MLK Student Essay Contest

14th Annual MLK Essay Contest

14th Annual MLK Essay Contest
Sacramento Capital Region

The 2027 MLK Essay Contest is now open!

We invite middle and high school students throughout the Sacramento Capital Region to share their ideas, perspectives, and vision for creating positive change. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in both divisions.

Explore the 2027 essay question, eligibility requirements, prizes, and official contest rules below.

Essay Submission Deadline: Friday, December 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. No late essays will be accepted.

2027 ESSAY TOPIC

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and generations of civil rights leaders worked to create a more just and equal world. Today, young people have the opportunity to carry that work forward in their own ways.

What is one issue affecting your school, community, country, or world that matters to you? How can you use hope, education, and action to help make a difference?

Remember: You don't have to already be an activist to have something worth saying. Start with what you care about, imagine what could be better, and consider what role you could play.

2027 ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS

14th ANNUAL MLK ESSAY CONTEST RULES

Read Carefully Before Submitting

• Winners will be chosen in two divisions: MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL.
• Essay must be 500 words or fewer.
• All essays must be the student’s original work and written in the student’s own voice. The use of AI tools, AI-generated content, or AI assistance to write or rewrite any portion of the essay is NOT ALLOWED.
• Essays must be typed on an 8½” x 11” white background, double-spaced, using a 12-point font.
• One-Time Winner Policy: To encourage broad participation and recognize more students, a student may receive a First, Second, or Third Place award only once per division.
• Only one entry per student is permitted. Essays must be SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, DECEMEBER 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
•All entries MUST include a cover page listing the student’s full name, grade level, school name, school district, home address, email address, and contact phone number. Entries submitted without a complete cover page will be disqualified — no exceptions.
• All judging decisions are final. Winners will be notified the week of January 12, 2027, via email and/or telephone.
• Each winner will receive one complimentary event ticket and one complimentary guest ticket. Additional guests are welcome to attend with the purchase of a ticket.
• The Essay Contest Committee reserves the right to disqualify any entry determined to be in violation of these rules.