Essay contest open to community college students
WHITNEY KNIGHT
Staff Writer
staffwriter1@occc.edu
Entries for the seventh annual Community College Baccalaureate Association’s essay contest are due Feb. 5, said Beth Hagan, executive director.
The contest is open to any student currently enrolled in a community college in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, Hagan said.
A $1,000 check and an all-expense paid trip to the 10th annual Community College Baccalaureate Association Conference in Baltimore, Md., will be awarded to the winner.
In addition, she said, $1,000 will be awarded to the winner’s college.
Students may only enter one essay for submission, Hagan said, and it must specifically address the topic given.
This year’s topic is: “Why obtaining a four-year degree on my community college campus would be important to me.”
Hagan said the idea of offering four-year degrees at community colleges is gaining momentum, but “no one ever asks the college students what they think.”
Contest entries must be received via e-mail.
Hagan said essays must be between 400 and 500 words and typed using any 12-point font.
Brandon Isaak, Communications Lab assistant, said students interested in entering the competition can stop by the Communications Lab for help.
“A lot of people think we only help out with strictly in-class writing, but that’s not true,” Isaak said.
“We are always here to help students improve their work, regardless of what it is for.”
He said he strongly encourages students to enter the contest.
“Win or lose, anytime you encourage someone to write, it’s a good thing,” Isaak said.
Several students asked by the Pioneer said they were not interested in the contest.
Kelsea Burton, film and video major, said she might have considered entering a few weeks ago, but is too busy now.
“(With) work and classes starting back up, I just don’t have time right now,” Burton said.
Hagan said the essay contest offers students an opportunity to voice their opinions.
“When we compile these entries, there’s a good chance that some of them will be sent to (the) legislature,” she said.
Hagan said she encourages students who enter the contest to explore the issues of bachelor’s degrees at community college campuses.
“This isn’t just another essay contest,” Hagan said.
“This is a chance for students to make a big impact in the collegiate world.”
For more information, visit the CCBA website at www.accbd.org.
In addition, Hagan said, completed contest entries may be e-mailed to bhagan7@aol.com.
