IEE Events

Contest Guidelines

Choose one of the three prompts below. Email your submission in a format compatible with Apple or Mac platforms, preferably as a Word document. Include a cover page with your submission.

Dr. King’s legacy inspires this year’s theme: “Honoring our History- Fighting for Our Future.”

Choose one of the following prompts based on the theme:

• • Poetry: Write a poem exploring the 2026 theme or of Dr. King’s legacy. This poem should not be more than two pages.
• • Open Letter: Considering the 2026 theme, if you could speak to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. directly about the state of the United States today, what would you want him to know? How have we succeeded or failed to work toward his dream of equality? Where do you find hope? What are the challenges we face? This letter should be 400–800 words in standard MLA format.
• • Academic Essay: Considering the 2026 theme, where do you see Dr. King’s vision at work in our world today? Give specific examples of people, communities, and/or organizations who are working to realize King’s dream of a just and equal nation. Be sure to support your ideas with evidence and include a Works Cited. This essay should be 400 - 800 words in standard MLA format.

Contest Details

Winning entries will be announced at GovState’s Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and shared in print format with the attendees. Please note that you will need to give your permission for your work to be printed. You will indicate this on the cover page you submit with your writing.

Note: If your submission is chosen for an award, you will be notified in advance and expected to attend the event to receive your award.

Prizes

• • 1st Place: $250
• • 2nd Place: $150
• • 3rd Place: $100

Deadline

Email submission and cover page to oiee@govst.edu by Thursday, December 11, 2025