ALSCA Annual National School Counseling Week Poster & Essay Contest

Description

The poster and essay contest is open to all K-12 Alabama students. Students are encouraged to describe how a school counselor has been instrumental in their school journey through a poster (K-2) or essay (3-12). School-level winners will compete for state-level prizes.

State-level winners in grades K-11 will receive $30 for first place, $20 for second place, and $10 for 3rd place. State-level winners in 12th grade will receive a $1,000 scholarship for first place, a $500 scholarship for second place, and a $250 scholarship for third place for post-secondary study. This scholarship is sponsored and provided by the Alabama School Counselor Association. Acceptance into a post-secondary institution at the time of scholarship award along with proof of enrollment is required prior to the distribution of funds. Winners will be provided instructions for accessing their scholarship.

The school counselor of each state-level 1st place winner will be awarded free registration to attend the following ALCA Annual Fall Conference if they are an ALSCA member at the time entries are submitted to the state-level contest and also at registration time for the ALCA Annual Fall Conference.

The contest runs from December to February, with winners announced in the spring.

Eligibility & Guidelines

Participants should be current students in Alabama schools, grades K – 12. Note: Only 1 entry per student is permitted.

  • Grades K – 2: Submit a poster
    • POSTERS should not exceed 11×17 and should be completed on paper or poster board—not canvas.
  • Grades 3 – 12: Submit an essay
    • ESSAYS should not exceed 1 page. Typed essays should utilize a professional font, size 12 point or larger, with single- or double-spacing. If handwritten, essays should be clearly legible. Neatness counts! All essays must provide a clear description/discussion related to the designated theme. Please include name and grade at the top of the essay page.

All entries should reflect the designated theme.

  • Grades K-11: What are School Counselors and how do they help students? How have you been helped?
  • Grade 12: How has a School Counselor helped guide you toward your goals beyond high school?

Additional Guidelines

  • ALL entries must have a completed, official cover sheet (linked below) securely attached.
  • The school counselor of a student whose entry is submitted to the state-level contest must be an ALSCA member at the time of the state-level submission.
  • Entries will be evaluated only if they meet all criteria listed on the Eligibility & Guidelines document, linked below. Otherwise, they will not be considered.

Application Materials

Important Dates & Deadlines (2022-2023)

  • November 16, 2022 – Official Launch of the contest at the ALSCA Affiliate Meeting
  • February 6, 2023 – Postmark Deadline for mailed submissions
  • February 10, 2023 – Digital Upload Deadline for electronic submissions
  • April 2022 – State-level winners announced

Contact ALSCA with questions today!