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Third Annual AFU Essay Competition, 2026

Extended deadline: December 27, 2026

Open worldwide • Grades 7–12 (2026–2027 school year) • Free entry • 500–1,000 words

Submit your essay by email to advocacyfortheunique@gmail.com.

Share Your Story, Inspire Change

Advocacy for the Unique (AFU), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of students with learning differences, invites middle and high school students from around the world to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas through a personal essay.

Students learn, process information, and express themselves in different ways. AFU supports students with learning differences and disabilities, including students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, autism, and intellectual disabilities. These experiences are distinct, and each student may have both individual strengths and support needs.

Essay Prompts

Choose one of the following prompts:

  1. What does “being unique” mean to you, and how has it shaped how you see yourself and the world around you?

  2. Write about a time when you experienced your difference becoming a strength. What can we learn about others and ourselves from this?

  3. How have you observed inclusion or exclusion shape your life, and what did that experience reveal?

  4. We live in a world enriched by immense variation in how people think, communicate, and experience life; yet, many of our societal systems and expectations continue to reflect narrow assumptions of what is normal. In a world of such variety, is our concept of normality meaningful, or should it be redefined?

Who Can Enter?

Students in grades 7–12 during the 2026–2027 school year are welcome to enter from anywhere in the world. We welcome students with learning differences, students who have witnessed the challenges they face—including siblings, family members, and classmates—and any student passionate about understanding and inclusion.

Guidelines

  • Word count: 500–1,000 words.

  • File formats: DOC/DOCX, PDF, or RTF.

  • Formatting: 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced.

  • Extended submission deadline: December 27, 2026.

  • Entry fee: Free.

  • Plagiarism: We use various means to identify plagiarism, the use of AI and other forms of fraud.

Prizes (USD)

  • Grand Prize: $1,000

  • Gold Prize: $500

  • Silver Prize: $300

  • Bronze Prize: $150

  • Special Prize: Up to three students with learning differences will each receive $100.

The special prize encourages participation from students with learning differences, who may rely on reasonable accommodations and support.

Winner announcement: Date to be announced. Winners will be notified individually.

How to Submit

Email your essay as a DOC/DOCX, PDF, or RTF attachment to advocacyfortheunique@gmail.com. Include your full name, school, grade, country, and chosen prompt. Email submissions are currently available while we update the online form.  Your entry is received by the AFU team for competition administration and judging. Include only the requested contact and school information; do not send medical records or diagnostic documents. Publication permission will be requested separately before an essay is posted publicly. For privacy, accommodation, or submission questions, contact advocacyfortheunique@gmail.com.

Participate in the Third Annual AFU Essay Competition, 2026 and let your voice be heard. Your stories can help build understanding and more inclusive communities.

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