Enter the MCIA High School Essay Contest!

What's it all about?

The annual MCIA Essay Contest enables students to discover the importance of the concrete industry and the contributions it makes to our society and our lives.

Who's eligible?

The contest is open to Mississippi students in their junior or senior year of high school.

What do I write about?

Essays can be about anything related to concrete. Possible topics include:
 

• How concrete benefits mankind
• Why concrete is good for the environment
• Concrete's role in construction for homes, bridges, or roads
• Concrete - The liquid rock

It really doesn't matter as long as you following a few simple rules.  

Why should I enter?

Recognition. Fulfillment. A sense of accomplishment. Money.

Okay. So we all know it's the money. There are several scholarship and other cash prizes available to contest winners.

First, second, and third place winners will receive a certificate and be recognized in their local media outlets. They will also be featured in the MCIA Update, the association's newsletter

Mississippi Scholarships Available:

• First Place - $1,000 scholarship for their freshman year at the college of his or her choice.
   
• Second Place - $300 scholarship for educational purposes.
   
• Third Place - $200 scholarship for educational purposes.
   

National Scholarship Available:

The essay from the Mississippi winner will be forwarded to the NRMCA to be part of the NRMCA National Essay Contest. The winner of that competition also receives a certificate of recognition and a scholarship.

 The winner of the NRMCA contest has two scholarship options: 

• A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to the individual for his or her freshman year if he or she chooses to enroll in an approved concrete-related curriculum. Schools offering these programs include Middle Tennessee State University, Alpena Community College in Michigan, or Lima Technical College in Ohio.
  
   
• A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded for the freshman year at a college of the winner's choice should he or she decide not to pursue a concrete-related curriculum.

The winner and his or her parent or guardian will travel to NRMCA's Annual Convention in March 2010 to receive the national award.

How do I enter?

Download and print the MCIA Essay Contest entry form. Fill it out and return it as instructed along with your essay. Be sure to follow a few simple rules and and you may just be the winner.