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AFSA National High School Essay Contest

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About the competition

The essay contest invites students to explore a topic related to diplomacy and the Foreign Service. The 2024 contest topic asks students to identify a future challenge for the Foreign Service and propose how diplomats can help mitigate it.

Comp Info

Participation Information

Students submit a 1,000-1,500-word essay. They must describe the challenge they identify and provide a clear course of action for diplomats to tackle this obstacle. Essays should use past or current diplomatic efforts as supporting evidence.

Open to U.S. high school students in grades 9-12, including those attending public, private, parochial, or home schools. U.S. citizens studying abroad are also eligible.

$2,500 for the winner, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and publication opportunities

How to Participate

Process

Students write and submit a 1,000-1,500-word essay on the specified topic. The essay should clearly define a challenge and propose a solution involving American diplomats.

Resources Needed

Access to research materials on diplomacy and the Foreign Service. Students can refer to AFSA's study guide and other resources provided on the contest website.

Judging Criteria

Judging is based on the quality of writing, depth of analysis, and the ability to articulate a thoughtful response to the essay prompt.

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