2021 Writing Contest: Unapologetically Me

KIPP NJ & Miami K-12 Writing Contest 2021: Unapologetically Me

Our 2021 KIPP NJ & Miami K-12 Writing Contest seeks to celebrate the individual learning and self-expression our students have gained in this past extraordinary year. This year’s theme is “Unapologetically Me” -- celebrating the ways our students use writing to express the unique traits, interests, and life experiences that make each of them truly one of a kind.

This year, we are inspired by the 2021 Common Application prompts, which high school seniors complete as part of their college application process. These prompts offer endless entry points for self-expression, and submissions for the contest can orient around any one of prompt options, including the option to submit writing on a topic of their own design.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

To submit, follow these steps:

(Teachers may submit for students, or help them submit on their own)

• Revise your writing into a polished final draft in either Google Doc or PDF format

• Click here for the 2021 Writing Contest submission form

• Complete all fields in the form

• Upload the submission

Teachers and students may submit as many times as they like, and we are seeking submission representation from every KIPP NJ & Miami city, school, and grade!

Submission deadline: Tuesday June 1, 2021

Submissions will be reviewed by the Teaching & Learning TEAM, and finalists and winners will be selected based upon:

• Unique message related to contest theme “Unapologetically Me”

• Effectiveness of author’s voice through craft in the submission

Finalists and Winners will be announced in the week of June 7, and celebrated at their school’s end of school assemblies.

Prizes for Winners & Finalists will include: