School Teachers and Administrators

 

Dear Teachers and School Administrators:

The Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation Essay Contest, established in 1990, is an opportunity for students in grades 7-12 to reflect on Jewish heritage and values and to better understand Judaism’s contribution to civilization and culture. We believe strongly in the value of this writing process as a way for young people to explore challenging ethical topics. Students living anywhere in the world and of any religion are invited to submit.

We hope that you will share this opportunity with your students — either as a school/classroom exercise or by sharing the information with them and their families to consider. Below is a short description that can be included in an email or newsletter to families, with a link to the essay contest information online. Please feel free to email us with any questions at info@kaplunfoundation.org.

SUGGESTED EMAIL LANGUAGE FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Essay Contest Opportunity

Students in grades 7-12 are invited to write and submit essays to the 2022-23 Kaplun Foundation Essay Contest, which includes a contest for students in grades 7-9 and another for students in grades 10-12. The first place winner in each level is awarded $1,800 and the next five winners in each level receive $500 each. The contest is an opportunity for students to reflect on Jewish heritage and values and to better understand Judaism’s contribution to civilization and culture. The Kaplun Foundation believes strongly in the value of this writing process as a way for young people to explore challenging ethical topics. Students living anywhere in the world and of any religion are invited to submit.

Winners, finalists and — when space allows, additional participants — who are in 8th grade or above will be invited to join the board of the Kaplun Foundation Youth Board, where participants meet throughout the year to learn about philanthropy and allocate $5,000 of the Foundation’s funds to a nonprofit organization.

This year’s essay questions, Information, rules, and submissions are online at: kaplunfoundation.org.

Entries are due by March 12, 2024.