Writing competitions can be a great way for students to showcase their skills, explore topics that interest them, and possibly earn scholarships or other prizes. One such competition that has been running for over 60 years is the Essayons Awards for High School (EAH).
The EAH was founded in 1957 as a way for students to learn about engineering through writing. It is sponsored annually by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), a civilian-led organization tasked with developing and managing water resources across America. Throughout its history, the competition has engaged thousands of high school students in researching and writing about important issues at the intersection of engineering and public policy.
To enter the EAH, interested students must write an original 1500-2000 word non-fiction essay on an assigned topic related to water resources, infrastructure or engineering projects. Some past essay prompts have included issues like climate change adaptation, rebuilding aging water systems, or balancing flood control and ecosystems. Students are encouraged to explore the technical, economic, environmental and social aspects of the given challenge.
The competition rules state that any high school student in the 9th-12th grades during the fall semester is eligible to participate. Essays are judged based on criteria like original thinking, quality of research, organization, writing style and mechanics. Submissions are accepted each November and winners are announced the following March on the USACE website.
Prizes include over $100,000 awarded annually in individual scholarships and grants to top finishers. The national first place winner receives $5000, with $3000 and $2000 going to second and third place respectively. In addition, numerous district and state level honors are given out each year based on USACE regional boundaries. Participating also looks great on college applications and resumes as it demonstrates skills in research, problem-solving and persuasive communication.
To develop thoughtful, well-researched entries, students are encouraged to thoroughly explore the EAH competition guidelines and website for the current year’s topic. This includes investigating background reports, data and case studies provided to give context. Competitors are also directed to seek out additional reliable sources of information from organizations like the EPA or US Geological Survey. Interviewing subject matter experts, whether engineers, economists or activists, can offer valuable human perspectives to incorporate.
Outlining the key elements of the prompt, forming an arguable thesis and building an organized logical structure are essential pre-writing steps. The essay should flow smoothly between paragraphs, using transitions to clearly link ideas. Providing solid evidence and persuasive examples strengthens arguments. While technical terms may be necessary, the writing should remain accessible to a general audience. Multiple drafts allow for refinement of ideas, structure, style and proofreading. Asking teachers or fellow students for feedback can improve the overall quality and impact before submission.
Previous winners attribute their success to treating the essays like mini research papers. Careful research across diverse sources ensured a full understanding of multi-faceted modern problems related to engineering and infrastructure. Strong thesis statements presented nuanced, solution-driven perspectives. Coherent organization built ethos by acknowledging limitations while proposing reasonable next steps. Compelling introductions hooked readers; impactful conclusions sealed deals. Authentic, clear writing styles engaged rather than alienated. Overall, passion for the topics shone through.
For dedicated high school writers, this national EAH competition offers more than just scholarships – it cultivates informed civic engagement on issues that will shape our collective future. Pushing oneself to consider complex challenges from an interdisciplinary lens, balancing technical knowledge with social viewpoints, is excellent preparation for STEM careers or liberal arts majors alike. Whether entering to learn, serve community or vie for recognition, the rewards multiply when channeling curiosity into informative advocacy. Nearly six decades later, each new cohort of student voices strengthening public discourse furthers the competition’s impact. By bringing engineering problems down to earth through the power of persuasive writing, the next generation of decision makers just may find their start.