The Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge Writing Contest is a statewide essay writing competition administered by the Utah Office of State Treasurer and the Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition. The essay contest will be hosted each semester, coinciding with the fall and spring game sessions (registration for the Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge can be found on www.treasurer.utah.gov/investment-challenge). 

Students will compete against other students in their division (Elementary, Middle/Jr. High, or High School) from across the state. Three winners from each division will be selected by the panel of judges and recognized with a Visa gift card, my 529 gift certificate, and award plaque.

Submissions are due on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. MST for the Spring 2026 Essay Contest.

Rules:

1.    To participate, the student's Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge advisor must submit the student's essays via the online submission form by the published deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

2.    One (1) essay per student will be accepted. All submissions must be the original work of the student. Submissions will undergo plagiarism checks, and any form of plagiarism detected will result in disqualification. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or any form of technology to generate or enhance content is strictly prohibited.

If students refer to external sources, they must properly cite them according to a specified citation style (e.g., MLA, APA).

3. Essays will be judged anonymously. Advisors should ensure that student names and other identifying information are NOT included in the essay submission box.

4. Essays will be judged by a panel of judges according to the attached rubric, indicating comprehension and critical thinking of key investment concepts and the essay prompt.

By checking the box below, I affirm that the work is the student's own and meets the requirements stated above.

Writing Challenge Prompts:

Elementary Division:

Choose a successful investor, company, or investment firm. Describe what they invested in and the smart choices that helped them succeed. Did they start early, stay patient, spread out their investments, or stick to a long-term plan? Additionally, explain one important investing lesson you learned from them and how you could use that lesson in your own financial future.

Middle School & High School Divisions:

Research a successful investor, company, or investment firm. Describe their investment strategy and approach. What habits, decisions, or principles contributed to their long-term success? Analyze what young investors can learn from their approach and explain how you would apply those lessons in your own investing decisions.