Eligibility
- Aged 18–35 on 1 September 2026
- Resident in Liberia
- One application per person
- Valid email for verification
Applications open 1 September 2026
National Space Essay Competition
Young Liberians are invited to explore how space science can strengthen education, agriculture, communication, climate resilience and national development.
Competition guide
Clear rules. Anonymous judging. National opportunity.
Create a verified account, save your application as a draft, and submit before the deadline. Every completed entry receives a private anonymous Entry ID.
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.
Important dates
Plan your application
RegistrationPrepare nowCreate and verify your account.
Submissions1–28 SepFinal submissions close 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 partners
A national youth space initiative
Organized under SG[Liberia] 2026 with the Liberian Astronomical Society and relevant partners and sponsors. Sponsor support for the essay competition will be acknowledged according to its confirmed scope.
Need assistance?
For application or accessibility support, email info@liberianastronomicalsociety.org. Please do not email essay attachments unless an organizer asks you to.
FAQ
Before you submit
Can I save my work and return later?
Yes. Your profile and essay can be saved as a draft until you make the final submission.
Can I apply before 1 September?
You may register and prepare your profile, but final submissions are accepted only from 1–28 September 2026 unless the organizer extends the deadline.
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.