Requirements

• Essays should provide an in-depth analysis of a current issue concerning monopolies, anti-trust, free trade, land value taxation, economic rent, economic and social inequality, natural resources, or corporate welfare (i.e. city development policy, tax breaks, bailouts, etc.).
  • Your chosen topic can be blended with other elements of Henry George’s philosophies, if appropriate.
  • We welcome the submission of papers prepared for course work, but entrants must pay attention to competition details and edit such papers accordingly.
• No author identifying information may be included in the body of the essay. The author’s name should only be shared in the body of the submission email.
• While the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not encouraged, please include any prompts that you use in the body of the submission email.
• It is recommended that the short summary of your envisioned essay be approximately 200 words.
• It is recommended that papers be between 5-10 pages (double spaced, one-inch margins).
• Papers must be unpublished.

Judging Considerations

• Depth of analysis
• Originality and difficulty of topic
• Quality of thesis/argument
• Quality of research
• Conciseness; quality will be valued over quantity
• Form and quality of citations and sources
• Conformity with requirements of the contest

Eligibility and Awards

Students currently enrolled at any U.S.-based high schools are eligible to enter. A committee of Henry George School trustees and staff will judge the papers over the summer, and winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Winners are awarded:

• $550 for 1^st place
• $350 for 2^nd place
• $200 for 3^rd place

Top papers will be considered for posting on the Henry George School of Social Science’s website and social media.

Register here