The Politic High School Competition

Overview

The Politic High School Essay Competition is a new international writing competition established by The Politic, Yale University's undergraduate journal of politics and culture. This competition aims to engage high school students globally in producing original investigative journalism. The core challenge involves students investigating and reporting on specific, real issues impacting their local communities. These communities can range from a town, city, or county to a school district or surrounding region, encouraging participants to focus on tangible, immediate concerns relevant to their environment. The competition emphasizes rigorous journalistic practices, requiring strong primary-source research and objective reporting. Submissions are reviewed anonymously by The Politic’s editorial board, with successful entries being considered for publication on The Politic’s website and in its print edition.

What to build

Participants must produce an original investigative journalism essay focusing on a specific, real issue affecting their local community (town, city, county, school district, or surrounding region). Examples include local election coverage, environmental issues, school district funding, government service cuts, redistricting battles, or business closures and their economic impact.

Prizes

Key dates

• Early RegistrationJune 21 – July 8, 2026
• Regular RegistrationJuly 9 – August 14, 2026
• Submission DeadlineAugust 21, 2026
• Winners AnnouncementSeptember 11, 2026

Eligibility

The competition is open to high school students in grades 9–12, domestically or internationally. Eligible participants must be between 14–19 years of age.

How to enter

1. Register for the competition during either the early or regular registration period.
2. Develop an original investigative journalism essay based on a local community issue.
3. Ensure the essay adheres to all word limits, source requirements, and content elements.
4. Submit the essay by the August 21, 2026 deadline.
5. Pay the entry fee: $20 for early registration (June 21 – July 8, 2026) or $30 for regular registration (July 9 – August 14, 2026).

Submission requirements

• Essay word count: 800–1,200 words (excluding title, byline, and footnotes).
• Minimum of three distinct sources, including at least one primary source (e.g., interview with named individual, government record, public meeting transcript). Wikipedia, anonymous, or undated sources are not acceptable as primary sources.
• A clear investigative thesis or central question.
• Evidence of original research (interview, public record, or firsthand observation).
• Inclusion of multiple perspectives, including affected community members.
• A factual, objective tone (not an op-ed or personal essay).
• A conclusion that synthesizes findings and communicates their significance.
• No use of AI tools to draft, rewrite, paraphrase, or structure any part of the essay (basic grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly are permitted).
• No plagiarism, fabrication of evidence, or other academic misconduct.

Judging criteria

• Originality of reporting
• Strength of primary-source research
• Journalistic quality and writing
• Adherence to competition guidelines

Resources

• The Politic High School Competition Official Page
• Aralia Preparation Class Inquiry