Articles

NOTE: The 2006 essay contest deadline has passed and the winners will soon be announced.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 37% of Hispanics do not finish high school, compared to the national average of 15%. In fact, overall statistics show that Hispanic students do not perform as well as non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans, or Asians. They have higher dropout rates, lower scores and fewer college graduates, leading to less involvement in community affairs. However, there are many young Latinos who are exemplary in their leadership and dedication to both their own educational success and the empowerment of their communities. These facts have charged Allstate to support initiatives that empower the Hispanic community, specifically the Líderes de Hoy essay contest.

The Líderes de Hoy essay contest is an Allstate and National Council of La Raza (NCLR) initiative to recognize and celebrate the work of Hispanic youth leaders making a difference in their communities.

Essay Topic: The Líderes de Hoy essay contest provides an opportunity for young Hispanic leaders to share their perspective on what it means to be a leader in their community. Essays answer the question:


As a young leader, how have you been a catalyst for positive change and contributed to inspiring your community?
Essays should also include examples of individual leadership work or work with a community organization or group and how the applicant plans to continue to be involved in community and civic affairs in the future. Supplemental materials including, but not limited to media clips, photos, videos, etc., will also be accepted.

How to Participate
Students of Hispanic descent currently enrolled in high school or college as a full-time undergraduate student (with a minimum GPA of 2.0) can participate in the Líderes de Hoy essay contest by submitting two copies of a typed essay via mail to: Líderes de Hoy Essay Contest, Attn: John Heiderscheidt, 2775 Sanders Road, Suite F3, Northbrook, IL 60065. All essays must be accompanied by an official transcript and two copies each of the application form, release form and a letter of recommendation from a community leader or mentor in a sealed envelope. Application and release forms can be obtained online at Application Form, Release Form, and a Letter of Recommendation from a community leader or mentor in a sealed envelope.

Selection Process Essays will be judged on the basis of the entrant’s commitment to his of her community, exemplary leadership individually or within a group and promise of continued involvement in community and civic affairs. Ten winners will be selected by an independent panel of judges. All winners will be notified by mail by Friday, August 25, 2006. The decisions of the judges are final.

Prizes There will be six high school and six college winners. For each category, one grand prize winner will receive a one-time payment of $10,000. The other five winners in each category will receive a one-time payment of $5,000. Winners will receive a scholarship from Allstate for education expenses and will be invited to participate in the Líderes de Hoy awards ceremony in Washington, DC as a part of the commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations will be provided for each finalist and one guardian/guest. .

Deadline All submissions must be received no later than 5pm on Friday, July 28, 2006. Recommended postmark date: Monday, July 24, 2006. The Líderes de Hoy essay contest is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, stolen, or misdirected mail. Allstate encourages all youth to strive for academic excellence and become involved in their community. Through our partnership with NCLR, we are providing Hispanic youth with access to the resources and training needed to become the next generation of Hispanic leaders.