The CCP and Digital Technology for Democracy Lab are excited to announce the second year of the Voices of Democracy Student Writing Contest. This year’s theme is “Democracy in a Digital World.” The contest, open to 6th through 12th-grade students enrolled in public, private, or homeschool programs in Charlottesville City or Albemarle County, encourages students to explore the role of technology in their lives.
Participants are invited to submit poetry or prose exploring their personal reflections on democracy (150-300 words in length). Winners will be selected from each of three age groups:
6th- to 8th-grade students
9th- and 10th-grade students
11th- and 12th-grade students.
Two winners will receive prizes of $100 each, and the overall contest winner will receive an award of $500. The overall winner’s essay will be presented at a University of Virginia event reception on October 15.
Students should answer the following question through their writing:
- How has technology helped or hurt democracy in your community, and what should we do next?
Review the Rubric
Submit Your Essay
Reflection: Voices of Democracy 2024
