JASNA International Essay Contest for Students

JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) conducts an annual student Essay Contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen's work. Several hundred students compete for scholarship awards each year.

Who can participate?

The contest is open to students world-wide in three divisions:

• High School:  students and home-schooled students enrolled at the high school level during the contest year
• College/University:  students enrolled in at least six credit hours of course work at a junior college, college, or university during the contest year
• Graduate School:  students enrolled during the contest year in at least three credit hours of graduate course work at a college or university leading to an advanced degree 

Membership in JASNA is not required to enter the contest.

2024 Contest Topic

The 2024 topic was inspired by the concept of a formal debate in which both sides of a “resolution” are presented. In their essays, students were asked to debate both sides of the following statement:

Resolved: That Jane Austen’s novels are still relevant and speak to us after 200 years .

• High School Students: You may focus on Pride and Prejudice only, or also bring in other Austen works.

• Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Discuss at least two Austen novels of your choice.

Teachers and Mentors

Please help us spread the word about the Essay Contest. Download the 2023 contest flyer to display in your classroom and distribute to interested students.

Submissions

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, June 1, 2024.

Essay Contest Awards

JASNA awards scholarships to winners in each of the three divisions: 

First Place:  $1,000 scholarship and free registration and two nights’ lodging for JASNA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (Transportation to the conference is not provided.)

Second Place:  $500 scholarship

Third Place:  $250 scholarship