# American Foreign Service Association National High School Essay Contest The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) National High School Essay Contest, organized in partnership with the United States Institute of Peace, is an esteemed opportunity for high school students to explore topics related to international peace and conflict. This annual competition invites students to write a compelling essay addressing a specific question or scenario tied to diplomacy, global challenges, and the role of the U.S. Foreign Service. The contest encourages critical thinking, research, and writing skills while fostering a deeper understanding of international relations and the pursuit of peace. ## Program Structure The AFSA National High School Essay Contest is a **virtual program**, allowing students from across the United States to participate. The contest is conducted annually, with a timeline that typically spans several months. Students are tasked with developing an essay based on a prompt provided by the AFSA and the United States Institute of Peace. The essay must demonstrate an understanding of key global issues, as well as propose thoughtful solutions or analyses related to international peace and conflict. Participants are encouraged to conduct in-depth research, use credible sources, and craft a well-organized essay. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges, and winners are announced after a thorough evaluation process. ## What Students Experience Students who participate in the AFSA National High School Essay Contest engage in a powerful learning experience that hones their research, writing, and analytical skills. They delve into complex international issues, exploring the dynamics of diplomacy and conflict resolution. Through this process, participants develop a greater appreciation for the importance of international cooperation and the role of the U.S. Foreign Service in promoting peace worldwide. While the contest does not include direct mentorship, the process of crafting a high-quality essay encourages students to seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or counselors, fostering collaboration and skill development. The program also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on how they can contribute to creating a more peaceful and interconnected world. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participation in the AFSA National High School Essay Contest demonstrates a student’s commitment to academic excellence, global awareness, and civic engagement—qualities that colleges and universities value highly. The program highlights a student’s ability to think critically, conduct research, and articulate complex ideas in writing. Winning or even participating in such a prestigious contest adds significant weight to a college application, showcasing a student’s interest in international relations, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace. Additionally, the contest provides a clear platform for students to demonstrate their passion for addressing global challenges, which can be a powerful narrative in personal statements or essays for college applications. ## Eligibility The AFSA National High School Essay Contest is open to **students in grades 9-12** who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students must be enrolled in a U.S.-based high school, including public, private, or homeschool programs. There are no fees to participate, making this program accessible to all eligible students. ## How to Participate To participate, students must submit an original essay addressing the year’s prompt, which is typically announced on the contest website. Essays must adhere to specific guidelines, including word count and formatting requirements, which are outlined in the contest rules. Submissions are typically accepted online through the contest’s official platform. Students should check the program’s website for the most up-to-date information on deadlines, prompts, and submission guidelines. For more details and to get started, visit the [AFSA National High School Essay Contest webpage](https://www.afsa.org/essay-contest). --- This program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to challenge themselves academically, develop a deeper understanding of international peace, and stand out on college applications—all while competing in a nationwide contest sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace and the AFSA.