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Student political opinion
The Public Forum
Student voices on politics, policy, and the world — from high school through graduate school
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A platform for the next generation of political thinkers

The Public Forum publishes opinion pieces from high school, college, and graduate students across all political perspectives. We believe the best political writing comes from people with the most at stake.

© 2026 The Public Forum · student political opinion
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About The Public Forum

The Public Forum is an independent student publication dedicated to amplifying the political voices of the next generation. We publish opinion pieces from high school, college, and graduate students across the United States — and across the political spectrum. We believe that students have some of the most urgent, thoughtful, and underrepresented perspectives in public life. This is their platform.
Our team
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Submit an opinion piece
We welcome submissions from high school, college, and graduate students on any political topic. All perspectives are considered.

Before you submit

  • Pieces should be 400–1,200 words
  • Original work only — not published elsewhere
  • Arguments must be supported by evidence or reasoning
  • We publish across the political spectrum; we do not edit for viewpoint
  • Expect a response within 2 weeks
About you
Your piece
Good headlines make a claim or ask a question.
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Topic
By submitting, you confirm this is your original work and you are currently enrolled as a student.
Summer 2026

The Public Forum
Summer Essay Contest

Write about what matters. Reach readers beyond the classroom. The Public Forum Summer Essay Contest invites high school, college, and graduate students to submit a 500–1,500 word op-ed on the questions shaping our generation.

Submit your essay
The Public Forum is a nonpartisan student publication dedicated to thoughtful long-form discussion and public discourse.
Now open
Submissions open
Submit via Google Form
Deadline
July 30, 2026
Final day to submit
Decisions
By August 15, 2026
All submitters notified
About the contest

The Public Forum Summer Essay Contest is designed to encourage thoughtful student writing and discussion surrounding politics, media, technology, education, culture, and public discourse. The contest aims to give younger writers a space to explore important issues and contribute to broader conversations through long-form opinion writing.

All political perspectives are welcome — what matters is that arguments are made thoughtfully, in good faith, and with respect for the reader. Top submissions will be published on The Public Forum and featured on the homepage. Selected finalists and honorable mentions may also be published.

Essay prompts

Choose one of the following prompts, or pitch your own angle on a related theme:

"What issue does society misunderstand about younger generations?"
"What does political engagement look like in the digital age?"
"What institution has most failed younger generations?"
"How is technology changing the way we think?"
"What issue deserves more public attention?"
Requirements & eligibility
Submission requirements
  • 500–1,500 words
  • Argumentative or op-ed style
  • Original, unpublished work only (disclose prior publication if applicable)
  • Respectful, good-faith discussion required
  • AI-generated submissions are not permitted
Who can apply
  • Current high school students
  • Current college or undergraduate students
  • Current graduate or professional students
  • International submissions welcome
How to submit
  • Submit via the Google Form below
  • Paste essay text or include a Google Doc link
  • Include a title, your name, and your school
  • Optional: short author bio (1–2 sentences)
What we look for
  • A clear, defensible argument
  • Evidence or reasoning that supports your claim
  • Writing that's accessible to a general audience
  • A perspective that adds something new to the conversation
What winners receive

Top submissions will be published on The Public Forum

  • Publication on The Public Forum website
  • Featured placement on the homepage
  • Promotion across The Public Forum's social media channels
  • Potential future contributor opportunities with the publication
  • Selected finalists and honorable mentions may also be published
Why participate?
✍️
Publish your ideas publicly
Get your writing in front of real readers, not just a classroom.
🌐
Reach beyond the classroom
Your argument can reach students, educators, and readers across the country.
🗣️
Contribute to youth discourse
Add your voice to the public conversations that matter most right now.
📁
Build your writing portfolio
A published byline is a meaningful credential for college, grad school, or a career in writing.
🤝
Connect with other writers
Join a community of student thinkers who take ideas seriously.
📣
All perspectives welcome
We publish across the political spectrum. What matters is how you argue, not where you land.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit more than one essay?
Yes. You may submit multiple essays, but each must be submitted separately via the form.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The contest is open to all current students regardless of country or institution.
Can I submit a previously published piece?
Yes, as long as you disclose where it was previously published in your submission. Original, unpublished work is preferred.
Will all submissions receive a response?
Yes. Every submitter will receive a response by August 15, 2026, regardless of the decision.
When will winners be announced?
All decisions will be communicated by August 15, 2026. Published pieces will go live on a rolling basis.
Does my essay have to be about U.S. politics?
No. The prompts are broad — essays on international politics, technology, education, culture, or public discourse are all welcome.

Ready to write? Submissions are open now through July 30.

Submit your essay
Deadline: July 30, 2026 · Decisions by August 15, 2026

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