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s an adjunct to our education program, WE CAN sponsors an annual series of essay competitions for grades 5-12, to encourage students to discover the joys and rewards of writing, and to think critically and creatively about connections between historical and contemporary events and experiences. To foster a critical think / problem-solving process that is less abstract in nature, all essays must be written in the first person. Entries are read and scored by a panel of judges and evaluation emphases are placed on the sincerity, quality, and viability of the ideas expressed. Competitions are open to students throughout Los Angeles, and over $8,000 in cash prizes have been awarded to inner-city students since 2006.

Competition Rules

Currently, the program is offered to students in Los Angeles County. Essays must be written in the first person and not exceed 2,500 words. Essays must be typed, double-space, on 8.5” x 11” paper, and must have a cover page with: (1) entrant’s full name and home address; (2) name and address of the entrant’s school; (3) entrant’s grade and age; (4) a parent / guardian signature; and (5) the entrant’s signature. Pages must be stapled, folded in thirds, and mailed in a number 10 (business size) envelope. All entries must be post-marked by January 31, 2010 and mailed to:

                        WE CAN Essay Competition Series
                        P O Box 663
                        Woodstock  NY 12498-0663

2009-10 Competition

Essay Competion winners