4-H Cash Composition Contest 2025
In support of Financial Literacy Month (April), Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H are sponsoring the Cash Composition Contest. Youth residing in Michigan, aged 9-19 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025, are encouraged to answer this year’s Essay Question (see below) with an essay of 300 words or less. We will have 2 age brackets for the contest: 9-13 and 14-19. The top 3 scoring essays in each age bracket will win a $100 gift card.
2025 Essay Question:Credit is borrowing money to obtain goods or services based on the trust that it will be paid back. Credit can be considered good and bad. How can borrowing money (or using credit such as taking a loan or having a credit card) end up being a good decision and when might it not? How and when will you decide if it is a good choice for you to borrow money? What are some tips you would give someone who needs to borrow money?
Essays are scored on:
- Quality of Writing
- Organization and Information
- Grammar and Mechanics
Timeline:
Feb. 28, 2025: Essay Submission due by 11:59 p.m. ET
April 1, 2025: Winners Announced
Who Should Enter:
Any youth 9-19 years old (as of Jan 1, 2025) residing in the state of Michigan. Open to both 4-H and non 4-H members. For more information on joining 4-H, check out the Michigan 4-H website.
To Enter:
For youth under 18, you must have parent or guardian permission to apply and participate.
- The application form must be completed by a parent or guardian, unless youth is 18 years old or older.
- Youth must write an essay (300 words or less) on the assigned topic above.
- Essay response will be typed or pasted into the application form on registration page. It is recommended that youth write their essay in Word or a Google doc prior to completing the registration/submission form.
- The essay must be the work of the youth submitting the essay.
Sponsor;
Thank you to Extra Credit Union for generously sponsoring this year's contest!
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Registration for 4-H Cash Composition Contest 2025 is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 28, 2025.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.