Giving students a chance to be heard!
The Institute has a rich history in our home state's charter public schools sector. Because of this, we are so proud of the thousands of students who annually attend charter schools throughout Michigan, and of the thousands of parents, teachers, school leaders, and charter school board members who are hard at work each day to help kids succeed. To celebrate National Charter Schools Week each year and to encourage charter school students to show pride in their schools and show the positive, transformative impact charter schools are having on children every day, we are proud to annually sponsor a statewide essay contest. We started the Essay Contest in 2016 and have since received an overwhelming response -- hearts and minds are inspired and students are dreaming big dreams!
2020 Michigan Charter Schools Essay Contest
It's time to shine the light on your school. Share your best #schoolbrag
We want to showcase your school pride! Tell us what makes your school special. Go ahead—brag about it!
This year we want to hear your best #schoolbrag. Tell us why your school is so great! Is it an awesome teacher? Is it the friendly environment? Does your school inspire you to be your best self and dream bigger? Submit your essay for a chance to win!
And this year, teachers and principals can join in on the fun! We are featuring a special prize for the best #schoolbrag post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Just tag your posts with “#schoolbrag #essaycontest2020.”
Please, include your information at the top of your essay.
For example:
Student: Ashley Smith
Grade: 6
Teacher: Mr. John Miller
School: Hope Academy
Contact: Mike Smith (Dad)
Contact's Cell: (989) 555-999
Contact's Email: smith@email.com
Word Count:
Grades 6-8: Between 250 and 400 words.
Grades 9-12: Between 450 and 550 words.
Contest Rules:
6-12th grade students in Michigan charter schools are invited to enter our annual essay contest. Only one entry per student. Our panel of judges will be looking for creativity, cohesive story telling, grammar usage, writing skills, and of course ― heart!
When Submitting:
Please include the student’s name and grade, teacher’s name, school’s name, and either a contact phone number or email address. Students must submit a typed essay by mail, email, or through our website by Friday, March 27th.
All submissions must include:
The student’s name and grade, the teacher’s name, the school’s name, and either a school or parent telephone number or email address to contact the winners. All submissions must be typewritten or legibly handwritten. Only one entry per student, please.
Mailing Address:
National Charter Schools Institute
Essay Contest
711 W. Pickard Street, Suite M
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: essaycontest@charterinstitute.org
Judging Criteria:
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges. Winners will be selected based on the originality of their theme (be creative and compelling); how clearly the theme is expressed; and adherence to rules of grammar, punctuation, and style. The word count will be noted, but not strictly adhered to.
Best Social Media Post:
Open to students, teachers, principals, school staff, board members, and authorizers. To enter, tag your posts with “#schoolbrag #essaycontest2020” on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Post as many times as you would like for a chance to win the "Best Social Media Post" award!
Publishing rights:
Entering the contest grants the Institute permission to publish essays and posts in whole or in part, and use winners’ names and photographs to promote entries.
For Questions:
Contact us at (989) 317-3510 or essaycontest@charterinstitute.org
We can’t wait to read your essay!
The Essay Contest deadline is
March 27, 2020
Please fill out the form and attach your essay to submit!
Other ways to submit:
Email:
EssayContest@CharterInstitute.org
Mail:
National Charter Schools Institute
Essay Contest
711 W. Pickard St. Suite M
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Questions?
Call us at (989) 317-3510
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in the middle school division (6-8) and the high school division (9-12).
First Place Essay:
$100 and a trophy
Second Place Essay:
$50 and a certificate of recognition
Third Place Essay:
$25 and a certificate of recognition
Best Social Media Post:
#schoolbrag #essaycontest2020
$100 and a certificate of recognition
Honorable Mention:
Certificate of recognition
*Special recognition may also be given to the middle and high school classrooms that submit the most and best essays.
