The School of Public Policy & Administration at York University and its undergraduate student association, the PPASA, invite high school students to submit essays for its 2025 competition.
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To learn more about past year's celebrations, please visit our Student, Alumni and Community Recognition Awards Dinner archive. Please help circulate this contest widely to high school students and teachers.
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Essay Topic: "How can Canadian public policy support youth engagement in democratic decision-making? Propose strategies that could empower young people to have a stronger voice in shaping Canada’s future."
Eligibility Criteria
High school students in grades 10-12 are invited to participate. Individual submissions or co-authored essays by up to 3 authors will be considered.
The essays should be 500-1000 words (1-2 pages) in length.
Process
A group of faculty, current students and alumni from the School of Public Policy & Administration will review the essays and nominate 3 winners. Essays can be submitted online no later than Monday October 6, 2025.
Prizes
The authors of the three highest ranked essays, along with their parent(s) or other designated guest(s), will be invited to the School’s annual Student, Alumni, and Community Recognition Awards Dinner at York University. The essay winners will also receive a monetary award: $200 for the 1st place, $150 for the 2nd place and $100 for the 3rd place.
November 20, 2024
2024 High School Essay Contest Winners
January 8, 2024
2023 High School Essay Contest Winners
January 8, 2022
2022 High School Essay Contest Winners
