North Dakota Small Organized Schools

Colleagues,

NDSOS members may want to take a look at this opportunity through the National Rural Education Association.

The 2026 NREA Writing Contest provides a simple way to engage students while highlighting the strengths and challenges of rural communities.

Theme: Ready, Set, Rural: Creating Opportunities Everywhere

Student Categories:

• Elementary (K–4): Written response to a rural-themed picture book

• Middle School (5–8): Essay responding to a rural-focused article

• High School (9–12): Video storytelling on rural life and opportunity

Key Details:

• Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026

• Submission Method: Email to nreafoundation@gmail.com

• Awards: $100–$500 for student winners (sponsored by Edmentum), plus national recognition and publication

• Recognition Event: National Forum to Advance Rural Education (San Antonio, October 19–21)

This is a practical way to:

• Give students a voice on rural issues

• Connect classroom work to real-world advocacy

• Showcase the strengths of our communities on a national stage

If you’re looking for a late spring project, this one is turnkey and aligned with what we’re all trying to communicate about rural education.

Full contest details and rubric are available here:  https://nrea.net/2026-nrea-writing-contest/

Steve