Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 3/1/2027
In short
The Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest invites middle and high school students in the U.S. and Canada to write persuasive essays on real-world issues for a chance to win up to $2,500.
Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 3/1/2027211 days left
$2,500
1st Place Prize
Free
Entry Fee
Middle and High School
Eligibility
U.S., Canada, or U.S. military address
Residency
Overview
The Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to develop and showcase their research, critical thinking, and writing skills. Participants are challenged to write persuasive essays addressing one of four timely and relevant prompts, covering topics in economics, civics, and American history. The competition aims to engage students in important societal debates and encourage them to articulate their perspectives. Students will choose from prompts such as analyzing tariff policies, evaluating the debate around birthright citizenship, reflecting on America's founding ideals, or taking a position on term limits for Congress. These prompts require students to analyze complex issues, consider different viewpoints, and construct well-supported arguments. The contest emphasizes original thought and clear, concise writing. Beyond the opportunity to win cash prizes, the contest serves as a platform for students to enhance their academic abilities. It encourages in-depth research, structured argumentation, and effective communication—skills that are valuable for future academic and professional endeavors. The competition also fosters an understanding of current events and civic responsibility among young writers.
What to build
Participants must write a persuasive essay of 500–1,000 words in response to one of four official prompts: "The Truth About Tariffs: Who Really Pays?", "The Birthright Citizenship Debate", "America at 250: Why It Matters to Me", or "Time’s Up? Should Congress Have Term Limits?".
Prizes
1st Place
$2,500
2nd Place
$1,000
3rd Place
$500
Finalists
5 finalists
$200 each
Semi-Finalists
5 semi-finalists
$100 each
Honorable Mentions
15 honorable mentions
$50 each
Key dates
- Submission DeadlineMarch 13, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Finalist InterviewsMay 17–23, 2026
- Winners AnnouncementMay 31, 2026
Eligibility
The contest is open to middle school students (Grades 5–8) and high school students (Grades 9–12) who reside in the U.S., Canada, or a U.S. military address. Students who enter the AI Challenge are not eligible for this contest.
Submission requirements
- Essay length: 500–1,000 words
- Essay must be original work; plagiarism or AI-generated content is disqualified
- Finalists must complete a brief remote interview (May 17–23, 2026)