The Internet is an incredible resource for finding essay contests. Here are few to get you started:
SPJ’s High School Essay Contest
sponsored by: Society of Professional Journalists
eligibility: American students in grades
9 – 12
theme: Varies
word count: 300 – 500
deadline: Usually March 1
prizes: $300 – $1,000
details: http://www.spj.org/a-hs.asp
Swackhamer Peace Essay Contest
sponsored by: Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
eligibility: All high school students throughout the world
theme: Peace
word count: 1200
deadline: June 1
prizes: $500 – $1,500
details: http://www.free-4u.com/napf_swackhamer_peace_essay_contest.htm
Educates National High School Essay Contest
sponsored by: United Nations Association of the U.S.A.
eligibility: American students grades 9 – 12
theme: Varies
word count: 1500
deadline: Usually around January 13
prizes: $750 – $3,000
details: http://www.unausa.org/
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage
sponsored by: JFK Library Foundation
eligibility: American students grades 9 – 12
theme: Political courage
word count:1000
deadline: Early January
prizes: $500 – $3,000
details: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx
NGC High School Essay Contest
sponsored by: The National Capital Area Federation of Garden Clubs Inc.
eligibility: All high school students
theme: Earth-related
word count: 500 – 600
deadline: November 2
prizes: $1,000
details: http://www.gardenclub.org/youth/youth-contests/high-school-essay-contest.aspx
“LIFE Lessons” Essay Contest
sponsored by: Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education
eligibility: College and college-bound students 17-24 who have lost a parent or guardian
theme: How losing a parent or guardian affected you emotionally and financially including whether life insurance or other forms of insurance played any role in helping to stabilize family finances
word count: 500 words max
deadline: Usually March 31
prizes: Up to $5,000
details: www.lifefdn.org
