The 2022 Youth Essay Competition
The Youth Essay Competition was launched in the Spring of 2020 as a vehicle for encouraging philanthropic thought and action among Indian American youth. Now in its third year, the competition has brought together dedicated and talented youth and leading philanthropic organizations that are working to advance development and poverty reduction programs in India.
Mission-driven organizations around the world depend on the energy, idealism, and innovative ideas of young people to survive and thrive. For organizations working in India, building relationships with second- and third-generation members of the diaspora is even more significant for building long-term impact. Recognizing this, the India Philanthropy Alliance has positioned youth engagement as a key program since its inception.
Why it’s Important
Several recent studies, including one by Dalberg and Indiaspora, have shown that Indian-Americans, while generous with volunteering their time, donate less than the typical American family. If donations reached par with the general population, it could result in an additional $2 billion going to charitable causes in the United States, India and elsewhere. Reaching this goal is a priority for India Philanthropy Alliance and will require active engagement and encouragement of youth. The 2022 Youth Essay Competition is one of several activities that will be a part of IPA's soon to be announced day of giving.
By amplifying humanitarian changemaking among young people through our essay competition and other efforts, we hope to grow the culture of philanthropy in Indian American families as a whole.
How it Works
Entrants in the essay competition are divided into two age categories (middle school and high school) depending on which level of education they will complete in spring 2022. Competition winners are given the opportunity to present their ideas at a special event attended by philanthropists, business leaders, and nonprofit staff. Winners also receive a financial award of $1000 to direct to the charity of their choice. Runners-up will receive $500 to direct to the charity of their choice. The essays of the winners, runners-up and finalists are published and promoted by IPA.
To view the essays of winners and finalists in the 2021 competition, click here.
To view the essays of winners and finalists in the 2020 competition, click here.
Essay Requirements
Each submitted essay must answer the following question:
India is the world’s largest democracy and has made significant progress on social and environmental issues over the past 25 years. However, India and its 1.3 billion people still have many urgent and unmet needs including (but not limited to) access to food, shelter, health care, clean water, education, and a safe environment.
What do you think is the most significant issue facing India and its people today? What role do you think individuals (young and old) and groups here in the U.S. can play in being a part of the solution?
Middle school cohort: please respond to this prompt in 600 words or fewer.
High school cohort: please respond to this prompt in 1,200 words or fewer.
Submission Requirements
The Youth Essay Competition is a national competition that encourages philanthropic thought and action among middle and high school students and shares their creative contributions with people of all ages. In our effort to share the results of the competition with as many as possible we employ traditional media, digital media, and social media to share our message with people of all ages.
Please submit the following materials to have your essay considered for the 2022 competition.
Please submit your essay as a .pdf or .docx file.
Include a cover page that lists your 1) first and last name, 2) home city and state, 3) the grade level you will complete in the spring/summer of 2022, 4) your email and phone.
If you are selected as a winner, runner-up, or finalist in this year’s competition, we will ask you to submit written permission to have your name, grade level, city and state, essay, and photo shared on print, digital, and social media. We will also require permission from your parent or legal guardian.
You do not need to be Indian American to participate in this competition. You do need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
Submit Your Essay Here
You can submit your essay and a digital cover page by clicking here if you have a google account or a google affiliated email. If you do not have a google account or google affiliated email, please send your essay and cover page by email to peg@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org. Do not include your name or identifying information in the text of your essay as this will inhibit our judges from grading blindly.
Our heartfelt thanks
The Sarva Mangal Family Trust, supported by the Shah Family of Orange County and their company MS International, Inc., sponsored the competition in its first and second years through generous donations and by advising and assisting during the entire process. The contest’s continuation into its third year would not be possible without their generous support.