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Write on the Money

Annual Student Writing Contest

Are you a Mid-State student who enjoys writing or has a strong example of a research paper or essay that you’ve already written? Submit your writing to compete for a $100 gift card and a chance to showcase your work! 

This contest provides two categories for submission (Research Paper and Essay). Students can compete in one or both—the winner of each category will receive a $100 gift card from the location of their choice, donated by the Student Leadership Board. 

Students are encouraged to submit existing writing that qualifies and adheres to the submission categories and guidelines, or write a new paper or essay just for the contest. 

Qualifications for Entry

  • You must be currently enrolled as a student at Mid-State Technical College for the spring 2025 semester.
  • You may enter one paper per category.
  • Your paper must be original, unpublished nonfiction (no fiction or poetry).

Submission Categories

  • Research Paper: On any topic. Up to 2,500 words, double spaced, in APA style.
  • Essay: A descriptive, definition, narrative, personal, persuasive, opinion, comparison, classification/division, process analysis, or cause and effect essay. Up to 2,000 words, double spaced, in APA style.

How to Enter

For instructions on how to submit your work, email your name and student ID # to Communication Instructor Jill Quinn. 

Contest Timeline

  • Friday, February 28, 11:59 p.m. – Deadline for submission.
  • Friday, April 11, 4:00 p.m. – Contest winners notified.

Judges

B.J. Hollars 
B.J. Hollars is the author of several books, most recently Wisconsin for Kennedy: The Primary That Launched a President and Changed The Course of History, Year of Plenty: A Family's Season of Grief, and Go West Young Man: A Father and Son Rediscover America on the Oregon Trail. He and his film partner, Steve Dayton, have also completed a documentary When Rubber Hit The Road. Hollars is the recipient of the Truman Capote Prize for Literary Nonfiction, the Anne B. and James B. McMillan Prize, the Council of Wisconsin Writers' Blei-Derleth Award, the Society of Midland Authors Award, and received a 2022 silver medal from the Midwest Book Awards. His work has been featured on C-SPAN, Lit Hub, Washington Post, Star-Tribune, The Millions, and Wisconsin Life. He is the founder and executive director of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild and the Midwest Artist Academy, as well as a professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a columnist for The Leader-Telegram. He lives a simple existence with his family.  

Jill Stukenberg 
Jill Stukenberg is an author of short stories and recently the novel News of the Air. She has taught composition and creative writing for over twenty years, including at UW-Marathon County and now at UW-Stevens Point. She’s a member of the Central Wisconsin Book Festival committee and co-editor of the literary magazine Midwest Review. More information about Jill’s work can be found at https://jillstukenberg.com.

Judging Criteria

  • Research category – Originality of ideas, clear expression of ideas, unified and cohesive structure, logically supported thesis, credibility of sources, synthesis of source material, and correct APA format.
  • Essay category – Originality of ideas, clear expression of ideas, unified and cohesive structure, well-supported thesis, and unique voice.

Questions

Please email Communication Instructor Jill Quinn with any questions.