Essay Contest
In celebration of BYU’s 150th anniversary, we’re pleased to announce the BYU Continuing Education Essay Contest! This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what BYU Continuing Education has meant to you and how it’s blessed your journey.
Write a 500–600 word essay about the light that BYU Continuing Education has brought to your life. Draw from personal experience, programs, classes, events—anything related to the positive impact of BYU Continuing Education is fair game.
Submissions should be typed in a readable font (i.e. 12pt Times New Roman) with one-inch margins. On a separate cover page, include your name, contact information, and Student ID (if applicable). Entries should be original unpublished work and must not use AI.
Cash prizes of $1,000 for first place and $500 for second and third place are up for grabs. The contest is open to anyone. Winners will be announced at the BYU Continuing Education Night of Light Celebration on October 23, 2025 and presented with a certificate.
Interested? Enter your submission to the link below. Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on October 10, 2025.
As part of BYU’s 150th anniversary celebration entitled Beacons of Light, BYU Continuing Education invites participants to share their stories of inspiration and growth. This essay contest is an opportunity to reflect on how Continuing Education programs—such as EFY, BYU Women's Conference, and BYU Education Week—have brought light into your life. Winners will receive scholarship awards and be recognized at the BYU Continuing Education Night of Light Celebration on October 23, 2025.
Essay Contest Details
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $500
- 3rd Place: $500
Objective
Participants are invited to write a 500–600 word essay about the light BYU Continuing Education has brought into their lives. Essays can focus on personal experiences or any aspect of its programs, classes, history, and events.
Eligibility
Open to all participants.
Essay Requirements
- Length: 500–600 words, single-spaced (approximately one page)
- Format: Typed in a readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point), 1-inch margins on all sides, Title included at the top
- Content: Focus on how BYU Continuing Education has enlightened your mind, encouraged growth, and expanded opportunities. Include personal experiences, historical insights, or detailed descriptions of specific programs, classes, or events. Essays must be original (not AI-generated) and unpublished.
Submission
Submit essays as a PDF or Word document. Include your name and contact information on a separate cover page.
Judging Criteria
- Relevance (40%): How well the essay addresses the theme
- Creativity (30%): Originality and compelling presentation
- Impact (20%): Overall inspiration and emotional appeal
- Mechanics (10%): Grammar, spelling, and formatting
Deadline
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on October 10, 2025.
Winner Announcements
Winners will be announced at the BYU CE Night of Light Celebration on October 23, 2025 and notified via email prior to the event.
Additional Information
By submitting an essay, participants agree to allow BYU Continuing Education to publish their essays on its website and in promotional materials. The decision of the judges is final.
Certificates
Each recipient will be presented with a certificate of recognition, including their name, award title, and the contest name, signed by the Beacons of Light Committee Chair.