Culture of Life Studies Program’s 2026 pro-life essay contest now open through Nov. 7

The Culture of Life Studies Program has opened its 2026 pro-life essay contest for students in grades 5 through 12. The competition, which is co-sponsored by the Institute for Excellence in Writing, accepts entries through November 7.

Students in Category 1, covering grades 5 through 8, must write a 500-word essay based on a quote from St. John Paul II. These students will choose a specific stage or circumstance of life, such as disability, old age, serious illness, or life before birth, to defend the dignity of that person's life.

Students in Category 2, covering grades 9 through 12, will reflect on a quote from Dr. Jérôme Lejeune. These participants must examine a modern medical practice, including organ donation, prenatal screening, euthanasia, IVF, or abortion, to explain the ethical questions surrounding medical practice.

All entries must be original, unpublished work created without the use of AI. A parent, teacher, or legal guardian must submit the single allowed entry for each contestant electronically. Winners in both categories will receive monetary prizes along with books and merchandise.