Pivotal Essay Contest

Country Day student Saheb Gulati ‘25 has created and launched the Pivotal Essay Contestt for high school students to engage with the world’s most pressing problems. This remarkable initiative, in partnership with Oxford University's Global Priorities Institute, is offering $25,000 for the best essays on critical global issues and ways to impact humanity’s long-term future. It has already garnered over 10,000 registrations from students worldwide and is open to entries until October 10.

This contest encourages young minds to think critically and creatively about the world's most significant issues, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility in shaping a better future for all. We are immensely proud to see Country Day values aligned and associated with this inspiring venture, which underscores the increasing youth interest in shaping humanity's long-term future.

Saheb shares, “We live at a pivotal moment in history. And as young people, we have valuable insights on global issues — not in spite of our age, but because of it. Now, more than ever, engaging with these issues is crucial."

Many high school students look for ways to excel outside of the classroom. The Pivotal Essay Contest is for these students to engage with new ideas, think originally and explore deeply — getting them closer to changing the world in the process. Learn more and share this incredible opportunity with your communities.