2024 “MindSpeak” Essay Competition Open to All NJ Middle and High School Students

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Shiv’s Third Eye , a Livingston-based non-profit organization, is calling all young creative minds and compassionate hearts from across the state to participate in the 2024 “MindSpeak” Youth Mental Health Awareness Essay Competition , which offers young changemakers in middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) a platform to explore the essential topic of youth mental health using their unique perspective and insights.

In a world where the silence surrounding youth mental health can be deafening, Shiv's Third Eye believes in the power of young voices to spark change and invites local students to participate in its endeavor to dismantle the bias and promote resilience through young voices. According to Shiv's Third Eye, these voices are “instrumental in shaping a world that comprehends, supports, and celebrates mental health.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

This competition is an opportunity for students to share their thoughts through an essay, a research paper or a personal or fictional story that explores the intricacies of youth mental health and its profound impact.

Any of the following questions can be used to prompt students’ writing:

• As a pre-teen/teen what affects your mental well-being? How do you build resilience or coping skills while faced with challenging times?
  
• Do you feel supported in school, at home or in the community? Will you access help if struggling? How can schools/communities help you feel supported and/or reduce the stigma around mental health and better foster a supportive environment for kids?
  
• What kind of conversations on youth mental health are useful at home and/or school?
  
• What are the barriers that make it difficult for kids to access mental health treatment?
  
• What role does the home or school culture play in mental health & wellness? What will it look like to create a culture of mental wellness in your community?
  
• What are your thoughts on social media? The good, the bad, the ugly?
  
• Any other areas of concern to individuals and their communities with respect to mental health.
  

Prizes

Shiv’s Third Eye is not only offering cash prizes up to $500 , but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. All award winners in each category of the 2024 “MindSpeak” Youth Mental Health Awareness Essay Competition will receive a personal Letter of Recognition from NJ Governor Phil Murphy and a Congressional Certificate from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in addition to cash awards .

The winning entries will also have their work showcased in awareness campaigns, amplifying their impact. Furthermore, winners will get a chance to participate in a round table discussion, if they are interested, at the Youth Mental Wellness Fair with experts and parents.

Shape the Future with Your Words

Shiv’s Third Eye believes that the words of New Jersey's youth have the power to change lives by breaking the silence, fostering resilience, and creating a more compassionate world for young individuals facing mental health challenges. Together, the participants of this competition can illuminate the path toward understanding and awareness. Students across the state are invited to submit an entry and be part of the change.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

The new deadline to submit an entry for this year’s competition is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. For more information or to submit your entry, CLICK HERE .

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net