America at 250 High School Essay Competition

High school juniors and seniors residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.

This competition is open to any high school junior or senior residing in one of these states. Any conflicts of interest should be declared so the Council can ensure a fair selection process.

Essay submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprised of Council staff, Council fellows, and Emerging Leaders alumni.

March 16: Competition opens.
April 26: Competition closes.
April 27-May 14: Submissions are reviewed.
May 15: Winner(s) announced.
June 18: Winner(s) featured at the Council's America at 250 Global Forum.
 

We look forward to reading your original thoughts and ideas on our prompt. 

While we recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool in the writing process, we want to emphasize the importance of sharing an essay with us that reflects your unique views.  Applicants will be asked to attest that their work does not make unacceptable use of AI, and any submission found to have done so will be disqualified.

Generative AI tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini) may be used only for the limited purposes described below:

Acceptable:

• Using tools like Grammarly to review grammar and spelling
• Generating questions or exercises to aid in the brainstorming process
• Asking AI for feedback on your structure or argument (Feedback must be applied independently by you, not by AI)
• Having AI generate a list of counterarguments for consideration
• Conducting research on general background information, provided that your essay’s analysis remains entirely your own. Please note: you should verify any facts drawn from AI.

Unacceptable:

• Submitting any AI-generated text (of any length) as your own writing 
• Providing AI with an idea or outline and asking it to generate the essay
• Asking AI to rewrite or substantially revise any portion of your essay 
• Using AI to translate or rework previously written work to fit the expectations of this contest 
• Incorporating AI-generated research, ideas, arguments, or analysis into your essay without independent verification or original thought 

Who is eligible to apply? Any current high school junior or senior residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin may apply.

Is there a registration fee? No. The competition is completely free to enter.

Can I submit more than one essay? No. Each student may submit one essay only.

Does my essay need to focus on a specific state or topic? No. The prompt is intentionally broad and open-ended to allow participants to address the question at hand creatively. We encourage you to draw on examples from your own state or community as you craft your response.

Do I need to cite my sources in a specific format? No. Citation format is flexible — MLA, APA, Chicago, or simple hyperlinks are all acceptable. What matters is that you acknowledge any sources you engaged.

Can I write from personal experience? Absolutely. Personal experience can be a powerful component of your argument, especially (but not exclusively) in your 150-word addendum.

What does "most compelling" vs. "most creative" mean? The most compelling essay prize rewards a persuasive, well-reasoned argument. The most creative essay prize recognizes originality in approach, framing, or storytelling. A single essay may not win both categories.

What constitutes a conflict of interest? A conflict of interest exists if you are a family member of any current or former Council staff member, Emerging Leader, Non-Resident Fellow, or Board Member. Please declare any conflicts of interest in your submission. The Council will take appropriate steps to ensure a fair review process.

When and how will winners be notified? Winners will be announced on May 15. We will contact winners directly using the information provided in your submission.

What does the June event involve? Winners will be recognized at the Council's America at 250 Global Forum in Chicago on June 18. First-place winners will receive two nights' hotel accommodations and flights (if applicable) to attend in person.

Can I use AI to help write my essay? Essays must reflect your own original thinking and writing. AI may be used only in limited, clearly defined ways — please review our full AI Policy.  Submitting AI-generated text as your own work is grounds for disqualification.

Who reviews the essays? Submissions are reviewed by a panel of Council staff, Council fellows, and Emerging Leaders alumni.

I have more questions. Who can I contact? Please contact Maru Sefami, Director of Next Generation Engagement (msefami@globalalaffairs.org), with questions not answered above.