High School Essay Contest

We believe that mental health education is most effective when it begins in our youth.

IBPF’s High School Essay Contest

Submissions are closed. Thank you to all that participated.

2022 Topic:

Although social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with friends and building a sense of community, research indicates that social media usage may negatively affect mental health. What are some ways that you can leverage social media for the greater good in your community?

1. Create a mental health campaign or program using social media to connect with classmates, and explain how you can develop non-screen time activities inside or outside of school.

Make a plan for launching a social media campaign showing how you can uplift and encourage your classmate’s self-esteem and promote mental wellness.

Eligibility

Must be a current high school student in 9th to 12th grade.
Must provide your high school teacher or counselor’s information for verification.

Essays should be between 500 and 1,000 words but will not be penalized for surpassing the word count if the content is deemed an essential part of the student’s message.

Prizes

We are pleased to announce that 3 winners will receive cash prizes ($1,000, $500, $250) and their letters used as a template for future advocacy that will be featured on our website.