Pasadena Media Foundation, in collaboration with the Formative Youth Journalism Initiative (FYJI), today announced their “Sí Se Puede” Annual Youth Essay Contest, a competition designed for local middle school students. The initiative fosters critical writing skills in the greater Pasadena community. The contest draws inspiration from Dolores Huerta’s powerful phrase “Sí Se Puede,” reflecting a commitment to encouraging students to articulate their experiences and perspectives.
“We are excited to be part of the relaunch of the ‘Sí Se Puede’ Essay Competition,” said Sheryl Turner, President and Founder of the Pasadena Media Foundation, emphasizing the importance of the competition in preserving the legacy of labor leader César Chávez. “It is important to recognize the historic non-violent leadership of César Chávez and to have middle school students submit researched essays about Chávez to ensure his labor and civil rights legacy continues.”
Once a staple in local schools, the essay competition is being revitalized to enhance students’ research, writing, and critical thinking skills. The competition invites submissions in both English and Spanish at no cost.
The deadline for entries is April 30, 2025. The Pasadena Media Foundation will award contest winners prizes of $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place. An awards ceremony will be held in June 2025.
The contest is open to all middle school students in grades 6-8 residing within the Pasadena Community College District attendance zone, as well as those living in ZIP Codes 90032 (Los Angeles/El Sereno), 90041 (Los Angeles/Eagle Rock), 90042 (Los Angeles/Highland Park), 91775 (San Gabriel), 91776 (San Gabriel), 91801 (Alhambra), and 91803 (Alhambra).
Nathan Wang, Executive Director of FYJI, expressed his enthusiasm for the contest’s revival.
“Historian Roberta Martínez brought to our attention the almost-forgotten ‘Sí Se Puede‘ essay contest that had once existed in Pasadena,” he stated. “FYJI provides opportunities for self-expression in writing, and restarting this essay competition felt incredibly aligned with that theme. We often work with marginalized students, and the Eaton Fire has further marginalized many. Working around this idea of resilience and perseverance was crucial for me as we re-envisioned the contest.”
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of bilingual independent historians and literary scholars, and winners will be announced in late May 2025.
For more information about the “Sí Se Puede” Annual Youth Essay Contest, including submission guidelines and resources, please visit Formative Youth Journalism Initiative’s website or Pasadena Media Foundation’s Website.
