Lifting Up Westchester (LUW), a community-based nonprofit agency that provides life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet their other basic needs, announces its 10th annual student essay contest. Open to seventh through twelfth grade students who live and attend school in Westchester County, this year’s contest, The Power of Possibility, invites students to explore the challenges people experiencing homelessness may face in finding meaningful employment and how Lifting Up Westchester’s Job Central supports their job search. Students are asked to propose one specific way the community could help turn possibility into opportunity for someone seeking work.
“For nine years, students entering this contest have shared thoughtful insights into the challenges of being unhoused,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester. “We all know that a job provides more than a paycheck – it also offers the structure, dignity, and community needed to build security and independence. We look forward to hearing students’ ideas for helping people overcome barriers to their employment.”
LUW’s programs are designed to help anyone facing homelessness, hunger, or extreme poverty, including Emergency Shelter, Housing Services, Meals and Community Support, Employment and Youth Programs.
The essay contest was established in 2017 in memory of Beth Massey Rubens, a lifelong teacher, tutor, and mentor who had a love for language arts. Last year’s contest included work by students from over 40 schools throughout the county. Since its inception, more than 1,700 students have participated, representing a cross section of public, private, and parochial schools across Westchester.
First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each of the three grade groups: 7th and 8th; 9th and 10th; and 11th and 12th. First prize in each category is $500, second prize is $250, and third prize is $100.
The contest kicks off on October 28, 2026, and students can enter through January 25, 2027. Winners will be announced in late February, and an awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027. Students, teachers, and parents can learn more about how the contest works, review the judging criteria, and upload their essays by visiting www.liftingupwestchester.org/essay-contest.
