The Eurasian Essay Prize - Opening soon

Essay competition for young post-Soviet students.

We are launching an essay contest for high school and undergraduate students with roots in the post-Soviet region.

What "Eurasian" means

Post-Soviet, not ideological.

For the Society, Eurasian refers to people with roots in the post-Soviet region. A person born in the Soviet Union or any post-Soviet republic would be considered Eurasian.

It does not mean every European or Asian connection, and it does not have anything to do with Eurasianism or neo-Eurasianism.

Post-Soviet roots
Diaspora generations
Independent writing

Purpose

A platform to write, publish, compete, and exchange ideas.

01

Provide a platform for young post-Soviet individuals to write, publish, compete, and exchange ideas.

02

Foster youth-led intellectual debate about Eurasian history, politics, and culture.

03

Build a platform for future Eurasian leaders.

Target audience / eligibility

High school and undergraduate students.

Final eligibility rules will be published before registration opens.

High school and undergraduate students
Young immigrants from Eurasian/post-Soviet states
Diaspora generations
Young post-Soviet citizens who want to or already study abroad

Languages

Competition languages.

The competition languages are planned as a practical list for the first prize cycle. More may be added as the Society builds review capacity.

Planned language list

RussianUkrainianUzbekBelarusianKazakhTatarBashkirChechenEnglish

The final list will be confirmed before registration opens.

Competition details

Four sections and several questions.

The competition will be based on four sections - law, economics, politics, and history - and feature several questions. Applicants can pursue one question per section for as many sections as they wish.

Law

Essay questions in law.

Economics

Essay questions in economics.

Politics

Essay questions in politics.

History

Essay questions in history.

Prize structure

Scholarships for the top essays.

Notable work outside the top prizes may receive certificates of commendation.

Best overall essay

$2,000

college scholarship

First place in each category

$1,000

college scholarship

Second place in each category

$500

college scholarship

Third place in each category

$250

college scholarship

Launch work

From pre-announcement to publication.

Specific public dates will be announced once registration and submission infrastructure is finalized.

Phase I

Pre-announcement

Introduce the prize and gather early interest.

Phase II

Fundraising and supporters

Continue donor outreach and supporter engagement.

Phase III

Advertisement and sponsorships

Reach students through schools, teachers, media, and partners.

Phase IV

Registration, submissions, judging

Open the competition, review essays, announce winners, and publish selected work.

Support

A $25,000 matching campaign to launch the first prize cycle.

Eurasia's future will be shaped by the students of today. Essay contests give students a voice, help them stand out, and directly support college admissions and career opportunities.

Eurasian Literary Society is fiscally sponsored by The Hack Foundation (d.b.a. Hack Club), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 81-2908499), through HCB. Donations made through our fiscal sponsor may be tax-deductible in the United States to the extent permitted by law. Project finances are transparent, and donations can be matched dollar for dollar up to a total of $25,000.

Inquire about supporting the Society

News

Follow the launch of the Eurasian Essay Prize.

Join the mailing list for announcements on registration, essay questions, languages, judges, deadlines, and publication.

Announcements on registration, essay questions, languages, judges, deadlines, and publication.

Contact

Supporters, educators, media partners, and prospective judges.

The Society is preparing its first prize cycle and welcomes inquiries from donors, teachers, schools, diaspora organizations, publications, and prospective advisors.

contact@eurasianliterary.org

eurasianliterary.org