Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):  AFDICA Essay Contest

Eligibility

1.. Who is eligible to participate in the AFDICA essay contest?

    Answer:  A dependent or grandchild of a current FDIC employee who is a current high school senior who is planning to further their education in the following academic year (2026-2027) at an accredited university, college, or vocational school. 

2. Would someone be eligible to participate in the essay contest if they were planning to take a year off after high school before attending an accredited university, college, or vocational school?

 
    Answer: Yes

3. Would someone planning to attend a fine arts or similar program post-high school be eligible to participate in the essay contest?

 
    Answer:  Yes

 

Topic

1  What is the topic for this year’s essay?

    Answer:  For 2026, the topic for the essay is:  Explain how growing up as a family member of an FDIC employee affected your views on financial matters.  Please elaborate and explain what financial mistakes you want to avoid as an adult and what best financial practices you plan to employ in your future life.

 

Format Required

1. How long should the essay be?

    Answer:  The essays should be between 500-750 words

2. What language is required for essay submission?

    Answer:  The essays should be in English

3. What software should be used to write and submit the essay?

    Answer:  The essays should be submitted in PDF format.

 

Selection Process

1. Who will be selecting the contest winner?

    Answer:  Contest judging will be conducted by a committee of AFDICA members and they will review essays anonymously as to the participant’s name.

2. What criteria will the selection committee use to evaluate the essays?

    Answer:  The selection committee will evaluate the essays based on content, writing style and creativity of the essay.

 

Essay Submission Process

1. When are essays due?

    Answer:  Essays should be received in the requisite format by May 1, 2026.

2. Where should essays be submitted?

    Answer:  Essays should be submitted to:  [email protected]

 

 Essay Award

1. How much will winner of the essay contest receive?

    Answer:  The winner of the contest will receive a one-time award of $1,000.

2. When will the winner of the contest be announced?

    Answer:  The winner of the contest will be announced in June, 2026.