Writing & Video Contests 2026
The Henry George School invites students to explore ideas that shaped modern economics.
Win cash prizes up to $1,000.
Pick one of five themes for your entry. Topics may overlap.
Environmental policy through a Georgist lens: land use, carbon pricing, and sustainability.
How is AI reshaping work, wages, and opportunity? What would George say?
George's cornerstone proposal. How LVT could transform housing, revenue, and equity.
From Big Tech to land monopoly. Market concentration, antitrust, and public interest.
Why does poverty persist amid progress? Investigate through political economy.
Two formats, two levels. Pick yours and register.
1st place
$1,0002nd place
$7503rd place
$50010-25 pages, double spaced
Submit a ~200-word summary of your planned entry.
Write your essay or produce your video.
Email to contests@hgsss.org by July 31, 2026. Include your name, school, and phone in the email, not in the entry itself.
Email subject line format:
C/U & G (Writing) – Henry George and Monopolies
HS (Video) – Henry George and Monopolies
AI use is permitted. Disclose any prompts used in the body of your submission email.
Submit your summary by 11:59 PM ET
Email your final entry by 11:59 PM ET
Results on HGSSS website & social media
Open to U.S. college & graduate students.
Open to U.S. high school students.
Open to U.S. college & graduate students.
Open to U.S. high school students.
Selected examples from previous contest years.
Winning entries from the most recent video competition.
Winning entries from the most recent writing competition.
Contest essay
Abstract: The main issue with implementing Georgist principles is not in the research, but in the application. Trying to use politics and campaigns have beared little fruit. So, a possible option is to privatize some of our ideas and demonstrate that Georgism works. This can be done with full reserve equity banking.
View PDF
Contest essay
Abstract: This essay is a comparison of Lockean and Georgist natural governance regimes and analysis of their distributive implications.
View PDFYes. You may submit one writing and one video entry, and we encourage participants to explore both formats.
Yes, but if both formats substantially reuse the same work, judges may consider only the stronger submission.
Current U.S.-based high school, college, and graduate students are eligible in the relevant category.
Yes. AI use is allowed, but you must disclose prompts and tools used in your submission email.
Email your final submission to contests@hgsss.org by the posted deadline.
Register again with the correct category and mention the correction in your submission email.
Join students nationwide exploring ideas that matter.
Register by July 17 · Submit by July 31