Annual Essay Contest

Legacy Program Youth Initiative

Since 2017, Safed House has proudly hosted its Annual Essay Contest—our flagship youth program designed to amplify the voices of high school students who have personally migrated to the United States. This legacy initiative reflects our deep commitment to honoring the human-interest stories of refugees and recent immigrants, offering a secure and empathetic platform for self-expression.

Through the Safed House Essay Contest, we help young people find a sense of belonging, celebrate their resilience, and support their educational journey. Each year, we invite high school students to share their lived experiences in a 500-word essay that speaks to identity, transition, and hope.

Eligibility:
Open to any high school student who has migrated to the U.S. during their lifetime.

Essay Guidelines:

• Maximum word count: 500 words
• Essays should center on personal migration stories and reflections

Awards:

🥇 First Prize: 

• Monetary Award $500 
• Featured Testimonial Interview
  Winners will participate in a one-on-one interview with the founder of Safed House. These video testimonials offer a powerful platform for each individual to share their authentic voice and personal journey of diaspora—reflecting on the experience of leaving their homeland and forging a new path. Through these interviews, winners connect with a global audience, offering insight, empathy, and inspiration.
  We are proud to have been producing these videos as part of our ongoing commitment to amplifying refugee and immigrant voices since 2017

🥈 Second Prize:

• $250 + featured testimonial interview on our website

Annual Ceremony:

Held each October or November, our celebration includes the screening of winner interviews and the formal presentation of awards. It’s a powerful moment of recognition, storytelling, and community.