Submission: Each contestant MUST provide contact information and register prior to submission deadline.  Upon registration, you will be given an email address to send in your submissions. Each participant can submit one entry for consideration, per topic. Minors must have a parent or guardian co-sign for registration.

Deadlines:
First Essay Prompt- April 14th, Due- April 23nd at 11:59pm; Announced April 26th
Second Essay  Prompt–April 26th, Due- May 2 at 11:59pm; Announced May 4th
Third Essay, Prompt- May 3th, Due May 10th at 11:59pm; Announced May 12th

Length: Essays should be no longer than 750 words. This is a maximum word count, if you find your essay to be perfect with less words that is okay

Eligibility: Youth, ages 12-18

Language: Essays should be written in English.
Sending Documents for Submission: To help us manage the number of files that are submitted, please use the following subject line when sending your essay in for consideration.  

ESSAY CONTEST SUBMISSION-. Name the file “FirstinitialLastname2020”. For example, our Christine Mohamed's submission would be titled “cmohamed2020”. Please send all essays to: cair.pittsburgh@gmail.com.
Winners: CAIR Pittsburgh’s Executive Director and Board will judge entries and will award 1 winner for each of the three categories during the contest.  Winners will be announced to the community via E-blast and Social Media: First Essay- April 19th, Second Essay – April 29th, Third Essay- May 9th. At the end there will be a recap of the winners along with some Honorable Mentions. Winning essays and those receiving Honorable Mention will be featured on our website and social media.
Prizes: The winners for each category will receive a gift certificate in the amount of $100. Also, the winner will have the opportunity to become a member of our writing team and have the opportunity to have their articles and future writings published.

Evaluation Criteria:
Addresses Prompt—The essay effectively takes into account, either literally or metaphorically, the entirety of the prompt. The  essay must keep its primary focus on addressing the Contest’s prompt.
Focus—The thesis/main message is clear and supported throughout. The essay does not stray from the main message.
Organization & Structure—The essay is organized and well-structured. Author demonstrates command of grammar, spelling and mechanics.

Voice/Originality—The essay uses a highly engaging and personal style. The author finds fresh or interesting ways to convey ideas. The author approaches the topic from a unique perspective. The essay demonstrates that the author has genuinely explored the topic and has conveyed it in their own words. Essay will be checked utilizing software for plagiarism.