Tell Us Your True Teen Story

1. What makes you different or unique?

2. Do you have a passion, or something you really care about?

3. Have you faced a big challenge in your life?

The Instructions

1. Look below to find a video and other prewriting resources.

2. Use them to help you write your essay.

3. Have a teacher, parent, or guardian submit your work to our contest. *

The Prize

One winner will get $100 for their student/child, and the winning entry will be published at Action Online. The student’s teacher will get a free class subscription to Action and a book for every member of the class.

DEADLINE: April 1, 2026. 

Click here for official rules.

_{* Entries must be written by a student in grades 5-12 and submitted by their teacher, parent, or legal guardian, who will be the entrant and must be a legal resident of the U.S. age 18 or older. See page 2 for details.}