Students are encouraged to submit authentic essays that explore their purpose (500–650 words).
Write a 500–650 word essay that explores your purpose. Bring your story, your voice, and your perspective.
Tip: Tell us what drives you, who inspired you, and how you want to make an impact.
Open to students from the schools below — and also open to non-Peer Power students.
If your student wins a prize, you win a matching prize too.
Multiple ways to win — including grand prizes.
All essays from all schools eligible.
Each school will have its own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
All submissions compete in one combined category (not per school).
Tuesday, March 3 — Join our workshop to get tips, prompts, and support.
What “excellent” looks like.
| Category | 1 pt — Needs Work | 2 pts — Okay/Fine | 3 pts — Good | 4 pts — Very Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content & Relevance | Theme unclear or missing. | Touches on theme but strays or lacks clarity. | Addresses theme but could go deeper into purpose. | Deeply explores theme with a clear, personal perspective. |
| Originality & Creativity | Lacks originality or personal voice. | Ideas feel common or need more personal expression. | Some creative elements, but could be more developed. | Unique voice with fresh, thought-provoking ideas. |
| Organization & Structure | No clear structure; difficult to read. | Structure unclear in multiple places. | Mostly organized; a few sections could be clearer. | Well-structured with smooth flow intro → conclusion. |
| Grammar, Mechanics & Language Use | Frequent mistakes that hurt understanding. | Noticeable issues that make reading difficult. | Minor mistakes, but meaning remains clear. | Polished writing with strong word choice and varied sentences. |
| Criteria | Only one criterion has been met. | Some criteria have been met. | Most required criteria have been followed. | Meets all contest requirements; shows effort and engagement. |
