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March 06, 2025 – Path of Liberty Future Generations Essay Contest is OPEN
April 14th: Essay submission deadline, 11:59 p.m. EST.
May 8th: Winners Announced

Students will receive the following prizes:

  • First Place: $5,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000
  • Runner-Up: 18 additional students will each receive $500
  • The top 250 participants will receive exclusive Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US merchandise

“This initiative is about more than just looking back—it’s about looking forward,” said Michael Hershman. “By supporting Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US and the Future Generations Essay Contest, we are investing in the leaders, thinkers, and changemakers of tomorrow.”

Through their essays, students are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences, considering any or all of the following questions:

  • What does being American mean to you?
  • What values or principles do you believe define America?
  • What gives you hope for the future of America?
  • Can you share a moment in your life where you felt especially proud to be American?

The Future Generations Essay Contest, a New York City initiative empowering public and private school students in grades 6-12 to explore the meaning of liberty within the context of the evolving American story.

  • The competition is open to public and private school students in grades 6-12 living in New York City.
  • To participate, students must submit an original essay of 500 words or less by April 14th, 2025, on www.pathoflibertynyc.com. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate entries based on originality, depth, and clarity.
  • Winners will be announced May 8th, 2025, with an opportunity for top participants to be featured within the Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US exhibition and across our digital platforms. Top participants will also be invited to attend a special event at Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US, celebrating their contributions to the ongoing dialogue on liberty and democracy.

To participate, students must submit an original essay of 500 words or less by April 14th, 2025, on www.pathoflibertynyc.com. Students must be residents of New York City and currently enrolled in a public school or private school within the 5 boroughs of New York City. Additionally, students must be between grades 6-12. 

Submission must be original, unpublished work of one student.
Essays must be 500 words or less. Addressing one of the prompts.

  • What does being American mean to you?
  • What values or principles do you believe define America?
  • What gives you hope for the future of America?
  • Can you share a moment in your life where you felt especially proud to be American?

1. Eligibility:

Participants MUST be subscribed to the Path of Liberty Newsletter & Follow @pathoflibertynyc to be eligible
The Future Generations Essay contest is open to students currently enrolled in New York City public schools & private schools in grades 6-12 who are currently residents of New York City.
Participants must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to enter if under the age of 18. Employees of The Soloviev Foundation, contest judges, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

2. Contest Entry Period:

The contest begins on February 25th, 2025 and ends on April 14th, 2025. All entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date to be considered.

3. How to Enter:

Participants must submit an original essay that explores the following questions:

  • What does being American mean to you?
  • What values or principles do you believe define America
  • What gives you hope for the future of America?
  • Can you share a moment in your life where you felt especially proud to be American?

Word count should not exceed a maximum of 500 words. Essays must be written in English and submitted via online form please visit https://essay.pathoflibertynyc.com/ to submit.
Only one entry per student is allowed.

4. Submission Guidelines:

  • Essays must be the original work of the participant. Plagiarized content will result in disqualification.
  • Entries must not contain offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content.
  • By submitting, participants grant the Soloviev Foundation the right to use, publish, or distribute their essays for promotional or educational purposes.
  • Essay is typed in 12-point, Times New Roman, double-spaced with 1” margins and numbered pages.
  • Submissions must have a title.
  • Essays must use MLA formatting, complete with in-text citations and a Works Cited page (not included in the word count). See Purdue Owl MLA Guide.
  • Essays must be proofread and should follow the rules for standard English (grammar, punctuation, mechanics) in writing. See Purdue Owl Grammar.
  • Plagiarism: any submission that is in part or wholly plagiarized will be disqualified from the Future Generations Essay Contest. See Purdue Owl Plagiarism.
  • A cover page MUST be included with the following information: title of essay, student name, grade level, student’s complete mailing address, student’s email address, school’s name.
  • Finalists must be able to participate in the Path of Liberty on May 8th, 2025.

5. Judging Criteria:

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Creativity and originality (30%)
  • Clarity and organization (25%)
  • Grammar and writing mechanics (20%)
  • Relevance to the topic (25%)
  • The decisions of the judges are final and binding.

6. Prizes:

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

  • First Place: $5,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000
  • Runner-Up: 18 additional students will each receive $500
  • The top 250 participants will receive exclusive Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US merchandise

Prizes are non-transferable.

7. Winner Notification & Announcement:

Winners will be notified via email/phone before May 8th, 2025. If a winner does not respond within 10 days, an alternate winner may be selected. Winners may be required to sign a consent and release form before receiving their prize.

8. Publicity Release:

By entering the contest, participants grant the Soloviev Foundation permission to use their name, essay, and image (if applicable) for promotional purposes, without additional compensation.

9. Privacy Policy:

Personal information collected will only be used for contest administration and will not be shared with third parties.

10. General Conditions:

The Soloviev Foundation reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest if necessary. Any attempt to manipulate the contest will result in disqualification. By entering, participants release the Soloviev Foundation from any liability related to their submission or participation.

11. Contact Information:

For questions or concerns regarding the contest, please contact futuregenerations@pathoflibertynyc.com