Celebrating Five Years of Inspiring Young Voices

The 2024 Youth Essay Competition is now closed to submissions. Stay tuned to see the top essays when they are announced in mid-September, 2024.

In the spring of 2020, the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) introduced the Youth Essay Competition as a catalyst to foster philanthropic thinking and action among youth in the United States. As we embark on its fifth year, the competition stands as a testament to the fusion of youthful dedication and philanthropic leadership, uniting bright young minds with organizations at the forefront of development and poverty alleviation in India. In their essays, students select the issue they believe to be most important and define ways in which we can all be part of the solution. This year, we invite students to also delve into India’s untold narratives, to uncover and amplify the less visible yet critical issues affecting India.

Why participate in the essay competition?

  • Winners will present their award-winning ideas at a national gathering of business leaders, philanthropists, and nonprofit executives at a high-impact Philanthropy Summit in the fall of 2024. The likely date and location are October 25 in Boston.

  • Put your research skills to to the test while learning about global issues.

  • Improve your writing and analytical skills that are essential as you head to college.

  • Have a positive impact by directing a grant to the charity of your choice.

  • Showcase your views to thousands of readers and leaders in the field of philanthropy.

  • Share personal stories that have impacted you and how those stories influence your thinking.

  • Earn community credit for a well researched essay.

ESSAY PROMPT

India is the world’s largest democracy. In recent years, it has undergone significant shifts and has progressed on several fronts.

While many of the unmet needs and challenges of India’s vulnerable communities have been brought into the mainstream in recent years, much still needs to be done to address hidden realities and achieve creative solutions to inadequate and inequitable access to food, shelter, healthcare, clean water, education, women’s empowerment, and a safe environment.

Each submitted essay should answer the following question: 

Which developmental issue in India do you feel is most pressing and why? What are the lesser-known challenges and impacts posed by this issue? How can American individuals and groups be a part of the solution? 

Participants are rewarded for essay originality, so be sure to think outside of the box!

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Essays will be evaluated by a panel of judges on the following criteria:

  • Topic relevance, originality, and clarity.

  • A compelling issue analysis supported by research, evidence, and/or personal connection.

  • Advocating tangible, specific, and creative solutions to promote awareness and address issues.

  • Suggesting ways that US residents can be part of the solution.

ELIGIBILITY

The essay competition is open to middle and high school students who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. You do not need to be Indian American to participate in this competition.

SUBMISSION AND AWARD DETAILS

Timeline - Essay submissions are required by July 1, 2024; selection and announcement of winners, runners-up, and finalists, will be made in August. Winners will have the opportunity to present their ideas at a national gathering of nonprofit executives, business leaders, and philanthropists in late October. Flight and hotel expenses will be covered for the winners.

Competition categories - The competition is judged in two separate categories, determined by the student’s grade level as of spring 2024. Middle school students are invited to respond to the prompt in 600 words or fewer. High school students are invited to respond to the prompt in 900 words or fewer.

Judging the Submissions.

  • Submissions will be numbered (names removed) and converted to a single type style and size before going to the judges. Do not include any design elements or photos as they will be removed.

  • Competition winners, runners-up, and finalists will be asked to submit written permission to have their name, grade level, city and state, essay, and image shared on print, digital, and social media. We will also require permission from parent/s or legal guardian/s.

  • For any questions or difficulty in accessing the online form, please reach out by email to peg@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org. 

Awards

  • Winners will present their award-winning ideas at a national gathering of business leaders, philanthropists, and nonprofit executives at a high-impact Philanthropy Summit in the fall of 2024. The likely date and location are October 25 in Boston.

  • Winners will be able to direct a grant of $1000 to the charity of their choice. Runners-up will be able to direct a grant of $500 to the charity of their choice.  

  • Essays of the winners, runners-up, and finalists are published and widely promoted by IPA.

  • All researched and carefully crafted essays will receive a community credit award. 

Past Winners, Runners-Up, and Finalists

Click here to view the essays of winners and finalists in the 2023 competition. Click here to view the essays of winners and finalists in the 2022 competition.
Click here 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.

Our heartfelt thanks

The IPA is tremendously grateful to the competition’s lead sponsor, Sarva Mangal Family Trust, supported by the Shah Family of Orange County and their company, MS International, Inc. We are also grateful to the Iowa-based Sehgal Foundation, which has been a sponsor since 2022 and helped the competition grow in its reach and impact. We are also grateful to Indiaspora for providing the winners a terrific platform to share their ideas.