Submissions Open - Monday 28 August 2023

Writing Submissions Due - 11:59 pm on Wednesday 27 September 2023

Winners Announced - Tuesday 3 October 2023

Here are some questions to help guide your personal essay:
How do you want to help?

Who do you want to help?

Where do you want to help?

What is your personal connection to the issue?

Examples:
You want to become a lawyer to advocate for mental healthcare for low-income families in the United States, because you experienced debilitating anorexia and had an expensive life-saving intervention that would not have been possible without your family’s extensive resources. (Read Sophie’s story here)

An early battle with clinical depression instilled within you a powerful sense of empathy that has propelled you to find solutions for others struggling. You want to find innovative solutions that use education to help youth struggling with mental illness in the United States. (Read Sarah’s story here)

You first studied nursing because your life was changed because of your parents’ access to quality health insurance. Now, you want to find ways to improve the healthcare system to help deserving individuals across the global community receive access to those same health services. (Read Harper’s story here)

Once the six finalists are chosen, the top three winners are selected based on:
1) a final score from a review board of judges.

The review board’s grade will be worth 100% of your final score, based on the following criteria:

Through Line - Include a central theme that permeates the entire story from beginning to end.

Succinct Messaging - Keep it short but cover what you need to. Final drafts MUST be less than 500 words.

Show Don’t Tell - Bring the reader into the experience by sharing stories, illustrative words, and examples.

Emotions, Enthusiasm, & Vulnerability - Use writing strategies that enhance a reader's connection to the story.

Impact - Help us understand the positive impact your idea will have on the world.

Who can participate?
This contest is open to all currently enrolled BYU students who are 18 years or older.

Where do I submit my idea?
Submit via this link: https://byu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4bQWTxYrOBBgKW

When is the deadline to submit?
The deadline to submit your short story is Wednesday 27 September at 11:59 PM.

How is my story used?
Finalists' stories will be published on this Changemaker website. Stories may also be used in the future for Ballard Center articles, social media posts, newsletters, student highlights, and more.

Why should I submit a Changemaker story?
By submitting just 500 words, each student has the opportunity to earn between $500 and $1500. Additionally, the Ballard Center is full of resources to help students make a big impact. By sharing your idea with us, we can help you make your dreams of becoming a Changemaker a reality.

I’m not sure if my idea is big/innovative enough. Should I still submit it?
Absolutely! Here at the Ballard Center, we know that ideas don’t have to be big and flashy to make a real impact. Your story is unique to you, and we want to hear whatever passion to make a difference has come from that.

I have a vague idea but need help solidifying it. Can I receive any help or coaching?
The Ballard Center offers free advisement to all students. Schedule an appointment at https://marriott.byu.edu/ballard/students/schedule-advisement/ or feel free to stop by TNRB 360 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. any weekday to talk with someone about your ideas to make a difference!

Does my story have to be exactly 500 words long?
No. Less than 500 words is acceptable, but stories with more than 500 words will not be accepted.

Can I submit my essay late?
No, the submission date is firm.

• Participation is open only to currently enrolled BYU students (undergraduate and graduate)

• Each participant will be added to the Ballard Center Newsletter

• Submission cannot extend 500 words

• One entry allowed per student

• Participants must be 18 years and older

• Essay must be submitted by Wednesday 11 October 2023, at 11:59 pm

• Submission must be original work

By submitting your idea, if it is chosen to be published, you give the BYU Ballard Social Impact Center the rights to display your essay on the Ballard Center website and social media platforms. In addition, the Ballard Center may use the project title and the author’s name and personal image as part of the Ballard Center’s future promotional efforts.

You acknowledge that your submission must be your original work and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity, or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. The Ballard Center may, in its sole discretion, disqualify submissions for privacy or intellectual property infringements. The Ballard Center reserves the right to use or not use submissions.

You assume all risk of participation and acknowledge and agree that neither BYU nor the Ballard Center shall be liable for any damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind or nature resulting from participation in this competition.

The Ballard Center reserves the right to interpret these official rules and administer the competition as appropriate and its decisions are final. This agreement will supersede any and all other agreements, oral or written, or any other understanding. scription