Eligibility:

The Blueprint Communities essay contest is open to students in grades 6-8 who reside within the 2005 Blueprint Communities (see contest rules). Submissions meeting contest rules will be accepted until Monday, October 17, 2005.

Essay Topic:

A "blueprint" is a plan for the best way to build something — a car, a house, a career, a future. What would be your blueprint for making your community a better place to live?

Essay Length/Format:

• 500 words or less
• Typewritten, double-spaced, one-inch margins
• First and last names at top right corner of each page
• Pages numbered and stapled

Judging:

Independent panel using the Pennsylvania Writing Assessment Domain Scoring Guide

Essay Submission:

• Prepare two copies with entry forms attached
• Provide both copies to your teacher
• Submit by Monday, October 17, 2005

Prizes:

$100 each to 22 local winners from each Blueprint Community (announced in mid-November)

$500 to two grand prizewinners, one each from the eastern and western Blueprint Communities (announced in mid-December)

Essay Contest Rules (PDF)

Essay Contest Entry Form (PDF)

Essay Contest Flier (Word)

Teachers Aids (PDF)