ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition Offers $500 Prize, Recognition

Young leaders are invited to showcase their creativity and critical thinking skills in the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition, an online essay contest offering a $500 cash prize and award recognition. The competition encourages students to address critical societal issues and present their visions for the future.

Opportunity for Young Visionaries

The ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition is open to high school and undergraduate students worldwide, providing a platform to share their perspectives on the future. Participants are asked to respond to the prompt: "What’s one thing you hope your country accomplishes by the year 2050? What steps need to be taken to realize your vision?"

Competition Details

The competition will award one overall first-place winner a cash prize of $500. The winning entry will be published by ChallengeUS, and the winner will be featured in biographical articles and receive a Certificate of Achievement. Additionally, three "Best in Class" honorable mentions, one from each submission category, will have their work published and receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Benefits of Participation

No registration or entry fees Opportunity to win a $500 cash prize Publication of winning entry by ChallengeUS Certificate of Achievement for winners and honorable mentions Networking opportunities with a global community of young change-makers

Eligibility Criteria

Open to students living in any country. Must be currently enrolled in high school or undergraduate university. Students who have taken an academic gap or semester break are eligible. Homeschooled students are also eligible. Submissions must be in English. Previous participants are eligible, except for past first-prize winners. Use of AI or any other assisting tool is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Candidates can apply in multiple categories.

Submission Categories and Guidelines

Participants can submit entries in one or more of the following categories:

Creative Writing

Includes stories, poems, personal narratives, memoirs, or other personal essays. Word limit: 1250 words. Format: PDF, font size 11 or 12 pt, font style Times New Roman or Arial.

Analytical Writing

Includes literature reviews, case studies, research papers, argumentative essays, or other academic writings with citations and sources. Word limit: 1250 words. Format: PDF, font size 11 or 12 pt, font style Times New Roman or Arial. Citation style: MLA, APA, or Chicago.

Speech

Includes presentations or any form of verbal speech in video format. Duration: 10 minutes. Format: MP4. Entry should have high audio and video quality.

Application Process

Click the ‘Submit’ icon under the desired category. Read and follow the guidelines and formatting details. Enter personal and contact information. Mention educational details. Write the Submission Title. Upload the entry as a PDF file (or MP4 for speeches). Read and agree to the terms and conditions. Click ‘submit’ to submit the entry.

Deadline

The deadline for submissions is July 25, 2025.

The Importance of Youth Voices in Shaping the Future

Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of youth development at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the importance of platforms like the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition. "Engaging young people in discussions about the future is crucial. These competitions not only foster critical thinking but also empower youth to become active participants in shaping their communities and the world," she states. Dr. Carter also notes that providing opportunities for recognition and financial support can significantly boost young people's confidence and encourage them to pursue their ideas further.

Scholarship Competitions: A Historical Perspective

Scholarship competitions have long been a tool for identifying and rewarding talented students. Historically, these competitions were often focused on academic achievement, but increasingly, there is a shift towards recognizing creativity, innovation, and civic engagement. The ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition aligns with this trend by encouraging students to think critically about societal challenges and propose innovative solutions. This type of competition can serve as a valuable stepping stone for young people seeking to make a positive impact on the world.

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