Academics

Paterno Fellows essay contest open to all undergraduate students

Eighth annual 'Collegiate Laws of Life' essay contest submissions due by Jan. 21, 2021

William McCarter, the first-place winner of last year’s Collegiate Laws of Life essay contest, read his essay at the Paterno Fellows Recognition Ceremony on Feb. 12, 2020. Credit: Anna King. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Any Penn State undergraduate student interested in exploring and writing about ethical values and intercultural issues is encouraged to submit an essay for the eighth annual Collegiate Laws of Life Essay Contest, sponsored by the Paterno Fellows Program and the College of the Liberal Arts.

The contest is open to all full-time undergraduate students who are enrolled at any Penn State campus for the fall 2020 or spring 2021 semesters. Essays should be no longer than 800 words and will be judged on originality, relevance and creativity.

Students interested in participating must each submit an essay answering the following question by Jan. 21, 2021: "What is the purpose of a university?"

Winners will receive $500 for first place, $400 for second place, and $300 for third place. Winning essays will be published on the Paterno Fellows Program’s news website.

If you have any questions, please email PaternoFellows@psu.edu.

Last Updated December 2, 2020

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