The Berkeley Economic Review High School Essay Contest invites high school students to explore economic topics through essay writing. For Spring 2026, contestants choose one of two prompts: (1) the economics of artificial intelligence, examining how AI adoption reshapes labor demand across skill levels and affects wage inequality, with a proposed policy response; or (2) education and the rising cost of college as a contributor to income inequality. Essays must be supported by evidence from credible sources and include a works cited page. Use of AI writing tools is not permitted. Winning essays will be published in the Berkeley Economic Review magazine, Equilibrium, and featured on the organization's website and social media.
Checked on November 3, 2026 against the official contest page and its linked Spring 2026 submission form. The page still describes Spring 2026, with a March 14, 2026 deadline at 11:59 PM PST (the organizer's timezone wording). The form is no longer accepting responses. No later-cycle announcement was found on these checked sources.