2025 ESSAY CONTESTS

In 2025 there were two questions: one for high school students in the U.S. and one for high school students from other countries. 386 students participated: 283 from 38 states in the U.S. and 103 from 29 other countries. The winners of the $5000, $2500, and $1,250 prizes will be posted on this website later in January. Again, thanks to the participants and the educators who provided them with support.

U.S. QUESTION

Many claim climate change poses a threat to human rights. Do you agree? Provide a clear explanation of the reasons you think specific proposals to deal with the issue are beneficial or harmful.

STATES WITH THE MOST SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING

California (22), Texas (17), Georgia (12), New York (12), Arizona (9)

OTHER STATES WITH PARTICIPANTS

Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washinton, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS WITH THE MOST PARTICIPANTS

TEACHER(s)	SCHOOL	#
Joni Jameson	Archer High, Georgia	45
Lynette Trujillo	Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science, NM	27
Sandra Garza, John SigrenAudrie Lopez	North Houston Early College High, TX 5	5

QUESTION FOR ABROAD

How are leaders in your country and/or other countries undermining or promoting human rights? Refer to specific policies and actions to support your view.

COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST PARTICIPANTS

India: 9 High Schools, 11 Students Bangladesh: 5 High Schools, 7 Students South Korea: 5 High Schools, 6 Students Nigeria: 4 High Schools, 13 Students Canada: 4 High Schools, 7 Students Turkey: 4 High Schools, 5 Students Tanzania: 2 High Schools, 10 Students Czech Republic: 2 High Schools, 5 students

OTHER COUNTRIES WITH PARTICIPANTS: Australia, Benin, China, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Kosovo, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauricius, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Zimbabwe.