German-American Day Essay Contest For High School Students
Sponsored by: Indiana German Heritage Society Deadline: November 2, 2025 Essay Topic: “Exchange Programs: Connecting German-speaking and Hoosier Communities” Prizes: 1st prize: $ 300.00 2nd prize: $ 200.00 3rd prize: $ 100.00 $50 for runner-ups In honor of German-American Day (October 6), the Indiana German Heritage Society is sponsoring an essay contest for Indiana high school students. Participants do not have to be currently enrolled in a German class to be eligible, but they should be able to write a brief biographical statement in German. Winning essays will be published in the quarterly IGHS newsletter. Essay topic prompt: Indiana has a strong German heritage with approximately a quarter of the state residents claiming German ancestry. Study abroad and exchange programs to German-speaking cities help keep these connections alive. Whether it be through GAPP, IUHPFL or one of Indiana’s 13 Sister City Programs, communities in Indiana are enriched through these cultural and linguistic exchanges. Research and write a short essay (750-1,000 words) on one of these programs. When and why did it begin? Who initiated it? How often do cultural exchanges take place and what is its mission? What is unique about this exchange or study abroad program? Do you know someone who has been on the program? Ask that person how taking part in the program impacted his or her life. Evaluation of Essay (in English): Factual evidence/research, analysis, creativity, writing style. Evaluation of Personal Statement (in German): Content, details, grammar and vocabulary. Contest Requirements: Please submit in one Word/pdf document by November 2, 2025:
Honor Statement: By entering this contest, I affirm that all work submitted is my own and that I have not used work of others, Google translate or AI programs such as Chat GPT. Submit entries via email (subject line: “IGHS High School Essay Contest”) as one Word or pdf file attachment to: Dr. Wendy Westphal, IGHS Education Committee, Marian University German Program, [email protected] |
German-American Day Essay Contest For College Students
Sponsored by: Indiana German Heritage Society Deadline: November 2, 2025 Essay Topic: “Exchange Programs: Connecting German-speaking and Hoosier Communities" Prizes: 1st prize: $ 300.00 2nd prize: $ 200.00 3rd prize: $ 100.00 In honor of German-American Day on October 6th, the Indiana German Heritage Society is sponsoring an essay contest for Indiana college students. Participants do not have to be currently enrolled in a German class to be eligible. However, they should be able to write a brief biographical statement in German. Winning essays will be published in the quarterly IGHS newsletter. Essay topic prompt: Indiana has a strong German heritage with approximately a quarter of the state residents claiming German ancestry. Study abroad and exchange programs to German-speaking cities help keep these connections alive. Whether it be through GAPP, IUHPFL or one of Indiana’s 13 Sister City Programs, communities in Indiana are enriched through these cultural and linguistic exchanges. Research and write a short essay (750-1,000 words) on one of these programs. When and why did it begin? Who initiated it? How often do cultural exchanges take place and what is its mission? What is unique about this exchange or study abroad program? Do you know someone who has been on the program? Ask that person how taking part in the program impacted his or her life. Evaluation of Essay (in English): Factual evidence/research, analysis, creativity, writing style. Evaluation of Personal Statement (in German): Content, details, grammar and vocabulary. Contest Requirements: Please submit in one Word/pdf document by November 2, 2025:
Honor Statement: By entering this contest, I affirm that all work submitted is my own and that I have not used work of others, Google translate or AI programs such as Chat GPT. Submit entries via email (subject line: “IGHS High School Essay Contest”) as one Word or pdf file attachment to: Dr. Wendy Westphal, IGHS Education Committee, Marian University German Program, [email protected] |