STAMFORD, Conn. - Sept. 27, 2021 - PRLog -- Girls With Impact and the BIC Corporate Foundation today announced the winners of the 2021 Creative Writing Contest for youth ages 12-21.
The contest asked participants to explore questions such as what creativity means to them; how their own creative expression supported personal development and education; and what advice they would give to teachers, educators, and policy makers in order to accelerate the development of creative skills in youth.
The winning submissions explored this intersection of creativity and social impact and drew from a range of personal experiences and thoughtful expression.
"Once again, the message we're hearing from the next generation is all about impact," said Jennifer Openshaw, CEO of Girls With Impact. "The ideas and innovation they're developing speaks to the desire for social change."
The $1,000 first place award went to Lara Cakir, 15, of Edison, N.J. who wrote about creating a slime business to help kids with sensory problems. Upon hearing the news, the John P. Stevens High School student said "Being a winner means a lot to me but knowing that I can have an impact means the world! I am exhilarated and thankful for the opportunity."
Serenity LaChance, 17, of East Hampton, Conn., and a student at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, received the $500 second place award for her essay on using creativity to express yourself and heal. "For me, the idea of creativity being medicine is grounding beyond belief. As we're all healing from the recent pandemic, this essay has been a reminder to myself, and hopefully others, that we have everything we need inside of us to find joy," she said.
The $250 third place award went to Rika Nishikawa, 14, of Chicago, Ill., and a homeschooled student, for her essay on increasing access to books to improve literacy. "I couldn't imagine my life without books," Nishikawa said. "I wanted to come up with a solution so that everyone could experience the same level of joy I get from reading."
"Congratulations to all the winners! We are inspired by your creative writing, entrepreneurial skills and your drive to create positive impact in society," said Alison James, Executive Director of the BIC Corporate Foundation. "The Foundation is proud to partner with Girls With Impact on this essay contest because it clearly shows the important role of creativity in helping improve the lives of underserved communities, which is part of our mission."
Girls With Impact runs the nation's only live, online business and leadership academy for young women, which equips them to turn their passion into impact. All winners will also be awarded a seat in Girls With Impact's 10-week business and leadership program. To learn more about the academy, or to register, visit https://www.girlswithimpact.org/
About The BIC Corporate Foundation
The BIC Corporate Foundation's mission is to drive access to quality education for all, focusing on the development of creative skills among children and youth from underserved communities. At the Foundation, we believe in the power of creativity as the driver of change. We believe in fostering creativity in all its forms. Thanks to its actions, the Foundation has impacted on over 100,000 lives all around the world. More information is available at https://us.bic.com/en_us/bic-corporate-foundation
About Girls With Impact
Girls With Impact is the nation's only live, online business and leadership program for young women. The innovative program, featured in The New York Times, is designed to train the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It has served young women in all 50 states and in 11 countries. More information is available at https://www.girlswithimpact.org.
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