The New York Times Learning Network
Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest
Overview of Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest
The Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest invites students to write public-facing letters to people or groups about issues that matter to them. An open letter is a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual, group or institution but intended for the general public. Students are encouraged to write their own open letter to anyone they choose on any issue they care about, provided it is appropriate and meaningful for a general Times audience. The contest dates are March 12 to April 16, 2025.
📍Location
Online
📅 Application deadlines
- No upcoming deadlines
💸 Costs & Aid
- Free
- All resources and programs offered by The New York Times Learning Network are free.
Eligibility Requirements
📋 General Requirements
The Learning Network provides fresh opportunities daily for teenagers to both learn more about what’s happening in the news and raise their voices in response to it. All resources use content from The New York Times — articles, essays, images, videos, graphics and podcasts — as teaching tools across subject areas.
👥 Age Requirements
Intended audience is middle and high school teachers and students (age 13 and up).
📚 Grade Requirements
Intended audience is middle and high school teachers and students. Content is also used in elementary schools and colleges.
🌍 Eligible Countries
Worldwide
Application Process
Application process varies by contest/challenge. Generally, students submit their work online.
📅 AcademicYear
Duration
Approximately 5 weeks
Program Dates
Mar 12, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
Application Deadlines
- Apr 16, 2025 — Submission Deadline
11:59 p.m. Pacific time