2026 High School Essay Contest

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Beta Omega Chapter of Kansas City, MO

is pleased to announce its annual 

High School Essay Contest

As a mandated element of the Annual International Achievement Week Observance

Local College Scholarship Awards:

1st Scholarship: $500

2nd Scholarship: $400 

3rd Scholarship: $300

These winners will be submitted to the International Essay Contest for an opportunity to win additional scholarships! 

INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIZE: $5,000

Essay submission due by: October 31st, 2026, 11:59 PM

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must reside in the Kansas City, Missouri area. 

The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length. The type-written, double-spaced essay must be submitted via email. Postal submissions are not accepted for the Beta Omega Chapter. Submissions will not be accepted after October 31st, 2026, 11:59 PM. Do not change or shorten the Essay Topic, "How Can Young People Use Leadership, Service, and Innovation to Create Positive Change in Their Communities?" Use of assistance software and/or technology (i.e., AI, ChatGPT, etc.) in creating this original work is strictly prohibited. The Committee will be using software to detect the usage of Artificial Intelligence to assist with the essay. If the content is found to be above a 40% threshold, the essay will be disqualified.

Rating Criteria: A review panel will assess submitted essays based on the following criteria. Essays may earn a maximum rating of 100 points. 

1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible points) - The topic is well-developed (covers and develops major points, supplying enough information for understanding)

2.  Progression: (20 possible points) - Composition progresses from beginning to end in a logical flow of information

3. Readability: (25 possible points) - Concise prose that sticks to the point and does not ramble (holds the reader’s attention)

4. Grammar: (15 possible points) - Agreement of subject and verb; proper tense; correct sentence construction; paragraphing, including transitional phrases linking the same

5. Spelling: (5 possible points)

6. Punctuation: (5 possible points)

Please complete the application form below to ensure your contact information is received! Please send all application forms to: BetaOmega.Scholarship1922@gmail.com 

Click Here: Essay Contest Application

For more information email: BetaOmega.Scholarship1922@gmail.com