American Enterprise Institute High School Economics Writing Competition

The **American Enterprise Institute High School Economics Writing Competition** invites students to explore real-world economic and public policy questions through a structured essay contest. Participants research, analyze, and write about issues such as government regulation, taxation, trade, labor markets, or social policy using economic reasoning. The competition emphasizes clear argumentation, evidence-based analysis, and an understanding of how economic principles apply to current debates, making it well suited for students considering majors in **economics, public policy, business, political science, or related fields**. This program is a strong option for students who enjoy critical thinking, independent research, and persuasive writing. It can be especially valuable for those preparing for **college applications**, as a strong submission—or recognition in the competition—demonstrates intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and the ability to engage with complex policy issues beyond the classroom. In addition to the possibility of prizes, students gain experience in: - Developing and defending a thesis using economic concepts - Engaging with policy-oriented research and sources - Communicating technical ideas to an informed, non-specialist audience Motivated students who like connecting economics to real-world challenges and are comfortable tackling open-ended questions will find this competition a meaningful way to deepen their knowledge and showcase their academic interests. More information and current prompts are available on the **American Enterprise Institute** website.