The Pulitzer Center Local Letters for Global Change Contest 2026 invites K-12 students worldwide to write a letter to a local elected representative. The letter should explain a global issue, connect it to the local community, and propose a solution, drawing evidence from Pulitzer Center news stories. Winners receive monetary prizes for classroom support and publication on the Pulitzer Center website.
By Pulitzer Center
The Pulitzer Center Local Letters for Global Change Contest 2026 encourages K-12 students globally to engage in civic action and persuasive writing. Participants are tasked with writing a letter to a local elected representative, addressing a global issue they deem important. The letter must articulate why the issue is globally significant, how it connects to their local community, and what specific solution they propose. This contest aims to foster global citizenship among students by having them explore underreported issues through Pulitzer Center news stories. It provides a platform for students to voice their concerns and advocate for change on topics ranging from climate and environment to human rights and global health. Submissions are accepted from K-12 students worldwide and can be written in English or Spanish. The contest emphasizes the importance of citing evidence, particularly from Pulitzer Center-supported stories, to substantiate arguments and proposed solutions. It encourages students to consider the role and responsibility of their local decision-makers. Winners and finalists will have their letters, photos, and bios published on the Pulitzer Center website. First-place winners also receive $300 for global community engagement in their classroom, while finalists receive $75 for the same purpose. All entrants are invited to a virtual town hall event to share their solutions with peers globally.
A one-page letter to a local elected representative that addresses a global issue, explains its global and local importance, and proposes a solution. The letter must cite evidence from a Pulitzer Center-supported story and answer five specific questions outlined in the application process.
The contest welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. Letters may be written in English and/or Spanish. Letters should address a topic within one of the Pulitzer Center’s five focus issues: Climate and Environment, Global Health, Human Rights, Information and Artificial Intelligence, and Peace and Conflict.