International High School Essay Contest
Omega Men Building a Better Society with Friendship as the Foundation
As an element of the Annual International Achievement Week Observance, we invite high school seniors to participate in our annual High School Essay Scholarship contest.
2026 Essay Topic
“How Can Young People Use Leadership, Service, and Innovation to Create Positive Change in Their Communities?”
13th District Essay Prize Money
ELIGIBILITY & RULES
The Contest is open to all college-bound high school seniors who submit an essay application through a Chapter of the Fraternity.
The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay must be 700 to 750 words. All other formatting requirements can be found on the application.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software/technology (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Grammarly) is prohibited. Essay submissions will be reviewed to detect AI use, and essays found to exceed the 30% threshold will be disqualified. The International Achievement Week Committee retains the sole authority to select the AI detection software for its use and shall render the final decision.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
All submissions will be reviewed by your local Chapter (determined by your high school/home address). Submissions will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on October 31, 2026. Do not change or shorten the Essay Topic.
Complete applications, including all components noted in the “H.S. Essay Application Submission Checklist”, must be received via the email address or other electronic submission process indicated by the local chapter. Paper application submissions by postal mailing or other means are NOT ACCEPTED.
RATING CRITERIA
All local Chapters will assemble a review panel to assess submitted essays based on the following criteria. Essays may earn a maximum rating of 100 points:
1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible points)
2. Progression: (20 possible points)
3. Readability: (25 possible points)
4. Grammar: (15 possible points)
5. Spelling: (5 possible points)
6. Punctuation: (5 possible points)