Are you ready to share your voice and engage with today’s most pressing cultural and philosophical challenges through the lens of a biblical worldview? The Institute for Faith & Culture invites you to participate in our Annual Student Essay Contest, an exciting opportunity to reflect on a variety of culturally relevant topics. This contest challenges young thinkers to explore how a Christian perspective can offer hope, freedom, and flourishing in a world of competing ideologies. With a $500 cash prize, publication opportunities, and an invitation to the Kingdom Come Conference, this is your chance to make an impact and inspire others with your insights.
CONTEST RULES
Eligibility
- Contestants must be United States citizens under the age of 26 at the time of essay submission.
- Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- One submission per contestant.
Theme
- The theme for this year’s contest is “Biblical Citizenship.”
- Essays should examine what it means to live faithfully as citizens of both heaven and earth, particularly when earthly laws or cultural norms conflict with God’s commands. Students are invited to consider how allegiance to Christ shapes civic responsibility, how conscience and moral conviction safeguard true freedom, and/or how Biblical principles can renew the public square in our time.
Submission Guidelines
- Essays should be no longer than 800 words, but may be as short as 500 words.
- Essays should be written in an easily readable font size (11 or 12 pt.) with a professional font style (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.).
- All essays should be submitted as a .docx or a PDF document and should include your name as well as a title for your essay. Cover pages are acceptable but not necessary.
- Essays must be written in English.
Judging
- Essays will be judged on content, writing style, and overall impression. Make your essay interesting, compelling, and aligned with the theme.
- The judging panel is appointed by the Institute for Faith and Culture.
Notification
- The winner will be notified prior to Friday, February 27, 2026.
- The winning essay will be featured on the websites of the Institute for Faith & Culture.
- The winner will be invited to the Kingdom Come Conference, with all expenses paid, to participate in a live panel discussion on their essay topic.
- The winner will receive a $500 cash prize.
Travel and Accommodations
- The Institute for Faith & Culture will cover airfare, ground transportation to and from the airport, and lodging for the contest winner.
Non-Partisan Policy
- The Institute for Faith & Culture is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.
- Essays should focus on the theme and avoid partisan content.
Contact
- For any questions, contact the Institute for Faith & Culture at info@institutefc.org.
SUBMISSION
Submissions for the 2026 contest will open in January, with a brand-new theme, offering fresh opportunities to engage with culture from a biblical worldview. Whether a student, parent, educator, or ministry leader, we encourage you to check back next year and join us in raising up and celebrating the next generation of Christian thought leaders.
Want to be the first to know when submissions open? Join our mailing list and follow us on social media for updates!
2025 WINNER: EMILY HUSEMAN
Each year the Institute for Faith & Culture hosts a national essay contest for students and young adults under 26 years of age to express and articulate a defense of the biblical worldview.
Please join us in congratulating the 2025 winner, Emily Huseman, whose essay “Mind Over Matter: The Danger of Transgenderism” won a $500 cash prize and the opportunity to speak at the Institute for Faith & Culture’s annual Kingdom Come conference.
