Introduction:
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.
Competition Topic: Media literacy is connected to democracy. What are some top strategies to engage people of all ages with media literacy and democracy?
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.
Recognition and Awards: First Place – $1,000 scholarship, Second Place – $500 scholarship, Third Place – $300 scholarship. The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalists funds scholarships.
Winners will be announced in May. Winning essays also will be posted on SPJ/JEA official websites.
Fee: $5 entry fee
Competition Website: LINK
Other Writing Contest you may be interested in: Guide to YoungArts Writing Competition
General guide and tips to essay competition
- Break down the topic: Make sure you understand the topic and take time to research the topic through credible sources such as academic journals, books, and articles.
- Create an outline: Organize your thoughts and ideas by creating an outline for your essay. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your essay is logical and coherent
- Write a strong thesis: Make sure your thesis statement is clear and concise, and that the rest of your essay can support it.
- Use evidence to support your arguments: Use specific examples, statistics, and quotes to support your claims and make your essay more persuasive. Make sure to cite your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.
- Edit and proofread: Before submitting your essay, make sure to revise and edit it for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors
Practice, Practice, Practice: Writing a good essay takes practice. Don’t forget to practice writing everyday and familiarize with the competition format.
Eligibility
All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States
Submission deadline
Feb 19, 2023, 11:59 p.m. Central time
