Financial literacy diaries essay contest
Financial Literacy Essay Contest for High School Students
Financial decisions shape nearly every chapter of life, yet most students graduate high school without ever being taught how to budget, save, or think critically about debt. The Financial Literacy Diaries Essay Contest invites high school students to change that conversation by writing about why financial literacy matters and what it would take to put it within reach of every young person.
Entering is simple: no application fee, no complicated process: just a chance to think seriously about a topic that will shape your life for decades. The winning essay will receive a certificate of recognition and a column introducing and recognizing the winning student’s achievements. Top entries, including the winner, will also have the opportunity to be published on our website. If you have something to say about money, opportunity, and what it takes to build a financially literate future, we want to read it.
Essay Prompt
Financial literacy shapes the decisions people make throughout their lives — from saving a first paycheck to buying a home, managing debt, or planning for retirement. Yet many individuals and communities lack access to the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions.
In 500–1000 words, write an essay that explores why financial literacy matters — for an individual, a family, or a community. You may draw on personal experience, observations from your community, or outside research to support your argument.
Consider addressing the following in your response:
What happens when financial literacy is missing? Consider this perspective from the perspective of individuals, families, communities, businesses or governments.
How does financial education change outcomes, in the short term and over a lifetime?
What should be done by schools, families, or communities to expand access to financial literacy?
Requirements: 500–1000 words • typed, double-spaced • original, unpublished work • open to high school students (grades 9–12).
Grading Rubric
Essays are scored out of 100 points across six criteria.
Understanding of Financial Literacy’s Impact (20 pts)
Excellent: Deep, nuanced insight into real consequences for individuals, families, or communities.
Proficient: Clear understanding of impact, supported by solid examples.
Developing: Basic understanding; limited depth or specificity.
Needs Improvement: Minimal or unclear understanding of the topic.
Argument & Supporting Evidence (20 pts)
Excellent: Compelling thesis backed by strong, specific evidence or experience.
Proficient: Clear thesis with adequate supporting detail.
Developing: Vague thesis; weak or generic support.
Needs Improvement: No clear thesis or supporting evidence.
Organization & Structure (15 pts)
Excellent: Logical, seamless flow from introduction through conclusion.
Proficient: Clear structure with only minor lapses.
Developing: Some disorganization; transitions unclear.
Needs Improvement: Difficult to follow; lacks clear structure.
Voice, Originality & Insight (15 pts)
Excellent: Distinct, authentic voice with a memorable, original perspective.
Proficient: Genuine voice; some original thinking.
Developing: Generic voice; little originality.
Needs Improvement: No personal voice or insight evident.
Writing Mechanics (15 pts)
Excellent: Virtually free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Proficient: Few minor errors; do not disrupt reading.
Developing: Frequent errors that affect clarity.
Needs Improvement: Pervasive errors hinder understanding.
Adherence to Prompt & Guidelines (15 pts)
Excellent: Fully on-topic and within the 500–1000 word range.
Proficient: On-topic; close to the required word count.
Developing: Partially off-topic or notably outside word count.
Needs Improvement: Off-topic or disregards contest requirements.
Scoring scale: 90–100 = Excellent • 75–89 = Proficient • 60–74 = Developing • Below 60 = Needs Improvement
Judging Process
All essays are reviewed and the winner selected by the contest founder, using the rubric above. No additional judges are involved at this stage.
As the program grows, additional judges may be added to future contests. Any change to the judging process will be reflected on this website and communicated to entrants before that contest begins.
Every student who submits an essay will receive their scored rubric back, showing exactly how their writing was evaluated across each of the six criteria used to judge entries. This isn't just a courtesy: concrete, itemized feedback on your writing is genuinely useful heading into college applications. It gives you something specific to reference in an interview or a "growth" essay, and a clear starting point for strengthening your next piece of writing, whether that's a personal statement for college admissions or a class assignment.
Submission instructions
Submissions are now open through September 30th, 2026. To submit your essay, email the document as a Word document or PDF to hello@financialliteracydiaries.org.
The word document must include a header with the date submitted, the author’s first and last name, and a title for the essay.
Subject lines must include “Summer 2026 Essay Contest” and the submitters first and last name.
Failure to conform to these requirements will void the essay submission.
Finalists will be notified by October 10th. The winner will be announced following the publication of the finalists.
