Essay
Minnesota Somali Community Center
2026 Essay Contest
Minnesota Somali Community Center 2026 Graduate Essay Opportunity
Minnesota Somali Community Center is proud to recognize and support Somali high school graduates from the Class of 2026 who are preparing to attend a college or university.
We invite eligible graduates to submit a personal essay that tells their story, celebrates their achievement, and shares their hopes for the future.
Essay Topic:
“My Graduation Journey: What Motivated Me to Finish High School, What I Overcame, and What Comes Next.”
In your essay, please write about your personal journey as a high school graduate. You may include:
• What motivated you to graduate from high school
• The people, family, teachers, faith, culture, or community values that helped you succeed
• Challenges you faced and how you overcame them
• What graduating means to you and your family
• Why you chose the college or university you will attend
• What you plan to study and why
• How you hope to give back to your family, the Somali community, and society in the future
Contest Rules & Guidelines
All 2026 high school graduates or GED recipients are eligible to participate by submitting one entry.
Essays may be from three to five pages long.
This opportunity is open ONLY to 2026 high school graduates or GED recipients who are scheduled to attend a college or university this fall.
The essay must be written in your own words and based on your own personal experience.
The use of artificial Intelligence, including ChatGPT or other AI writing tools, is not allowed. We want to hear your real voice, your real story, and your real dreams.
Each graduate must submit the following:
- Full name, address, email, and phone number
- Your 2026 graduation picture (1)
- A copy of your high school diploma (1)
- A college or university acceptance letter
- A completed 3 to 5 page essay
Entry Deadline: July 31, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Your essay can be emailed to: [email protected]
Minnesota Somali Community Center believes our graduates are the future of our community. Your story matters. Your education matters. Your success inspires younger students who are watching your journey and parents who are working hard to give you the tools you need to be successful in life.
Winners will be announced and checks distributed on August 10th 2026.
Winners will also be recognized at our annual Samafal Gala in October 2026.
The winners will receive a cheque to help support their education journey and related expenses.
Awards
First prize $1000.00
Second prize $750.00
Third prize $500.00
We look forward to reading about your life’s journey and your hopes and dreams!