• HENRY GEORGE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

    Chartered by The University of The State of New York

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 2025 WRITING CONTEST

(HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS)

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 neither encouraged nor prohibited, we ask that you include any prompts used in the body of your submission email if you choose to incorporate AI in your work.
  • 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  • Papers must be unpublished.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 1st place
  • $350 for 2nd place
  • $200 for 3rd place

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

Register here