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 follow a few simple rules.

Want to see some previous winning essays?

2000 National Winner from Oklahoma

Winners from Tennessee

Winner from Kentucky

2006 Winners from Mississippi

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 monthly 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 Scholarships:

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 at Las Vegas, NV during to receive their reward.

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 you may just be the winner.

You may download the entry form as a Microsoft Word 2000 document or as a Adoboe Acrobat (PDF) file.

You may download and install a free copy of the Adobe program via the link on this page if you do not already have a copy.

2007 MCIA High School Essay Contest Entry Form

Entry Form – Word file

Entry Form – PDF file

It's that easy.

If you do have questions, feel free to contact us at the MCIA offices for more information.