policy Essay Contest aims for participants to hone their writing and research skills in and outside of the classroom and pursue excellence in their work.

Eligibility:

The contest is open to current undergraduate students enrolled at Montclair State University. Each submission must be an original, unpublished, academic work on a topic related to law and public policy. Essays written for a class assignment or exam are eligible.

Submissions must be emailed as Microsoft Word documents. Essays may be 5-10 pages (double spaced) and must include proper citations.

Judging Process:

A panel of Montclair Sate Advisory Board members, many of whom are lawyers, will judge the submissions based on quality of writing, research (as well as citations), and originality.

Winning Submissions:

Winners will be contacted by email. The first-place place winner will receive a $300 prize and the second-place winner a $200 prize (both in the form of gift-card to a vendor of their choice). Selected papers will be featured on the Pre-Law Program webpage.

Submission Deadline:

All entries must be submitted to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Information:

Contact the Pre-Law Program Director, Isabelle Ramos , [email protected] , with any questions

Meet our 2023 Essay Contest Winners

Sofia Acevedo Valencia is a Junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Communication Studies. Passionate about giving back to our community, Sofia is volunteer for the Office of Health Promotion and a sister of Sigma Delta Phi. Sofia is a staff writer and Assistant Opinion Editor for The Montclarion. You can find her articles in the newspaper webpage where Sofia discusses pop culture, politics, and personal experiences.

Essay Summary: “A Tale as Old as Time: The Effects of Coca and Narco-Trafficking in Colombian Politics” was written for Comparative Politics during the 2023 Spring semester. The essay discusses the beginnings of coca and narco-trafficking, why they are to blame for Colombia’s corrupt political system, and how American intervention influenced these events. The essay also explains the importance of Colombia’s recent election of a leftist president, as well as his plan to legalize coca plantations of rural impoverished farmers.

Emma Geoghegan is a senior at Montclair State University majoring in Policy Studies with double minors in Sociology and Pre-Law Studies. Emma is president of the Pre-Law Society and vice-president and co-founder of the MSU Sociology Club. She also works with The Borgen Project to help fight global poverty by making it a priority of her Congressmen’s foreign policy agenda.

Essay Summary: “Segregation in New Jersey Public Schools” was written for the class Public Policy Analysis during the Fall 2022 semester. The essay talks about both the past and present of the issue of the divide of students in schools based on race, and how this often leads to worse outcomes for Black and Hispanic students. The paper explores how other states have worked on solving this issue and provides solutions based on them to help fix the issue in New Jersey. Policies such as busing, assigning students to public schools based on socioeconomic status instead of geographical location, and improving and expanding on the state’s school choice program are all potential resolutions to close the racial segregation gap and provide better opportunities to minority students.

2022 Essay Contest Winners

Sam MacPherson is a sophomore at Montclair State University double majoring in Political Science and Jurisprudence, pursuing an accelerated MA program in Law and Governance. Outside of class, Sam is a Vote Everywhere campus ambassador for the Andrew Goodman Foundation and works closely with MSU’s newly founded Planned Parenthood chapter. Sam is also actively involved in her local town council and is passionate about civic engagement.

Essay Summary: “Consolidating Power: How Years of Sham Elections in Venezuela Act as a Vehicle for Corruption and Collapse” was written for Comparative Politics in the Spring of 2022. The essay catalogs the history of Venezuela’s corrupt election system, as well as the implications these practices have on the country’s economy and citizens. The essay also draws comparisons to corrupt election practices in the United States, highlighting the influx of misinformation during the 2016 election via the Mueller report.

Essay Summary: The purpose of the paper “Gender-Related Cultural Competency Trainings: Analysis and Policy Recommendations” was to do study transgender cultural competency trainings to determine what educational strategies were being used, what cultural competency constructs were addressed, and what themes were present. This paper examined three cultural competency trainings and performed an in-depth content analysis on them. Findings showed that the trainings studied focused more on knowledge and skill than they did investigating bias and prejudice, and that cultural competency trainings in general have a very individual focus.

High School Essay Contest

2024 Essay Contest details now posted! See the question below on "Reimagining Education and Policy for the 21st Century."

The School of Public Policy & Administration at York University and its undergraduate student association, the  PPASA , invite high school students to submit essays for its 2024 competition. See the Essay Question below. Don't forget to follow us on X and LinkedIn !

To learn more about past year's celebrations, please visit our  Student, Alumni and Community Recognition Awards Dinner archive . Please help circulate this contest widely to high school students and teachers.

Quick Links

• Future Students
• Our Students
• Entrance Scholarships

Essay Question

Reimagining Education and Policy for the 21st Century

Multiple school boards have filed a lawsuit against social media platforms including Meta Platforms Inc., alleging that these companies have designed and marketed addictive products that negatively impact education. The boards claim social media causes widespread issues such as social withdrawal, distraction, cyberbullying, increased aggression, and mental health challenges among students. In light of the lawsuit filed, discuss the impact of social media on student education and well-being. Propose your own solutions or strategies that schools and policymakers could adopt to address the issues caused by compulsive social media use among students.

Eligibility Criteria

High school students in grades 10-12 are invited to participate. Individual submissions or co-authored essays by up to 3 authors will be considered.

The essays should be 500-1000 words (1-2 pages) in length.

A group of faculty, current students and alumni from the School of Public Policy & Administration will review the essays and nominate 3 winners. Essays can be submitted online no later than Monday October 14, 2024.

The authors of the three highest ranked essays, along with their parent(s) or other designated guest(s), will be invited to the School’s annual Student, Alumni, and Community Recognition Awards Dinner at York University. The essay winners will also receive a monetary award: $200 for the 1st place, $150 for the 2nd place and $100 for the 3rd place.

January 8, 2024 2023 High School Essay Contest Winners

January 8, 2022 2022 High School Essay Contest Winners

January 8, 2021 2021 High School Essay Contest Winners

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at  [email protected] .

Connect with the School of Public Policy & Administration

These 11 Essay Contests with Generous Prizes Will Change Your Life

Table of Contents

Essay contests are unusual because to win them you have to use your words. If you are a student who aspires to become a journalist, novelist, or poet, then these essay contests are a stepping stone for you to make that dream a reality.

Essay contests often ask participants to answer a question in the most original and obvious way. However, each contest will have its own rules and regulations to fulfill. You may have to write an essay on a specific topic and meet word count limits. To enter an essay contest, you must have the ability to write something fresh.

There are several essay contests that are valid for students of all levels of education regardless of nationality. As long as you meet the specified requirements, you may register for one or more of the following essay contests.

1. FIRE Free Speech Essay Contest

FIRE is an organization that aims to defend and sustain individual rights at America’s colleges and universities. These rights include freedom of speech, legal equality, due process, religious liberty, and sanctity of conscience—the essential qualities of individual liberty and dignity.

In this contest, you will be asked to write an essay or persuasive letter in 700 to 900 words on the theme of current events, historical examples, your personal experiences, and other resources posted on the FIRE website. Registration for this contest closes on December 31 st , 2020 at 11:59 a.m. EST.

Who should apply?

Open to juniors and seniors in U.S. high schools, including home-schooled students, as well as U.S. citizens attending high school overseas.

What are the prizes of this contest?

One $10,000 first-place prize, one $ 5,000 second-place prize, three $1,000 third-place prizes, and four $500 prizes will be awarded.

2. Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests

Have you ever read one of Ayn Rand’s thought-provoking novels? Now’s the time! Enter an Ayn Rand Institute essay contest and you’ll have a chance to win thousands of dollars in scholarship prize money.

ARI has held worldwide essay contests for students on Ayn Rand’s fiction for more than thirty years, awarding over $2 million in total prize money! To enter this contest, choose one of the three works of Ayn Rand fiction below and decide what theme you will cover in your essay by answering one of the questions posed on the essay contests web page.

• The Fountainhead
• Atlas Shrugged

You must sign up as a member of the ARI website to find out the deadlines for the contest.

These essay contests are available for students who are interested in Ayn Rand’s work ranging from grade eight students to postgraduate students. Please note that, however, the eligibility for each contest is different.

Total prizes to be awarded to the winners are $30,000.

3. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

The United States Foreign Service—often referred to as America’s first line of defense—works to prevent conflict from breaking out abroad and threats from coming to our shores. Peacebuilders work on the ground to create the conditions for peace and resolve conflicts where they are most needed.

Successful essays will identify, in no more than 1,250 words, a situation where diplomats worked on a peacebuilding initiative with partners from the country/region in question, nongovernmental organizations, and other parts of the U.S. government, and then go on to analyze what characteristics and approaches made the enterprise a success.

The deadline for essay submission is April 5 th , 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas.

$2,500 will be awarded to the writer of the winning essay, in addition to an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and his or her parents, and an all-expense-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. Runner-up receives $1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

4. JASNA Essay Contests

Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) conducts an annual student essay contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen’s works in new generations of readers.

The 2021 Essay Contest topic is tied to the theme of our upcoming Annual General Meeting: “Jane Austen in the Arts.” It encompasses a wide variety of arts, including fine arts, performance arts, decorative arts, and crafts.

The deadline for the essay submissions is June 1 st , 2021.

Students and home-schooled students enrolled at the high school level during the contest year, students enrolled in at least six credit hours of course work at a junior college, college, or university during the contest year, and students enrolled during the contest year in at least three credit hours of graduate course work at a college or university leading to an advanced degree are encouraged to apply.

Membership in JASNA is not required to enter the contest.

JASNA awards scholarships to winners in each of the three divisions:

• First Place: $1,000 scholarship and free registration and two nights’ lodging for JASNA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting,
• Second Place: $500 scholarship,
• Third Place: $250 scholarship.

Winners and their mentors each receive a one-year JASNA membership. Besides, each winner receives a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.

5. The Immerse Education Essay Competition

The Immerse Education Essay Competition provides the opportunity for students aged 13-18 to submit essay responses to a pre-set question relating to their chosen subject. The essay questions are pre-defined according to your age group and preferred subject. You are encouraged to tailor your essay response to reflect your interest in your chosen subject.

The application for the competition will be closed on January 5 th , 2021.

The essay contests are available to students of all nationalities who will be aged 13-18 during the summer of 2021.

First-place winners will be awarded a 100% scholarship to study their chosen subject with Immerse. There will be 10 first place winners across the Immerse Education Competitions. Runners up will be awarded partial scholarships of up to 70% to study their chosen subject with Immerse.

6. Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest

Showcase your ideas on public policy and the role of markets by entering this essay competition. Construct an essay exploring the importance of Joseph Schumpeter’s concept of creative destruction in understanding entrepreneurialism and economic progress in today’s world. You may choose to analyze a particular industry or business (during any time-period) as a case study to bolster your essay.

The essay submission for the contest will be closed on June 1 st , 2021.

This essay contest is open to high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate students.

$9,000 in cash prizes will be awarded $3,000 of this designated just for high school students. Winning essays may be published in Fraser Institute journals and authors will have the opportunity to experience the peer-review process.

7. Optimist International Essay Contests

This essay contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country, or a more historical perspective.

In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship. The topic for the academic year of 2020-2021 is “Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism”. All essay contests are held by early February.

Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1 st , 2020 (and is not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution) in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean are eligible for entry. There is no minimum age.

Winners have the opportunity to receive scholarships of up to $2,500.

8. 2021 We the Students Essay Contest

We the Students Essay Contest expects the participants to explore the relationship between equality and justice in an essay with 500 to 800 words. Applicants are encouraged to bring emotion, creativity, specific examples, and well-researched facts into what they write. The deadline for entry is April 15 th , 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Armed Forces schools abroad, and students in United States territories are eligible to participate in the contest. In addition to going to school in a contested state, you must be in grades 8-12 and between the ages of 14-19.

A total of $7,500 will be awarded to the first winner. The second winner and honorable mentions will receive $1,500 and $500, respectively.

9. Student Essay Contest Sponsored by AWM and Math for America

To increase awareness of women’s ongoing contributions to the mathematical sciences, the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and Math for America co-sponsor an essay contest for biographies of contemporary women mathematicians and statisticians in academic, industrial, and government careers.

The essays will be based primarily on an interview with a woman currently working in a mathematical sciences career. Essay submissions are open from December 1 st to February 1 st .

Participation is open to middle school, high school, and undergraduate students.

The winners (including honorable mentions) receive a monetary prize, a membership in the AWM, a certificate, and their name and affiliation published in the Newsletter for the AWM. Also, all of the essays are published online and the essay of the Grand Prize winner is published in the AWM Newsletter.

10. Civics Education Essay Contest

Every year, in honor of Law Day, NCSC hosts a Civics Education Essay Contest. The goal of the contest is to get students engaged and ponder the importance of civics at home and in the classroom. The contest question is based on the American Bar Association’s annual theme. ABA’s 2021 Law Day theme is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.”  Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 26 th , 2021.

Students from grades three through twelfth are invited to enter these essay contests.

For the 9th-12th grade winners:

• One (1) First Place: $1,000
• One (1) Second Place: $500
• One (1) Third Place: $250

For the 6th-8th grade winners:

• One (1) First Place: $400
• One (1) Second Place: $200
• One (1) Third Place: $100

For the 3rd-5th grade winners:

• One (1) First Place: $300
• One (1) Second Place: $150

11. St. Gallen Symposium Global Essay Competition

Compete in this Global Essay Competition and be one of the top 100 contributors to qualify for all-expenses covered participation as a Leader of Tomorrow in the world’s premier opportunity for cross-generational debates: The St. Gallen Symposium. Submissions are due by  February 1 st , 2021, 11:59 p.m. last time zone (UTC-12).

However, if you are not a fan of essay contests, then this no-essay scholarship might interest you: Bold No Essay Community Scholarship: Easy Scholarship to Enter in 2020 .

To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate program (master level or higher) in any field of study at a regular university and born in 1991 or later.

Win prize money of CHF 20,000 split amongst the three winners.

Concordia Presidential Scholarship in Canada for Undergraduate Students

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Microsoft Disability Scholarship for International Students

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Announcing the 2022-2023 Poster & Essay Contest

It's MWRA contest time! Once again the MWRA is sponsoring Poster and Writing Contests for students who live in or attend school in a community served by the MWRA.

For more details please visit us here . 

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Introducing the Winners of the 2023 Student Foreign Policy Essay Contest

The John Quincy Adams Society and The National Interest are pleased to announce the winners of our 2023 Student Foreign Policy Essay Contest. This contest, the seventh, gave postsecondary students across the United States the opportunity to offer their views on how foreign countries’ defense policies align (or don’t align) with U.S. interests, and how U.S. choices can improve things.

The winners are:

WINNER: Benjamin Giltner , Texas A&M Bush School

RUNNERS-UP: Zoraiz Zafar , Colorado College; Gerard Neumann , Columbia University

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Lake Dodson , University of Mississippi; Xiomara Jean-Louis , Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dylan Waste , University of California, Santa Cruz; Aiden Zhang , Tufts University

The winner and runners-up will appear in The National Interest and will receive a cash prize. Honorable mentions appear in the Realist Review . We will add links to published articles as they appear. You can read about the winners of previous contests here: 2022 ,  2021 , 2020 ,  2019 ,  2018 ,  2017 . You may find the original contest announcement  here .

Despite critics pointing out Germany’s lack of ammunition stockpiles , and that Germany’s rearmament plans are lagging behind schedule , there remains hope and reason for United States to encourage German rearmament.   Benjamin Giltner, winning essay

As Pakistan continued to adhere to its strategy of double-facedness, the United States kept bestowing its former ally with political and financial accolades. Zoraiz Zafar, runner-up essay

On paper, the [U.S.-Saudi] partnership was an exceptional triumph of realpolitik in a period of idealistic geopolitics. However, as America wraps up its interventions in the region, it no longer requires a forward outpost. Nor does it need a military ally in the region with whom to exchange intelligence. The only things keeping the partnership alive is Saudi Arabia’s vast oil deposits and leadership in OPEC. Yet Saudi oil policy has run contrary to U.S. interests. Gerard Neumann, runner-up essay

For the United States to best acclimate and bring its old ally back to its side, more joint ventures such as Project Scorpion must be proposed to keep French-American relations healthy and reliable. If cooperative actions cannot be agreed upon, America risks losing France to its own ambition. Lake Dodson, honorable mention

Rather than wipe its hands of involvement after having contributed to Haiti’s squalor, the United States should shift from an interventionist view to a introspective one and reflect on how its policies create the conditions for harm outside its borders—intentionally or not. Xiomara Jean-Louis, honorable mention

Unlike other European states that have neglected geopolitical and defense considerations, Poland has developed strong institutional and public support for active foreign and security policies. Dylan Waste, honorable mention

American and Turkish interests have diverged such that the scope of feasible cooperation between the two has become severely limited. Given its detrimental effects on NATO’s ability to operate, Washington would be wise to recognize this shift in Turkish strategic thought and to reassess and deinstitutionalize the relationship accordingly. Aiden Zhang, honorable mention

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How to … : An Informational Writing Contest for Teenagers

We invite students to explain how to do any task in 400 words or fewer. Contest dates: Feb. 12 to March 12, 2025.

By The Learning Network

Do you know how to fix a brake light ? What about how to memorize Shakespeare ? How to keep a goldfish alive ? Spot a shooting star ? Write a love letter ? Forgive someone ?

These are just a few of the many skills explained in Tip , the how-to column by Malia Wollan which ran weekly in The New York Times Magazine from 2015-2022.

Inspired by this column, which took on topics both serious and silly, we are challenging students to write their own “how-to” for (almost) any task.

As long as the topic is appropriate for a family newspaper, students can explain whatever they like, including tasks that Tip has already taken on. But, just as the column did, they must also find, interview and quote one expert on the subject.

Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources below. Please post any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Challenge
• A Few Additional Rules
• Resources for Students and Teachers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Submission Form

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