Nation Student Writing Contest

Sponsored by the BIL Charitable Trust to recognize and reward the best in student writing and thinking.

We're looking for original, thoughtful, provocative student voices to tell us what issue is of most concern to their generation. Essays should not exceed 800 words and should be original, unpublished work that demonstrates fresh, clear thinking and superior quality of expression and craftsmanship. We'll select five finalists and one winner, who will be awarded a $500 cash prize and a Nation subscription. The winning essay will be published in the magazine and featured on our website. The five finalists will be awarded $100 each and subscriptions, and their entries will be published online. The contest is open to students at American high schools and to undergraduates at American colleges and universities. Entries (only one per student) will be accepted through March 31. A winner will be announced by May 31. Please send entries to studentprize@thenation.com.

The Award

The Nation will select one winner and five finalists.

The winner will be awarded a $500 cash prize and a free Nation subscription; the winning essay will be published in The Nation magazine and featured at The Nation online.

The five finalists will be awarded cash prizes of $100 each along with subscriptions, and their entries will be published on The Nation online.

Eligibility

The contest is open to all high school students and undergraduates at American schools, colleges and universities. Submissions must be original, unpublished work (the writing can have been published in a student publication). Each entrant is limited to one submission. Entries will be accepted through March 31. A winner will be announced by May 31.

Submissions can be e-mailed to studentprize@thenation.com or faxed to (212) 982-9000. All e-mailed submissions will be acknowledged. Each entry must include author's name, address, phone number, e-mail and short biography and school affiliation.

Please email to studentprize@thenation.com for questions.