Write an informative essay about how engineering can help humanity meet one of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The 2022 EngineerGirl Writing Contest invited students to write an informative essay about how engineering can help humanity meet one of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. It’s a way of thinking that will help make life is as good or better in the future as it is today.
To accomplish this, the world needs solutions that not only fix problems, but also support social and political change. Engineering and people with engineering skills are essential to making this happen.
The United Nations created the Sustainable Development Goals to identify 17 areas where urgent action is required on all levels – from international institutions to individual households. The aim is to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people have equal opportunities to enjoy peace and prosperity.
To Enter the Contest
Write a short essay about how engineering can help meet one of these sustainable development goals. Include at least one example of a solution that demonstrates how engineering design can be used to solve current problems without risking the future.
All entries are limited to 650 words.
High school students are also required to submit a reference list with their essay. This is optional for middle and elementary school students. This list does not count toward the word limit.
More tips on how to write a winning entry can be found in the complete rules & regulations.
by February 1, 2022 at 11:59pm EST.
* Those with unreliable or slow internet connections may request a fill-in PDF Form that can be completed offline and submitted via email. These forms must also be received via email prior to the deadline above.
Other Important information:
Judging
Submissions will be judged by a slate of volunteers that include professionals from various engineering fields. In addition to checking that submissions meet all of the basic rules, they will be looking for:
- How well your essay reflects underdstanding of engineering
- How well your essay reflects understanding of key concepts of sustainable development
- How well your essay the essay explains an engineering solution that supports a sustainable development goal
- How well your essay is written
You can download the rubric that the judges will be using for reference.
More Information
Prizes
Winners will be selected in 3 different grade categories:
- Elementary School Students (grades 3-5)
- Middle School Students (grades 6-8)
- High School Students (grades 9-12).
In each grade category:
- First-place winners will be awarded $500.
- Second-place entries will be awarded $250.
- Third-place entries will be awarded $100.
All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl website. Honorable Mention entries will not receive a cash award but will be published on the EngineerGirl website.
Special Awards
Up to 17 essays (one for each goal) will be selected as “sustainable solution” winners. These essays will also be published on the site and their authors will receive a special prize to be announced when the winners are selected.
More Information