Eligibility
- Aged 18–35 on 1 September 2026
- Resident in Liberia
- One application per person
- Valid email for verification
Submissions closed · 28 September 2026
National Space Essay Competition
The submission period has ended. Thank you to every young Liberian who shared ideas on how space science can strengthen education, agriculture, communication, climate resilience and national development.
Competition guide
Clear rules. Anonymous judging. National opportunity.
The application period is now closed. Every completed entry has a private anonymous Entry ID for independent judging.
Essay requirements
- Essays must address the theme and contain 500–800 words.
- Write or paste your original essay in the secure online editor; the portal creates the anonymous PDF automatically.
- AI-assisted plagiarism, copied work and false information may lead to disqualification.
What winners receive
Certificates and the opportunity to present their essays during the World Space Week Liberia 2026 programme, in addition to the cash awards.
Awards
Prizes for Liberia’s strongest space voices
1st Place
USD 100
Winner certificate and programme presentation opportunity.
2nd Place
USD 75
Winner certificate and programme presentation opportunity.
3rd Place
USD 50
Winner certificate and programme presentation opportunity.
Official Competition Sponsor
Secure World Foundation
We gratefully acknowledge Secure World Foundation (SWF) for supporting the SG[Liberia] 2026 National Space Essay Competition and its prize awards.
This sponsor recognition applies specifically to the National Space Essay Competition.
Visit Secure World Foundation ↗
Important dates
Competition schedule
RegistrationClosedNew applicant registration has ended.
SubmissionsClosedDeadline: 28 September at 11:59 PM GMT.
Judging1–6 OctIndependent anonymous review.
Presentation9 OctWinning essay presentations during WSW Liberia.
How it works
Built to protect every applicant
1. Apply securely
Verify your email, complete your personal profile and save your essay draft using a phone or computer.
2. Receive an Entry ID
Final submission generates an ID such as ENTR001. The portal creates the judging PDF using only that anonymous ID.
3. Anonymous review
Assigned judges never receive your name, contact details, institution or any identifying document metadata.
Organizers and sponsor
A national youth space initiative
Organized under SG[Liberia] 2026 with the Liberian Astronomical Society, with Secure World Foundation serving as the official sponsor of the National Space Essay Competition.
Need assistance?
For application or accessibility support, email info@liberianastronomicalsociety.org. Please do not email essay attachments unless an organizer asks you to.
FAQ
Competition information
Are submissions still open?
No. The submission window closed on 28 September 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT. New applications and final submissions are no longer accepted.
Can existing applicants still access the portal?
Yes. Existing applicants may sign in to view their application status and receive organizer updates.
Will judges know my identity?
No. Judges see only your Entry ID, essay title, essay content and word count. Personal details are stored separately and never appear in judging PDFs.
May I edit after submitting?
No. A submitted essay is locked. Contact the organizers if a genuine correction is required.
How are essays scored?
Two or more judges independently score relevance (30), originality (25), clarity and organization (25), and understanding of space science (20).
When will results appear?
Results remain private until the organizing team approves them and an administrator enables publication.