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2024 Youth Essay Contest

Calling all young writers in 3rd through 8th grade! The King's International Development Association, a Stanford University student organization, invites you to showcase your writing skills and creativity. Join us in shaping a brighter future through your words!   

 

Students will submit in one of three judging classes: 3rd-4th grade, 5th-6th grade, and 7th-8th grade. Class is determined based on the student's enrollment as of the 2023-2024 school year.

 

Each class will have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize. Essays will be judged on content & relevance to the prompt, creativity & imagination, engagement & impact, organization & structure, clarity & coherence, and grammar & writing mechanics. 

 

Grades 3 and 4 are invited to draw a picture with a one paragraph answer to the prompt. (Please note: for the purpose of evaluating submissions, pictures will not be considered and instead is intended to spark creativity and thought in students). 

 

Students in grades 5 through 8 are asked to write a short essay response to the provided prompt.

 

All submissions should be limited to 500-700 words. Submission must be in English. Submissions that do not meet these eligibility requirements will not be evaluated. 

 

Prompt: Imagine you have the power to change one thing about the world to make it a better place. Write a story about how you use this special power to improve the lives of people. Describe the changes you make, the challenges you face, and the impact of your actions on the community you chose to help.

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Submissions are due by February 2, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

To download our contest poster, click the PDF icon below. We welcome all teachers, administrators, and parents to share this opportunity with their students!

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