The New York Times’ Open Letter Contest: A Platform for Student Voices

The Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest by The New York Times has announced a unique opportunity for middle and high school students worldwide. From March 12 to April 16, 2025, students are encouraged to craft compelling open letters addressing issues that matter to them. This contest provides a platform for young writers to utilize persuasive argumentation, factual evidence, and personal perspective to influence their intended audience.

Essay Guidelines

When participating in the contest, students are advised to follow specific guidelines. The writing style should be informal yet persuasive, appealing to a broad audience. Entries should be 500 words or fewer, excluding the title and sources. Additionally, students must include evidence from at least two sources, one of which must be from The New York Times.

Submission Details

Originality is key in this contest, as the letters must be exclusive to the competition and not previously published. World Vision Academy is proud to offer students the chance to take part in this impactful writing challenge, providing them with a platform to express their opinions on crucial issues.

Why Choose World Vision Academy?

With over 20 years of experience, World Vision Academy is committed to fostering student voices and empowering young minds to make a difference. The Our Opinion-Writing Contest is an opportunity for students to engage in public discourse and advocate for causes close to their hearts.

The Importance of Open Letters

Open letters serve as a potent tool for communication, allowing individuals and groups to address a specific audience publicly. Whether advocating for change, expressing opinions, or raising awareness, these letters have the power to reach a wide audience and drive meaningful conversations.

Examples of Impactful Letters

Explore effective open letter examples to guide your writing process. Last year’s winning entries, such as “Every High School Student Can Save a Life” by Alexander Klee and “The Devil From Down Under” by Alexis Rippon, showcase the transformative potential of open letters in conveying powerful messages.