MAKE A DIFFERENCE Student Essay Contest
Each year, on the fourth Saturday in October, millions of people across the country come together for Make a Difference Day, a day of volunteerism and community service in the United States. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, communities will once again gather to lend a hand whether it's cleaning up neighborhoods, supporting nonprofits, donating resources, or simply showing up for others in your community. This nationwide tradition is a reminder that each of us has the power to strengthen our community through everyday acts of service.
In that spirit, Arkansas Strong invites high school students across the state to share their own stories of impact in our MAKE A DIFFERENCE Student Essay Contest. Open to students in grades 10–12 during the 2025–2026 school year, the contest challenges participants to reflect on the question: “How do you make a difference in your community?” Essays should be 500 words and submitted by February 1, 2026, either through our submission link or by emailing a Word document to info@arstrong.org. Winning essays will be published on the Arkansas Strong website, and three students will receive prizes awarded as follows: $1,000 for the grand prize, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Read the winners from our last essay contest: Naturally Arkansas, The Little Rock Nine, and Hogs.
Who: Arkansas students in grades 10-12 school year, 2025-26
What: Write a 500-word essay answering: “How do you make difference in your community?”
What: Write a 500-word essay answering: “How do you make difference in your community?”
When: Deadline is February 1, 2026
Where: Submit story here or send an email to info@arstrong.org. We will publish winning students essays on our website and award three cash prizes.