Skip to main content
ToggleMenu

Engage Writing Contest

Your world matters. Engage it. 

This is a writing contest designed to applaud writing that engages. 

Engage means to grapple with (sometimes even to engage in battle!). We're looking for writing that responds to a trend, phenomenon, or message from any aspect of the writer’s world.

Engage also means to grab hold of a reader's attention. It is writing that is composed with intention and skill in such a way that draws in readers and keeps them immersed throughout.

Did we mention the cash prize?     

  • First prize: $200
  • Second prize: $100
  • Third prize: $50

Have something you think might fit? Go ahead—polish it up and submit. We'd love to read it!

  • Who: Any GRCC student who has taken or is enrolled in at least one of the courses offered by the English Department (developmental, reading, composition, creative writing, ESL, literature).
  • What: Any type of nonfiction writing that engages others (this could take any form from a traditional academic essay to a multimodal project).  The piece should have been written for a current or past course offered through the English Department.  The subject does not have to be what is traditionally considered ā€œacademic.ā€ As you wise readers know, any subject can be written about in powerful ways. The way you engage your subject is what counts.
  • How Many: One submission per student per academic year.
  • Where: Submit your work using this online submission form.
  • When: Submissions accepted until Monday, March 8, 2027.
  • Why: To celebrate the countless talented, dedicated students that we as a department have the privilege of knowing, influencing, and learning from. To introduce an engaging and powerful student voice to our larger college community. Oh, and there is a cash prize as well.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact a committee member: 

Transfer