MONTPELIER, Vt. — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is holding his 12th annual State of the Union Essay Contest to get Vermont high school students more engaged in the political process.
The contest coincides with the president’s State of the Union address to Congress outlining priorities for the upcoming year. Students submit 250-500 words essays on a major issue facing the country and propose what they would do to solve it, Sanders’ office said.
The independent senator said he believes it’s now more important than ever to listen to young people’s perspective.
“We are continuing to address the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also working to address many of our country’s long-neglected structural issues like education, health care, and climate change,” Sander said in a written statement. “Simply put — this is a pivotal moment — and I, for one, would like to hear the thoughts and ideas of our young people about how we can move forward as a country.”
The deadline for submissions is Jan. 11, 2022. A panel of teachers will judge the essays and pick 10 finalists whose submissions will be entered in the Congressional Record. More information can be found on Sanders’ Senate webpage.
— The Associated Press
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