Locke & Key Humanities & Social Sciences Writing Competition

Un-Lockeing your Curiosity

Opens: August 8th - Submissions are now open!

SIGN-UP Closes: August 29th
SUBMISSION Deadline: September 8th

Prompt: Write an essay that explores a topic that excites you drawing from categories like philosophy, economics, art, history, politics, international relations, or related topics.

Please sign up before you submit or we will not review your submission.

SUBMISSION FORM: https://forms.gle/ZpVXbNJ59KB943Hr9

Eligibility: All High School Students / Individual entries only / Encourage Original work; feel free to publish after the contest ends; you can submit as many as you want;

AI policy: You are permitted to use it for brainstorming. Please don’t use it to write the essay - we can tell.

Guidelines:

Word count: Min 750 words / Max 2000
Formatting: Times New Roman 12
PDF on submission
Citation style: MLA
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Judging Criteria:

Strength of Argument (30%)
Evidence (15%) : Support your claim with sufficient and reputable sources / evidence
Organization (20%)
Style (15%)
Originality (20%)

PRIZE! Locke & Key Young Scholars Essay Prize

1st Place: $100 / Certificate / Publication / Instagram feature

2nd Place: $50 / Certificate / Publication / Instagram feature

3rd Place: $25 / Certificate / Publication / Instagram feature

Honorable Mentions: Certificate / Publication

Participants: Participants that don’t receive a prize are welcome to ask for feedback and will be considered for publication

Purpose

Encourage high school students to explore social sciences and humanities through writing.
Increase engagement with Locke & Key.
Build partnerships with local educational organizations.
Publish outstanding student work.