2024 Central Iowa AAPI Heritage Month Essay Contest

We seek personal essays rather than research papers.

• Reflect on your personal experiences, or those of your family and friends, to explore the impact of AAPI heritage on your personal growth. 

• Consider how AAPI heritage, including literature, art, film, celebrations, customs, and more, has expanded your understanding of American and global cultures. 

• Share how AAPI heritage has contributed to your personal and intellectual development. 

• Participants under 18 must include a signed consent form (https://tinyurl.com/AAPI-Consent-form) from their parents/legal guardians.

• The essay must be an original piece written in English. Using AI tools such as ChatGPT for writing essays is strictly prohibited and will be regarded as an act of plagiarism. Only typed essays in either doc or docx format will be accepted.

• Elementary school: 300-500 words 

• Middle school: 500-800 words 

• High school: 800-1200 words 

• College: 1200-1800 words

• A cover page including your name,  school affiliation, and email address. 

• Please do NOT reveal your identity in  the main text.

• Double-spaced, Times New Roman, and one-inch margins.

• Elementary school: 3rd to 1st Prizes ($50-$100)

• Middle school: 3rd to 1st Prizes ($100-$200)

• High school: 3rd to 1st Prizes ($150-$300)

• College: 3rd to 1st Prizes ($150-$300)

• Honorary Mention: (prizes to be determined)

The winning essays will have the chance to be published online and broadcasted with KHOI, subject to the consent of the participants or their legal guardians.