Youth Essay Contest
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AAPI Connect invites you to share your voice and perspective in our annual essay contest. This month-long celebration offers individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, as well as allies, to reflect on the rich cultural history and contemporary experiences of the AAPI community. In their essays, students, ages 6-17, should aim to share their personal beliefs and social experiences that have molded their unique identities. We welcome submissions from students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds; you do not have to be Asian American to participate.
We ask that students answer one of the following two prompts that they feel they can most authentically discuss while following the submission guidelines listed below:
I Am Asian American
How Has Asian America Changed
✍️ Submission Guidelines:
Essays must be original and unpublished works. AI usage will not be tolerated.
Word limit: 750 - 1500 words.
All submissions are due on May 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
A $50 cash prize (likely subject to increase) and recognition on our website will be awarded to the winner in each prompt and in each age division (6-9, 10-13, and 14-18). (Six prizes will be awarded overall.) Essays will be anonymously evaluated by a distinguished panel of community members.
Furthermore, this year, we will also be hosting a poetry contest revolving around the same prompts. Participants should provide at least one poem that approaches one of the above prompts with a nuanced perspective that illustrates the complexities of the AAPI Community. Up to three poems may be submitted. The same prizes and deadlines listed above apply.