Florida A&M University announced on March 27 the launch of the “America 250 FAMU” essay and digital design contest, inviting students to reflect on the meaning of freedom in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The contest is open to students from both Florida A&M University and FAMU Developmental Research School, with a submission deadline set for March 31, 2026.
The initiative aims to encourage critical thinking and creativity among students while providing them with a platform to share their perspectives on freedom through writing and digital design. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson L. Watson said, “At Florida A&M University, we are committed to cultivating critical thinking and creativity, and the contest invites students to express themselves in writing and design. This initiative provides a platform for students to share their ideas in meaningful ways.”
Participants are encouraged to explore historical, contemporary, and future interpretations of freedom as part of a broader commemoration of America’s founding. The competition features two tracks: an essay contest requiring original works between 750 and 1,200 words that address topics such as historical perspectives on freedom or the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including FAMU; and a digital design contest welcoming visual art, short films, multimedia presentations, or performance-based projects.
Director Kendra Mitchell said about this year’s programming: “The Writing Resource Center is excited to center our annual writing programming, Write Your Way Up!, on celebrating the positive impact HBCUs have made on our country since their founding. We are equally excited to align our passion for empowering writers and communities through hosting this competition. The goal is to continue engaging our campus community with the programming they need to become the effective communicators in and beyond the classroom.”
Submissions will be judged based on criteria such as critical thinking skills, historical accuracy, originality, technical quality (for designs), aesthetic value (for designs), as well as connection with HBCU legacies. While artificial intelligence tools may be used minimally for brainstorming or editing support only, all final entries must represent each participant’s independent thought.
Further information about entry requirements can be obtained by contacting Dr. Mitchell at WriteYourWayUp@famu.edu.
