Learning Network: Announcing Our 2020-21 Student Contest Calendar and Related Webinar!

July 17, 2020

Dear Reader,

Tens of thousands of students from around the world participate in our contests each year, creating podcasts, writing editorials, telling stories, documenting their lives and responding to the news.

Teachers tell us they appreciate how these contests invite students to compose for an “authentic audience” and motivate them to produce their best work. Students tell us they like the variety of ways they can express themselves — and the confidence boost when their writing and art are recognized. For us, these contests offer more formal opportunities to do what we try to do every day: show students that their voices and ideas matter.

So, we’re pleased to announce our 2020-21 student contest calendar! Almost all of our usual annual contests are back this year, but here is what’s new for 2020-21:

To recognize just how tumultuous this year has been — and how disproportionately young people have been impacted — we are running a special challenge this fall to invite teenagers to document and respond to the earthshaking events they are living through.
By popular demand, we’re bringing back our 2016 Civil Conversation Challenge, updated for Election 2020. The challenge encourages teenagers to think deeply about the divisive issues of our day and then have meaningful discussions across those divisions.
Finally, we have updated our eligibility requirements. For most contests, we now allow middle school as well as high school students to participate.

We hope that you’ll take some time to scroll through the 10 contests and challenges we’re offering this year and think about which ones might be right for you — or for your curriculum. If you want to learn more, please register for our free webinar: “Giving Students a Voice: Incorporating Learning Network Contests Into Your Curriculum.”

Sincerely,

Michael Gonchar and Katherine Schulten, editors

RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

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Our 2020-21 Student Contest Calendar

From art and editorials to personal narratives and podcasts, a list of the 10 contests and challenges for young people we’re running this school year.

By The Learning Network

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Summer Reading Contest Week 6: What Got Your Attention in The Times This Week?

To participate, submit your response here by July 24 at 9 a.m. Eastern. This week’s winners will be announced on Aug. 4.

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Summer Reading Contest Winner, Week 3: On ‘NASA Names Headquarters After Its First Black Female Engineer, Mary Jackson’

Thank you to the teenagers who participated this week, and congratulations to our winner, Chandini, as well as our many runners-up and honorable mentions.

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