New York Times Students Editorial Contest
New York Times invited students to write short, evidence-based persuasive essays through the New York Times Students Editorial Contest. Students can choose a topic of interest, then gather evidence from sources both within and outside The NY Times and write a concise editorial (450 words or fewer) to convince readers of their view.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
Students ages 13 to 19 around the world
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
March 15 to April 19, 2023
Contest date
2 months after the contest has closed
Results and winners are notified
Competition Details
1. Introduction
New York Times invited students to write short, evidence-based, persuasive essays through the New York Times Students Editorial Contest. Students can choose a topic of interest, then gather evidence from sources both within and outside The NY Times and write a concise editorial (450 words or fewer) to convince readers of their view. The Editorial should focus on a topic that matters to students, cite reliable sources that illustrate different perspectives, and persuade readers of the students’ opinions. Last year, the competition received a peak of 16,664 submissions came in, about 5,000 more than ever before.
2. Eligibility
This contest is open to students ages 13 to 19 in middle school or high school worldwide (high school postgraduate students who haven’t enrolled in a college can apply). Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province can also participate. If students are directly related to New York Times employees or live in the same household as those employees are not eligible to enter this contest.
3. Results
The results will be announced about two months after the contest has closed.
4. Prizes
Having your work published on The Learning Network and being eligible to have your work published in the print New York Times.
How Will Your Work Be Judged?
The submission states a clear opinion and issues a call to action through an evidence-based argument.
Submission uses compelling evidence to support the opinion, and cites reliable sources.
Submission convincingly argues point of view by providing relevant background information, using valid examples, acknowledging counter-claims, and developing claims – in a clear and organized fashion.
Submission has a strong voice and engages the reader with language, style, and tone appropriate to its purpose and features correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Submission follows all contest guidelines, including the citation of at least one Times and one non-Times source.
Submission Details
All entries must be submitted by April 19, 2023 at 11:59pm
1. Word Limit
450 words (not counting title and list of sources).
2. Research requirement
Students are required to use at least one source published in The New York Times and at least one source from outside The Times when making an argument.
3. Individual/Group Submission
Students can write their editorial by themselves or with a group but can only submit one editorial per student. If students are working as a team, just remember to submit all of your teammate’s names when submitting. Students who submit as part of a team should not also submit as an individual.
