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Secondary School Essay Contest

HISTORIC BOULDER INC

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Funding Amount

$300 (first place), $200 (second place), $100 (third place)

Deadline

December 31, 2026

266 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Secondary School Essay Contest

Funder: Historic Boulder Inc (Boulder, CO)

Geographic Scope: Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) students

Purpose: To showcase the writing, creative and research skills of secondary school students in Boulder Valley Schools using essay themes drawn from Boulder history. Students are encouraged to discover how exploring Boulder's past can deepen understanding of the present and help plan for the future.

Focus Areas: Boulder County history, architecture, and historic preservation

Eligibility:

  • Secondary school students in Boulder Valley Schools

  • Students must choose a non-landmarked building (house, commercial, spiritual, or agricultural structure)

  • Buildings already landmarked at National, State, or Local level are not eligible

  • Essay must explain why the chosen building is important and why it should be protected

    • Awards:

  • First Place: $300

  • Second Place: $200

  • Third Place: $100

    • Contact Information:

  • Historic Boulder Inc

  • 1200 Pearl St #314, Boulder, CO 80302

  • 885 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80302

  • Email: staff@historicboulder.org

  • Phone: 303-444-5192

  • Website: historicboulder.org

    • How to Apply

    Application Requirements

    Essay Guidelines:
    1. Select a non-landmarked building in Boulder County (house, commercial, spiritual, or agricultural structure)
    2. Research and include the following information:
    - Address of the building
    - Architectural style
    - Year built
    - Other interesting historical facts
    3. Write an essay explaining:
    - Why the building is important to you personally
    - Why it should be protected/preserved
    4. Attach a photo or drawing of your selected building as part of the submission

    Submission Materials:

  • Completed essay

  • Photo or drawing of the building

  • Student name and school

  • Teacher name (if applicable)

    • Theme Examples (past contests):

  • 2022: "A Sense of Place" - Boulder County buildings that generate a feeling of place or "home"

  • Essays are evaluated on writing quality, research, creativity, and persuasiveness

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationk-12-schoolshistory

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