New America Foundation Essay Contest Highlights the Need for Increased Focus on America's Children

The New America Foundation's Workforce and Family Program is announcing a contest for high school seniors to provide their views on the best way to improve the lives of America's young people.

New America will be offering $2,500 to the student who best answers the question, "You have just been elected the President of the United States. What is the most important thing you will do to improve the lives of America's children?" This is the second year of the contest, which is now offered nationally after running in Washington, DC during its initial year.

"In a Presidential election year such as this one, we are all listening intently to what the candidates have to say about the future. This contest provides a unique opportunity for students to articulate their hopes for improving children's lives," stated David Gray, director of the Workforce and Family Program. "It is the student's opportunity to tell parents, teachers, and Washington policymakers what America's priorities should be."  

The contest is open to all public and private high school seniors. Essays must be no longer than 600 words and must also be accompanied by the Official Entry Form (available at the link below). The Official Entry Form must be signed by the student, a parent or guardian, and a teacher from the entrant's school certifying that this is an original essay. New America is now accepting entries and the deadline for submission is February 20, 2009.

The top 25 essays as chosen by New America staff will receive recognition as semi-finalists. Ten finalists will receive special recognition. The winning essay will be selected from the finalists by a panel of distinguished judges based on clarity of thought, creativity, practicality, potential to improve the lives of children and potential to draw attention to policies that help young people. The winner will be announced in June 2009 and will receive a $2,500 prize. The winner's essay will be published and distributed by the New America Foundation.

For complete contest guidelines and rules, as well as the Official Entry Form, please visit New America's website: www.newamerica.net/programs/workforce_and_family/essay_contest.

Additional Information:
Essay Rules: http://www.newamerica.net/programs/workforce_and_family/essay_contest

About the Workforce and Family Program: http://www.newamerica.net/programs/workforce_and_family

The New America Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States.  Headquartered in Washington D.C., New America also has offices in California.