Enter the Challenge
Submit your written essay and a 4-minute maximum video presentation.
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Thank you for entering the Next Gen Life Essay Challenge. Your entry is being processed.
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Challenge Gallery
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Official Information
Event Dates
Entry deadline is May 18, 2026. Gallery Viewing and voting page will go live on May 22, 2026. The Online Gallery viewing and voting will end on June 12, and participants will be notified on June 15.
Finalists read essays excerpts LIVE at Gather For Life, June 20th.
Eligibility & Format
- Ages: 12–17
- Format: Essay required (300 to 500 words) + Video presentation (max 4 minutes).
Submission Guidelines
Content Requirements
- Must be appropriate for all audiences.
- The final essay must be the student’s own work, representing their voice, original thoughts, and unique perspective.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI may not be used to write the entire essay or substantial portions of it.
- If AI is used in a significant way (beyond basic spelling/grammar), it must be disclosed as an author's note or methodology section, detailing the prompts and specific AI tools used.
- AI may be used in the following ways, with proper disclosure:
- To generate ideas or find different angles.
- To help organize ideas into a logical structure.
- For grammar and mechanics editing.
Review & Approval
- All submissions are reviewed before being published.
- Approved entries will appear in the public gallery.
- The Next STEPP Center reserves the right to decline submissions that do not align with event values.
Voting & Participant Promotion
Voting is based on video or excerpt display. Everyone gets one free vote with email, and unlimited votes, counted at $1 per vote, with donations in support of the ministries of The Next STEPP Center. Each participant will be supplied with his or her own page to receive paid votes, with a link provided in the Gallery. Top three vote getters, plus up to two Judges' choices, will receive cash scholarships and be invited to read excerpts of their essays at the live Gather For Life Worship Gathering on June 20th at First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, FL.
Participant Promotion
Contestants are encouraged to:
- Share their voting page.
- Invite friends and family to vote.
- Promote their fundraising link through social media, church social media, everywhere!
Rights & Permissions
By submitting:
- You grant The Next STEPP Center permission to display your video and use it for promotional purposes.
- You confirm you have rights to all content submitted.
For more information, please visit our website.