2025 Cancer Pathways - Teen Writing Contest
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We invite you to submit a short essay about your experience with cancer for the opportunity to win $1,000

In its 19th year, the contest offers students a chance to win one of several $1,000 cash prizes. Each year, students write about their experiences with cancer, whether that struggle is their own or that of a loved one or friend. Over the years, the essays have been emotional and deeply personal. Since the contest began in 2006, we have received over 9,800 submissions and awarded over $320,000 in prize money to teens. Deadline for entries is Friday, February 28th, 2025. Winners will be chosen in early May.
 

  • Open to teens living in the United States in grades 9-12
  • Maximum essay length: 1,500 words
  • Essays must be about your Cancer experience, original content of the author and in their own voice. 
  • Essays can be in Spanish but they will be translated to English to be judged
  • Not eligible: poems, essays about a pet, or fiction
  • Deadline for entries is February 28th, 2025.
  • Winners will be awarded $1,000. *Note: winners will be asked to fill out an IRS W-9 form.
  • Winners will attend the virtual celebration on May 19, 2025
  • Teens are eligible to win the contest once.