Mightier Than the Sword: Student Op-Ed Contest
As part of an ongoing effort to engage Furman students and the broader community alike around critical issues, the Riley Institute presents its Mightier than the Sword: Student Op-Ed Contest. Each year, the author of the winning submission will receive a $1,000 prize and have their piece published by the Greenville Journal.
Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate Furman students
Length: 600 – 750 words
Submission deadline: The submission period will open in the spring of 2023.
Top award: $1,000 prize and op-ed published in the Greenville Journal
Questions? Email rileyinstitute@furman.edu.
Judging Criteria
Members of the Riley Institute staff, Furman faculty, and a local journalist will review submissions and select the winner based on the judging criteria posted below. The winning entry:
- Makes a clear, actionable statement related to the given prompt
- Offers compelling support for the thesis while acknowledging opposing arguments
- Reflects an understanding of the science of climate change
- Demonstrates awareness of local approaches and/or advocacy efforts underway
- Is written in language accessible to the general public with an appropriate tone
- Connects to current events and/or is relevant to the present moment
- Engages the reader
Recommended resource
For more information around best practices for op-ed writing, read this guide provided by Duke University.