Sanders holds essay contest for Vermont high school students

[Uncle Joe]

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is holding his 12th annual State of the Union Essay Contest to get Vermont high school students more engaged in the political process.

The contest coincides with the president’s State of the Union address to Congress outlining priorities for the upcoming year.

Students submit 250-500 words essays on a major issue facing the country and propose how to solve it. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 11, 2022.

A panel of teachers will judge the essays and pick 10 finalists whose submissions will be entered in the Congressional Record.

https://www.wcax.com/2021/11/07/sanders-holds-essay-contest-vermont-high-school-students/

[al bupp]

1. My daughter's essay was one of about a dozen statewide in 2016 given honorable mention

She was invited to the State House along w/ the other winners to meet the Senator. There was an event there where they each talked about their papers in front of a room full (maybe 50+) of parents & friends, and engaged in a sort of round-table discussion of those topics. I have to say that Bernie impressed me in that venue, thoughtful and genuine. He didn't speechify, but simply moderated the discussion. I have to say it was an even more impressive group of thoughtful and well-spoken young people. Her essay was about the injustice of the death penalty.

[Uncle Joe]

2. Good for your daughter

and thanks for sharing al bupp.

[TexasTowelie]

3. I'm surprised that the Bernie wasn't able to coordinate with the Sanders Institute

to award scholarships to the finalists. It doesn't have to be a large amount--maybe enough to cover books, parking, or lab fees for one or two semesters. Cash can also come in handy when students begin college and an unexpected expense occurs after moving.

If the goal is to get more students engaged in the political process, then offering some type of prize or scholarship will attract more submissions. I am a bit confused by Bernie's Website in the link because it asks for the teacher's grade. So is this a mandatory assignment (which somewhat defeats the purpose of getting students engaged with politics when it is forced) or voluntary (perhaps for extra credit)? Also, is the paper being written for an English teacher or a Civics teacher since that could have an effect on the grade?

[George II]

4. Great idea, like this:

Clinton Foundation Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest

Deadline: March 31, 2021

The Clinton Foundation focuses on creating economic opportunity, improving public health, and inspiring civic engagement and service. Arkansas students in 11th or 12th grades are invited to write a 1,500 word (minimum) essay exploring one of these three focus areas. Students are asked to define a challenge, propose an idea to alleviate the challenge, and develop a strategy for putting that idea into action. The top three students will be recognized, and the student with the winning essay will be awarded a $2,500 college scholarship. The essay must be submitted by March 31, 2021

For the second year, we're partnering with the Clinton Global University (CGI U), to provide an additional element to the Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest. Arkansas students in 12th grade, who are planning to enroll in a college or university in Fall 2021, could have the opportunity to participate in the CGI U student program.

Students who are interested in applying for this unique opportunity should write an additional 1,000-word (minimum) essay which expands on the original Ideas Matter Essay Contest prompt (above). They should detail how their strategy is innovative when compared to other individuals or organizations addressing a similar problem. You can name specific organizations working in the field, outline how they are tackling an issue, and explore why you think your approach will be more successful than others. Feel free to show off your research in citing sources and quoting experts too.

https://www.clintonfoundation.org/clinton-foundation-ideas-matter-essay-contest