The 2016 Young Native Writers Essay Contest is open to Native American high school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 only. All students participating in the Young Native Writers Essay Contest should have a significant and current relationship with a Native American community (i.e., an American Indian tribe, an Alaska Native community or a Native Hawaiian community).

The writing prompt is as followed: Native Youth Initiatives

What active role should Native youth take in advancing Native initiatives within your community, region, or state? The essay should use research from your tribal community (website, tribal documents or personal interviews) and should reflect on your own experiences within their community.

The following prizes will be awarded to the winners:

Four (4) First-Place Winners will each receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the National Museum of the American Indian and other prominent sites as part of Scholar Week (July 24 - 28, 2016). First-Place Winners will receive a special award for display at home or school. In addition, each First-Place Winner will receive a scholarship of $2,500 to be paid directly to the college or university of his or her choice.

The deadline to submit for the 2016 Young Native Writers Essay is Wednesday, April 30, 2016.

For information and submission guidelines, visit: nativewriters.hklaw.com