Empowering young economists to think critically about the world around them. Join us in exploring economic concepts through insightful analysis and creative thinking.YSU Mahoning Valley High School Economics Essay Contest
About the Contest
The Youngstown State University Mahoning Valley High School Economics Essay Contest is an annual academic competition designed to promote economic literacy and critical thinking skills among high school students in the Mahoning Valley region. Sponsored by the Department of Economics at YSU, this contest encourages students to apply economic principles to real-world issues and develop their analytical writing abilities.
Now in its 15th year, the contest has grown from a modest local competition to a regional event that engages hundreds of students each year. Past winners have gone on to pursue careers in economics, business, public policy, and law, attributing their success in part to the skills and confidence gained through participation in this contest.
Contest Objectives
- Promote economic education and literacy among high school students
- Encourage critical thinking and analytical writing
- Foster a deeper understanding of how economics impacts daily life
- Connect high school students with YSU faculty and resources
- Identify and recognize talented young economists
Who Can Participate
The contest is open to all high school students (grades 9-12) attending public, private, or parochial schools in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties. Students may participate through their school economics or social studies classes or as independent entrants with teacher sponsorship.
Essay Guidelines
- Essays must be 1,000-1,500 words in length
- All essays must be original work of the student
- Essays should demonstrate understanding of economic concepts
- Papers must include proper citations and references
- Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification
Essay Topics
The Gig Economy and Its Economic Impact
Analyze how the rise of gig and platform-based work has affected traditional employment models, worker benefits, and labor market dynamics. Consider both the opportunities and challenges presented by this economic transformation.
Cryptocurrency: Disruption or Revolution?
Explore the economic implications of digital currencies. How might cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology transform traditional financial systems, monetary policy, and international transactions?
Climate Change Economics: The Cost of Inaction
Examine the economic dimensions of climate change. Analyze the costs and benefits of various approaches to environmental policy, considering both economic efficiency and equity concerns.
Inflation and Purchasing Power: A Teen Perspective
Analyze how recent inflation trends have impacted the purchasing power and financial decisions of American teenagers. Consider short-term impacts on everyday expenses and long-term considerations for financial planning.
Contest Prizes
First Place
Cash award plus iPad
Second Place
Cash award plus laptop
Third Place
Cash award plus tablet
Important Dates
Contest officially opens. Topic announcements and submission guidelines available on the website.
Online registration deadline for participating schools and student entrants.
Optional writing workshop at YSU providing guidance on essay structure, economic analysis, and citation methods.
Final submission deadline for all essays (11:59 PM EST).
Semi-finalists announced with notification sent to participating students and their teachers.
Awards ceremony held at YSU. Winners announced and prizes presented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essays should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins. Include a title page with your name, school, grade, and essay title. The essay should include proper citations in APA format.
Yes, as long as the essay is your original work and meets the contest criteria, you may submit an essay that was written for a class assignment.
Essays are evaluated based on: understanding of economic concepts (40%), depth of analysis (30%), quality of writing (20%), and creativity/originality (10%). A panel of YSU economics faculty selects the winners.
While there are no required resources, we encourage students to utilize academic sources, government data, and reliable economic publications. All sources must be properly cited.
We recommend working with your economics or social studies teacher for guidance. YSU also hosts a workshop in November to help students with their essays (see Important Dates for details).
Contact Information
For questions about the contest, please contact:
Dr. Sarah Martinez
Contest Coordinator
Department of Economics
Youngstown State University
1 University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
Email: economics-contest@ysu.edu
Phone: (330) 941-3674
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