# SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

National essay contest on press freedom run since 1998 by the Society of Professional Journalists with the Journalism Education Association: grades 9-12 write 300-500 words on a set prompt for $1,000/$500/$300 scholarships.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Society of Professional Journalists |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | $10 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.spj.org/high-school-essay-contest/ |

## About this program

# SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

Established in 1998, this national essay contest is run by the Society of Professional Journalists - the nation's broadest journalism advocacy organization - together with the Journalism Education Association. Its purpose is to focus high school students on the role of a free and independent press in a democratic society. Each year a new prompt tackles a live press-freedom question; the 2026 topic asked why misinformation and disinformation spread so easily and how journalists can counter it.

## What You'll Do

- Research and write a 300-500 word essay responding to the year's prompt on the value of a free press
- Format your entry (typed, double-spaced) and submit it with the $10 entry fee by the winter deadline
- Compete first against a national pool judged by journalists and journalism educators
- Watch for winners announced each May

## Who Should Apply

Students enrolled in grades 9-12 in US public, private, and home schools. You do not need to work on a student publication - the contest rewards clear civic argument, so debaters and essayists are as well suited as student journalists. The 2026 cycle closed in February; the prompt for the next cycle typically posts in the fall.

## Outcomes

Winners receive scholarship awards of $1,000 (first), $500 (second), and $300 (third), plus national recognition from the country's leading professional journalism society - a distinctive credential for future communications, political science, and journalism applicants.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest cost?

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest costs $10. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest?

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest online or in person?

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest?

Apply directly through Society of Professional Journalists's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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