Are you a writer? You may be able to win cash, scholarships, trips, and other awards with your essay-writing abilities. There are many contests out there that address a wide variety of topics. Why not enter a competition today?
Contest rules will vary significantly, and some may contain important information about possible restrictions, so be sure to read all individual rules carefully. Please note that most of these competitions require that participants be citizens of the United States.
The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund(NRACRDF) is holding an essay competition to encourage students to recognize the Second Amendment as an integral part of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The theme for the essay is “The Second Amendment to the Constitution: Why it is important to our nation.” Students can win up to $1000 in savings bonds.
The United States Institute of Peace offers a contest on “confronting crimes against humanity.” Those interested are prompted to discuss “how international actors (the UN, regional organizations, governments, and/or non-governmental organizations) can improve their capacity to implement the responsibility to protect civilians from crimes against humanity during conflict.” The deadline is February 1, 2009.
The Alliance for Science sponsors a contest called “In Darwin’s Footsteps” in which students are encouraged to “write about a person or group who is expanding the horizons of knowledge today, and show how their work reflects the values and principles Darwin demonstrated during his life.”
The United Nations Association of the United States of America offers the annual National High School Essay Contest in which students must write a letter to the president addressing the topic of environmental sustainability. One first place winner will receive a scholarship of $1,500, and a trip to UNA-USA's Member's Day, held at the United Nations Headquarters in March 2009.
The Holocaust Remembrance Project invites high school students to write an essay to “analyze why it is vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to new generations; and suggest what you, as students, can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today.” Students can win scholarship money up to $10,000 and a trip to visit the new Illinois Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Planning to attend a community college? The Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA) is announcing its 6th Annual Student Essay Contest. The essay topic for 2009 is “Why obtaining a four year degree on my community college campus would be important to me.” Entries must be postmarked by February 5, 2009.
The American Society of Human Genetics announces their 4th Annual National DNA Day Essay Contest. In this competition, entrants are asked to “reflect on important concepts of genetics.” Please note that essays for this competition must be submitted by a teacher. Deadline for entering is March 16, 2009.
Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance invites submissions from students in which they should "consider the new civil rights movement rising today in the Mideast, and make the case for why Americans should help reformers on the frontlines." Deadline for this competition is January 31.
The New America Foundation is hosting a competition inviting students to first imagine they’ve been elected president. Students should then explain in an essay no longer than 600 words what they would do to improve the lives of children. Deadline for this contest is February 20, 2009.
Fans of Jane Austen may be delighted to learn about the contest offered by The Jane Austen Society of North America. The topic of this essay contest is “siblings” and students are encouraged to write about the significance of sibling relationships in novels and in real life. Submission deadline is May 1, 2009.
