The Be Kind People Project invites students to tell the world to make a difference!

Students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade across America are invited to enter The Be Kind Make a Difference national essay contest sponsored by the Be Kind People Project. The nonprofit The Be Kind People Project aims to deliver relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, health living, and initiate a positive change in the learning environment for students wherever and however they learn.

Students are prompted to share, based on their real-life experiences, “This is how I can use the skills of The Be Kind Pledge in my community.” While not required, additional questions and examples to inspire submissions include:

  How can I apply the skills of The Be Kind Pledge in my relationships with others at school, at home, in the community, and online?

  Even when the world isn’t kind, how can I show resilience and initiate positive change?

  How can my small, immediate acts of kindness make a long-term impact on those around me?

Each entry should be student-written and guided by grade-appropriate academic standards. The original writing should answer the question, “How can I make a difference?”, and be based on real actions of kindness relating to the student’s own life and The Be Kind Pledge.

For grades K-2: A one-page picture or picture series accompanied by nicely hand-written sentences (recommended 1-5).

For grades 3-8: A written essay, maximum one page with approximately two-to-three paragraphs, typed double-spaced or printed legibly.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in any option based on their abilities and parent or teacher discretion.

The following formula should be used to label each essay submission: Grade Group_Last Name_School. Example: K-2_Smith_Jefferson Elementary, 3-5_Jones_Northwest Elementary, or 6-8_Brown_Roosevelt Middle School. The essay must include the student’s name and grade level. Please ensure this information is listed on the essay and not just on the submission form. All entries must be uploaded by the student’s teacher, parent, or guardian and received by Fri., March 31. Submit entries at info.thebekindpeopleproject.org/essay23 or mail entries to 10869 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 103-254, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

Winning students receive BE KIND Swag and a certificate. Teachers of winning students receive classroom materials and free access to online classroom resources. A grand prize will also be announced March 1. Winners will be notified April 14, with the winners publicly announced May 5.