AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL 2015 Celebrate America Creative Writing Contest! #writing #contests #writingcompetitions #prize #award

The Celebrate America Creative Writing Contest kicks off in the fall or early winter (depending on the local contest rules) as volunteer attorneys from local AILA chapters visit teachers and classrooms. The attorneys give classroom presentations on immigration to inform students and teachers about the important role immigration plays in our society. The attorneys also explain contest details and get students excited about participating.

In the winter and early spring, teachers submit student entries to local AILA chapters who then select and honor a winner(s) on the local level. In April, local AILA chapters send winning entries to the Council, to be judged by our panel of national celebrity judges. The top national winner is announced in early May.


​​GUIDELINES:​​

Theme: "Why I Am Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants"

Entrants: 5th graders

Format: Any written entry (essay, poem, story, interview, etc.) that reflects the theme.

Entry should be submitted to your contest coordinator (some local contests require electronic submissions, so please check with your coordinator).

Word count: Up to 500 words


Theme: "Why I Am Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants"


Entrants: 5th graders-public, private, parochial or home-schooled.*


Format: Any written entry (essay, poem, story, interview, etc.) that reflects the theme


Entry should be submitted to your contest coordinator (some local contests require electronic submissions, so please check with your coordinator).



Word count: Up to 500 words



Judging criteria: Theme, presentation, creativity and message

CONTACTING YOUR CONTEST COORDINATOR

Visit the Find a Local Contest Page...still can't find a local contest contact us and we'll see what we can do. Make sure to let us know your State and zipcode so we can assist you.

teacher@immcouncil.org

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


Cover page must include student’s name, address, grade, age, school and telephone number

*Proof of enrollment in the fifth grade—such as report cards, transcripts or letters from the school principal will be requested by local coordinator should your entry be in the finals!


A Release Form must be signed by contestant and parent or guardian

**Winners of cash prizes will be responsible for completing tax forms and for paying any taxes they may be responsible for. Businesses, individuals and organizations donating cash prizes and/or good/services may be able to report these donations as a tax deduction as the American Immigration Council is a 501 3 C not-for-profit organization. Please check with a tax specialist, accountant, or attorney to find out more. More information is available on http://www.irs.gov/uac/Reporting-Miscellaneous-Income or http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Substantiating-Charitable-Contributions
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