Page updated 9/5/2025
13th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Sacramento
Regional Essay Contest
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Information.
We are pleased to announce the 13th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Sacramento Regional Essay Contest. The contest was created to further engage our youth with Dr. King's legacy, vision, and leadership that inspired a nation.
Essays will be judged on creativity, clarity, content, coherence, and adherence to the theme. Essays must be in your own words; plagiarism is unacceptable and no help from any AI source is permitted. Essays must adhere to the contest rules below and must be submitted by Friday, December 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
First, second, and third-place winners will receive cash prizes and be recognized as part of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Sacramento State University.
The essay contest is open to youth (Middle and High School students) who live in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, or Yolo County.
The 2026 MLK Essay Contest Question
The 2026 MLK Celebration Essay Topic
Consider how education has played a role in exposing you to cultures and histories different from your own. Then, reflect on your own vision for a better future. What changes would you like to see in your community or the world? What actions are you willing to take to help make that and your own vision for the future?
High School Division - Cash Prizes
1st Place - $500 | 2nd Place - $300 | 3rd Place - $200
Middle School Division - Cash Prizes
1st Place - $250 | 2nd Place - $150 | 3rd Place - $100
Plus, first-place winners from both divisions will be invited to be highlighted during an upcoming Sacramento Kings game.
MLK Essay Contest Rules – Read Carefully Before Submitting
• Winners will be chosen from middle and high school categories.
• The essay must consist of no more than 500 words.
• All essays must be in the writer's own voice. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited, and the use of any assistance or content from AI sources is not allowed.
• The essay contest is open to middle and high school entries and must be submitted on 8½” x 11” white background, double-spaced, and typed using a 12pt. font.
• Only one entry per student and essays must be submitted by Friday, December 19, 2025 at 5pm. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• All entries MUST include a cover page listing the student’s full name, grade level, school name, school district, home address, email and contact phone number. Entries submitted without a complete cover page will be disqualified from the competition - no exceptions.
• All judging is final. Winners will be notified the week of January 12, 2026 via email and/or telephone.
• Each winner will receive a complimentary ticket to the event, along with one guest ticket. Additional guests are welcome to attend with the purchase of a ticket.
• Any essay determined to be in violation of the essay rules will be disqualified.
Submit Essays By
Friday, December 19, 2025
at 5 pm
No Late Entries Will Be Accepted.
How To Submit Your Entry
Essays must be submitted as a PDF email attachment to mlkessaycontestsac(at)gmail.com. Submissions in any other format or by any other method will not be accepted or considered for the contest.
Thank you to our MLK Essay contest sponsors
With support from
