Raise Your Voice Essay Contest

Event Details

THEME

Structural Racism and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives in Schools

writing contest cropped

FOUR (4) winners will receive a $500 scholarship!

Deadline: Wednesday, MAY 15, 2024

Hosted by ERASE Racism and SCOPE Education Services

OVERVIEW

The contest is for public high school seniors on Long Island who have plans to attend a two- or four-year college or accredited vocational program. Official proof of enrollment to a college or program (verification form or letter) must be provided to receive award.

Across the country, schools are addressing issues of Structural Racisn and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in vastly different ways. (Definitions for these terms are below.)

Tell us, in your own words, and based on at least one personal experience annd/or observation how these issues are being addressed in your school, and how these issues might be taught and addressed more constructively. Have you witnessed any specific approaches? (think about things like Classroom discussions, curriculum changes, or student-led events.)

What broader strategies could your school district, or even the nation as a whole, implement to achieve a truly inclusive and equitable learning environment?

The best essays will showcase and be judged on:

Strong Content: Share meaningful insights and personal experiences.
Clear Expression: Communicate your ideas effectively and persuasively
Originality: Bring a fresh perspective to the conversation.

Raise your voice and be heard! We're eager to learn from you!

Definitions:

Structural racism: refers to the ways in which societies foster racial discrimination through mutually reinforcing systems of housing, education, employment, earnings, benefits, credit, meadia, and health care. These patterns and practices in turn reinforce discriminatory beliefs, values, and distribution of resources.

Diversity: refers to having a wide range of demographics including race, gender, sexual identity, age, ability level, cognitive learning differences, education, and economic background.

Equity: requires that each person is treated fairly and has the resources they need to be successful; it includes a changing structures of power and priviledge so that disparities of historically marginalized groups are eliminated.

Inclusion: is achieved when everyone, despite any differences, is treated with respect and care, and are made to feel welcome, valued, heard.

DEI are organizational frameworks that seek to promote the equitable treatment and full participation of all people, especially groups that have historically been excluded, under-resourced, and/or subject to discrimination.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Essays must be 400-500 words, submitted in Word format, and emailed to scholarships@eraseracismny.org with the subject heading "Raise Your Voice Scholarship Submission." To be considered for the scholarship, you must also include the following contact information with your submission: Name, Email, Phone Number, and School.