Introducing the 2027 World Citizen Engagement Contest!

The World Citizen Essay Contest is evolving into the World Citizen Engagement Contest (WCEC)! Open to youth in grades 3–12 across Washington State, the 2027 WCEC invites students to think big, get curious, and explore the global issues shaping our interconnected world—and discover how they can make a difference in their communities and beyond.

While traditional essays remain an important part of the contest, students can now share their perspectives through photo essays, video essays, and podcasts. Whether you’re a researcher, storyteller, filmmaker, or creative thinker, the WCEC is an opportunity to explore an issue that matters to you, bring new perspectives to light, and make your voice heard.

At its heart, the WCEC shifts the focus from “Who writes the best essay?” to “Who most effectively communicates an informed perspective on a global issue?” The contest celebrates research, critical thinking, creativity, media literacy, and civic engagement while encouraging students to analyze information, consider diverse perspectives, and connect local experiences to global challenges.

Students can participate independently or through a classroom assignment, giving educators a flexible way to integrate global learning into their curriculum. More than a competition, the WCEC is a project-based learning opportunity that encourages students to look beyond the headlines, challenge assumptions, learn about the people and communities affected by global issues, and consider evidence-based solutions.

A common judging rubric will emphasize the quality of students’ research, thinking, and communication—not just the format they choose. Photo essay participants will reflect on their learning and creative choices, while video and podcast participants will provide a brief overview of their submissions.

We’re also excited to introduce the 2027 WCEC Sustainability Award, recognizing students who are taking action to address environmental sustainability in their communities and beyond. This award celebrates young people who are putting their ideas into action and demonstrating that meaningful change can start right where you are.

Ultimately, the WCEC empowers young people to ask big questions, connect their learning to the world around them, and discover how their ideas and actions can contribute to a more informed, connected, and engaged global community.

2027 WCEC PROMPT

What issue facing our interconnected world do you believe deserves greater attention and understanding, and why?

People, communities, and countries are connected in many ways—through trade, technology, travel, the environment, and many shared challenges. Events and decisions in one part of the world can affect people in another, and local actions can have global impacts.

Choose an issue that affects people across communities, countries, or regions, or one that connects your local community to the wider world. After researching and analyzing the issue, explain:

• Why is this issue important to you and/or to people directly affected by it?
• How does the issue affect people locally, globally, or both?
• Why does greater awareness, understanding, or engagement with this issue matter?
• What is one way you, your community, or others could take action or contribute to positive change?

You may present your ideas through a traditional essay, photo essay, video essay, or podcast.

We suggest sharing your thoughts with friends, teachers, and family as you refine your ideas. As you develop your submission, consider how your experiences, background, interests, and perspectives inform the way you see the issue. There is no single "right" perspective or "right" answer. We encourage you to bring your own voice, insights, and experiences to your project.

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2027 WCEC SUSTAINBILITY AWARD

Thanks to Weyerhaeuser, the 2027 WCEC Sustainability Award will recognize one elementary, one middle school, and one high school submission that explores an environmental sustainability issue and presents a meaningful, action-oriented response. The award is separate from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards and honorable mentions. No separate entry or prompt is required—If your WCEC submission focuses on environmental sustainability and connects the United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDGs) with meaningful local action, you can choose to have it considered for the Sustainability Award.

Simply select “Yes” on the submission form when asked if you would like to be considered. Your entry will then be included in both the general WCEC judging pool and the 2027 WCEC Sustainability Award judging pool.

OVERVIEW OF CONTEST LOGISITCS 

• Eligibility: Students or youth in grades 3-12 located in Washington state are eligible to participate
• Contest Launch Date: Tuesday - October 13, 2026
• Submission Deadline: Before 11:59PM PT on Monday - March 22, 2027
• Judging Rubric: Coming Soon
• Traditional Essay: 1000 words or less
• Photo Essay: 5-8 original photographs + reflection of 500 words or less
• Video Essay: 3-5 minutes; maximum 250 MB
• Podcast: 3-5 minutes; maximum 250 MB

ORIGINAL WORK AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF AI TOOLS

Submissions should represent each student's own ideas, research, and creative work. Students may use appropriate research tools to learn about their chosen topic, but generative AI must not be used to create or modify submission content or media, including written work, photographs, illustrations, audio, or video. All sources and outside materials must be appropriately acknowledged. See 2027 WCEC Resource Guide for more information.

Ready to Make Your Voice Heard?

Choose your format, explore a global issue that matters to you, and share your perspective with the world. We can't wait to see what you create!

Contact the contest team as soon as possible if you have questions or encounter technical difficulties.

• Email: contest@world-affairs.org
• Email: jpatterson@world-affairs.org

We're happy to help you navigate the submission process.

Thank you to our 2027 WCEC sponsors, including Expedia Group, FRS Clipper, and others who make this contest possible! Save the date: Join us on Thursday, May 27, 2027, as we celebrate our student participants and honor our youth winners and honorable mentions at the 2027 WCEC Awards Ceremony.