We invite students across academic institutions to share a personal essay reflecting on what they want and need to thrive in the future. Read below to learn more about the topic and submission requirements.
Essay Deadline
November 16, 2026
11:59 PM
Conference Date
February 12, 2027
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location
CGCS, ACC RGC
Building 3000
If Selected
Present on a Panel
$250 stipend
Writing Prompt
Introduction
The Boyer 2030 Commission Report (2022) defines world readiness as "...a vision of undergraduate education that includes and goes beyond the essential goal of near-term workforce readiness to empower students for citizenship, life, and work throughout their lifetimes...that broadens horizons, stimulates curiosity and involves discovery of fields of knowledge, ways of knowing, and perspectives well beyond what most students have encountered..." (pp. 11–12). But the ways in which students translate world readiness into their everyday lives is unique to them.
The Question
What is your definition of world readiness?
We are collectively working to understand the concept of world readiness. There are no wrong answers to this question. You are empowered to define it for yourself.
Here are some ideas on how to approach this question:
- What social, economic, political, and technological circumstances must we consider?
- What are you doing today – both through your formal education and in your everyday life – that's leading you to the person you want to be?
- What does living a good life mean to you?
Requirements
- Choose one or more of the questions above.
- Write an essay of at least 1,200 words.
- Provide examples from your life and references that support your argument(s).
- Include at least two footnotes — one referencing the Boyer 2030 Commission Report and one additional reference.
What to Submit
- Your full name and student email address
- Your essay, uploaded as a Word or Docs document (1,200+ words, 2+ footnotes)
Open to students across academic institutions. Essays are due November 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Selected students present as part of a panel discussion at the conference on February 12, 2027 and receive a $250 stipend.
Submit Your EssayHave Questions?
We're happy to work directly with you on the research and writing process. Reach out to any of us: