Submissions are invited for the Coming of Age in 2024 Contest by New York Times. The winners await exciting prizes!
Introduction
In 2024, amidst a year of pivotal global elections, young people face unique challenges and opportunities as they navigate their political identities. The New York Times’ “Coming of Age” contest invites teenagers to express what it means to grow up in this complex political climate. This year, the focus extends beyond specific candidates or issues, encouraging young people to explore their values, beliefs, and the broader role of citizenship in today’s world.
Contest’s Purpose
Since its inception in 2020, this annual contest has provided a platform for teenagers to reflect on their experiences and the issues that shape their lives. Initially centered on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the contest has evolved, moving toward broader reflections on identity and civic engagement. For 2024, participants are encouraged to think deeply about their political and civic identities, which extends beyond mere electoral politics to touch on broader themes of personal beliefs, societal values, and hopes for the future.
Eligibility
This contest is open to students ages 13 to 19 who are in middle school or high school around the world. College students may not submit an entry. However, high school students who are taking one or more college classes can participate. Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province may also participate. Also eligible are students 19 or under who have completed high school but are taking a gap year or are otherwise not enrolled in college full time.
The children and stepchildren of New York Times employees are not eligible to enter this contest, nor are students who live in the same household as Times employees.
Prizes
Having your work published on the Times website and app and potentially in print. You will retain the copyright to your work, so you may use it however you like after publication.
Key Themes to Explore
The contest poses several thought-provoking questions to guide participants:
- Identity: How does one’s identity shape political beliefs and values?
- Conversations Across Divides: How can we navigate challenging conversations with people who hold different views, and why are these conversations vital?
- The Issues: Which issues resonate most with today’s youth, and how do they impact their lives and the lives of those around them?
- Information and Disinformation: How does the way we consume news shape our understanding of the world?
- Hope for the Future: What are young people optimistic about, and how might their generation address the challenges that previous generations have left behind?
Range of Submissions
The contest allows submissions in any medium that can be uploaded digitally, from essays and poems to videos, podcasts, comics, and even data visualizations. This flexibility empowers participants to use the medium that best conveys their thoughts and experiences. Whether through a heartfelt poem about personal identity, a video documentary on civic engagement, or a comic strip about climate activism, students can creatively express their viewpoints.
Importance of Civic Engagement
In addition to submitting their work, students are invited to participate in Student Conversation Forums. These forums serve as informal spaces where teenagers can discuss their thoughts, learn from each other, and develop a more nuanced understanding of political and social issues. Engaging in these conversations can be crucial for developing a more informed and empathetic perspective on the world.
Guidelines and Rules
Submissions must address at least one of the focus questions, and every entry should include an artist’s statement of up to 400 words explaining the connection between the work and the themes. The rules encourage originality and creativity, reminding participants to avoid copyrighted material and respect others’ privacy.
How to Register?
Interested participants can register through this link.
