LASTEST UPDATE ▪️ COMPETITION INFORMATION
2026 Competition Deadline Announced!
SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest
The SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest is a joint initiative of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA). The contest is open to high school students in the United States and is designed to promote the importance of journalism and the free press.The contest is held annually and students can submit essays in response to a specific prompt. The essays are judged by a panel of journalists, media educators, and other media professionals, who evaluate them based on their clarity, organization, and adherence to the contest theme.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States.
Eligibility
$5
Entry fee
December 10, 2025
Submission open
February 2026
Submission deadline
📌 Note: Aralia is not the organizer of this competition. For official rules, deadlines, and updates, please refer directly to the competition organizer. Aralia provides listings and information about competitions for student reference. Aralia is an online education platform offering competition preparation classes to students worldwide.
Competition Details
1. Competition Topic
TBD
2. Competition Format
The essay should be 300-500 words. Entries may be typed or handwritten, but must be double-spaced. Students must submit original work.
3. Recognition and Awards
- First Place – $1,000 scholarship
- Second Place – $500 scholarship
- Third Place – $300 scholarship
Winners will be announced in May. Winning essays will also be posted on SPJ/JEA official websites.
