Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest
ListedCompetition
- Award
- High school division: first $2,500, second $1,000, third $500, five finalists $200, five semifinalists $100, 15 honorable mentions $50
- Deadline
- 11:59 PM ET, March 12, 2027
- How to apply
- Submit one original English essay of 500 to 1,000 words answering one of four prompts, directly or through a teacher. Cite sources. The works-cited list can count toward the minimum but does not trigger the maximum-word disqualification. Final judging requires a brief interview during May 16 to 22, 2027.
- What you'll need
- An essay
- An interview
- Who can apply
- High school division: grades 9 to 12, within the contest's ages 10 to 19 during September 9, 2026 to March 12, 2027; reside in the United States, Canada or at a U.S. military address. One essay per writer. You may also enter the video contest but cannot also enter the 2026-27 AI Challenge. Previous first-place winners can receive prizes again only in a different division or contest type. Contest personnel and immediate family members are excluded.
- Good to know
- AI-generated content or plagiarism causes disqualification. Finalists must complete the May 16 to 22, 2027 interview; winners are announced May 31, 2027. Cash-prize recipients pay any applicable taxes. Entry authorizes the sponsor to use the essay, while ownership remains with the writer.
- Details
- CivicsNo AI assistance allowed