13th Annual Essay Contest
A Bridge for Kids is excited to announce that we are kicking off our 13th Annual Essay contest and this year we will be offering an even bigger prize pool and $2,500 to the 1st place entry. Eligible students (see contest rules and eligibility below) may enter the 2025 A Bridge for Kids Essay Contest by submitting an original essay of 750 words or fewer describing their thoughts on the following:
Essay Topic and Judging Criteria:
Students are invited to submit an original essay of 750 words or fewer exploring the following question: "If you could share one story about your life to help others understand the challenges you’ve faced and the strength you’ve shown, what story would you tell? How has this experience shaped your goals and who you are today?"
2025 Contest Prizes:
1st Place- $2,500 sponsorship
2nd Place- $1,500 sponsorship
3rd-5th- $750 Amazon Gift Card
6th-10th- $500 Amazon Gift Card
Note: The deadline for entry is midnight on March 1, 2025. Winners will be announced the week of April 10, 2025.
Past Winners:
2024 Essay Contest Winner - Ania Saucedo, Gompers Preparatory Academy
2023 Essay Contest Winner- Lina Vo, The Preuss School, UCSD
2022 Essay Contest Winner- Samantha Palmerin, Escondido Charter High School
2021 Essay Contest Winner- Safa Aw-Muhumed, Crawford High School
2020 Essay Contest Winner- Billy Nguyen, Lincoln High School
2019 Essay Contest Winner- Alexandra Morales, The Preuss School, UCSD
2018 Essay Contest Winner- Kevin Banks, Lincoln High School
2017 Essay Contest Winner- Jonathan Bojorquez, Helix High School
2016 Essay Contest Winner- Kiara Gomez, The Preuss School, UCSD
2015 Essay Contest Winner - Andria Montgomery, Patrick Henry High School
2014 Essay Contest Winner - Virginia Reyes, The Preuss School, UCSD
2013 Essay Contest Winner - Laura Castro, The Preuss School, UCSD