We're SO GLAD YOU'RE HERE! We look forward to reading your essays -- we know you have important things to share and we're excited you've decided to share them with us.
Eligibility:
The contest is open to African American youth aged 5 through 17 as of the submission deadline who live, attend school or belong to a community in Pomona, California.
Essay Topics (choose one):
- The Best Part of Being Me
Acts of Kindness: How Helping Others Boosts My Mood
Creative Expression: How Art, Music, or Writing Boosts My Mental Health
Age Categories & Length Guidelines:
- Ages 5-7: Up to 200 words (approximately 1 page). The focus is on creativity and basic expression.
- Ages 8-10: Up to 300 words. Encouraged to develop ideas with simple structure and clarity.
- Ages 11-13: Up to 500 words. May include more detailed insights and organized structure.
- Ages 14-17: Up to 800 words. Expected to present well-thought-out ideas with clear organization.
Deadline:
All essays must be submitted by Friday, May 30, 2025.
Original Work:
Entries must be the original work of the participant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Judging Criteria:
Creativity, originality, clarity, and adherence to the theme and length guidelines.
Awards:
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $250
- Third Place: $100
- Honorable Mention (Available for Each Age Category): $50
Participation:By submitting an essay, participants acknowledge they agree to these rules and grant permission to publish their work for promotional purposes.
