The Stossel in the Classroom (SITC) Essay Contest is a national writing competition for middle and high school students that challenges participants to engage with real-world issues such as economic freedom, individual liberty, and government policy.
Students choose one of four prompts covering tariffs, birthright citizenship, America’s 250th anniversary, or congressional term limits.
Participating in SITC helps students build critical thinking and persuasive writing skills while strengthening their academic profile.
1. What is the Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest?
The Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest (SITC) is an annual competition inspired by the work of Emmy Award-winning journalist John Stossel. The program was founded to encourage students to view the world through the lens of free market, economic freedom, and individual liberty, aiming to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. Over the years, it has influenced thousands of students to question the status quo and explore the unintended consequences of government regulation and policies.
Through curated readings and prompts, SITC challenges students not just to write a good essay, but to develop clear, evidence-based arguments backed by economic principles.
2. 2026 Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest Timeline
- Submission deadline: March 13, 2026
- Winners announcement: May 31, 2026
Eligibility
- Middle School Division: Grades 5–8
- High School Division: Grades 9–12
- Residency: U.S., Canada, or U.S. military address
- Exclusion: Students entering the AI Challenge are not eligible for this contest
Awards
- 1st Place: $2,500
- 2nd Place: $1,000
- 3rd Place: $500
- 5 Finalists: $200 each
- 5 Semi-Finalists: $100 each
- 15 Honorable Mentions: $50 each
Submission Requirements
- Essay length: 500 – 1000 words
- Original Work Only: Plagiarism or AI-generated content will be disqualified
- Interview: Finalists must complete a brief remote interview (May 17–23)
85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
3. Stossel in the Stossel Classroom Essay Contest 2026 Topics and Prompts
Students will select one of four official prompts and write an essay addressing the chosen topic:
- The Truth About Tariffs: Who Really Pays? – This prompt challenges students to go beyond the surface-level notion that tariffs are simply taxes paid by foreign countries. Participants are required to pick a specific tariff policy from history or the present day and examine its ripple effects on the economy. A well-written essay will analyze how these taxes and trade barriers impact consumer prices, domestic jobs, and international trade relationships. A good tip here is to extend your reflection on the tariff’s impact on your own life, family, and community.
- The Birthright Citizenship Debate– Centered on the 14th Amendment, this topic asks students to delve deeper into the principle that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen. Students are expected to research the original intent of the amendment’s authors and evaluate whether the current interpretation still aligns with those goals. Essays addressing this prompt should be a persuasive argument on whether the interpretation should remain the same or be legally re-evaluated, requiring you to weigh the potential positive and negative consequences of such a change.
- America at 250: Why It Matters to Me – As the United States approaches its 250th commemoration in 2026, this prompt invites personal reflection on the country’s founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Students who choose this topic are encouraged to discuss whether the 1776 values still guide modern society or if they have evolved, or perhaps been neglected over time. This is a more subjective topic, allowing students to reflect on their own life, family, and future while considering how the country has lived up to or strayed from its original principles. It is also a space to talk about the values and contradictions that come with American citizenship.
- Time’s Up? Should Congress Have Term Limits? – This prompt dives into the debate over career politicians versus the benefits of legislative experience. Personal reflections can include: Will limiting how lawmakers’ terms strengthen or weaken our democracy? Students will explore arguments from both sides: supporters who believe term limits reduce the influence of special interests, and opponents who argue that regular elections already serve as a natural limit. Your entry must take a clear position and explain how term limits might shift power dynamics in Washington and change the way laws are created in the United States.
For recommended reference resources, please go to the official website.
4. Judging Criteria
Submissions are evaluated on:
- Thesis or Introduction (20 points): An excellent essay must directly address the specific prompt or question with a clear and focused introduction. To achieve the highest score, your introduction should not only present your main argument but also acknowledge a counter-claim, as this demonstrates a nuanced and balanced understanding of your chosen topic. A strong thesis guides the reader through your reasoning and establishing the scope and direction of your analysis.
- Well-written (20 points): Judges look for professional mastery of grammar and syntax, including precise word order, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
- Originality and Creativity (20 points): The essay should be original and should be presented in an engaging manner. Top scores are awarded to students who offer a creative or novel presentation of the topic rather than a routine or ordinary approach. Note that AI-generated content is prohibited, and 100% of your work must be your own writing.
- Research and Factual Accuracy (20 points): Submissions must be grounded in thorough and relevant research that directly supports the thesis. All facts presented must be accurate, and all research must be properly cited.
- Depth of Understanding (20 points): An excellent essay demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topic and ensures that the arguments and the final conclusion align perfectly with the initial thesis.
5. Why Participate in the Stossel Classroom Essay Contest?
Develop advanced critical thinking and economic literacy
The contest leads middle and high school students beyond surface-level information and challenges them not only to participate in a free society but also to explore its underlying principles. By analyzing the difference between individual liberty and government intervention, students develop a mental toolkit of economic concepts, such as incentives, trade-offs, and externalities, that are essential for success in AP Economics and AP Government. This contest is particularly beneficial for high school students who plan to pursue a degree in the social sciences.
Master persuasive writing and logic
Winning this contest requires more than good grammar; it demands and tests the ability to build a logical, evidence-based argument that withstands scrutiny. By following the rigorous judging rubric, which rewards the inclusion of counter-claims and cited research, students refine the same skills needed for advanced writing and formal debates.
Enhance your college resume and academic profile
Admissions officers at top, prestigious universities are constantly looking for students who demonstrate intellectual initiative beyond their standard curriculum. Placing in a national-level competition like the SITC, or even just the act of joining one, signals that you possess the potential and competence to engage with high-level societal and economic concepts. It sets your application apart by showcasing a commitment to rigorous independent study and critical analysis.
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6. How to Create an Outstanding Submission
Choose a topic wisely
Choose the one you are most passionate about or one where you have the most personal connection with. A writer’s genuine interest shines through the prose, making your argument more compelling and attractive to judges who read hundreds of entries.
Do thorough research
To stand out, students should present external data, historical examples, or economic theories that support their point. This shows the judges that you have gone above and beyond the basic requirements. For plus points, ensure the usage of both primary and secondary sources to strengthen the credibility of your work.
Refer to past winners’ works
The best way to understand the voice of the contest is to read previous winning essays. Analyze their structure: How do they hook the reader? How do they transition between points? Take note, and use these ideas as a roadmap for your own essay. Read the brilliant, award-winning essays of the 2025 contest here.
Edit and proofread
To transform a draft into a prize-winning submission, one must engage in a rigorous editing process that goes beyond simple grammar- and spell-checking. Start by reading your essay aloud; this technique helps you identify awkward phrasing and inconsistencies that you might miss while reading silently. Pay close attention to your transitions: Does each paragraph flow logically? Does the whole content maintain a cohesive narrative?
7. Take Aralia's Writing Competition Preparation
At Aralia, we support students competing in prestigious writing competitions by offering guidance on structure, clarity, and impact so their work can shine and secure distinction. Let us help you turn your ideas into a standout submission!
