Ottawa, October 7, 2024 - French for the Future reveals the theme of the 2024 National Essay Contest! Students will be asked to think about the following topic: "What makes a good friend?"
Since 2005, the contest has enabled students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 (Secondary 4 to CEGEP in Quebec) to win a scholarship to continue their post-secondary studies entirely or partially in French. This year, 102 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $28,000 will be awarded by our 16 partner institutions.
Students can participate in one of two categories: French as a first language and French as a second language.
In addition to providing financial support for post-secondary studies, the contest is designed to encourage students to continue their education in French after high school. The aim is to promote the integration of French into their post-secondary studies, thus contributing to the strengthening of bilingualism in Canada. For Casey Sykes, it's a choice that will have a positive impact on her everyday life:
“Knowing French helps me communicate with others in and out of the classroom. It's always a special moment when I meet someone else who speaks French and I can talk to them. Plus, it gives me many fantastic opportunities, like becoming a French teacher, opportunities to travel and even other aspects of the cultural world of La Francophonie that I didn't see if I wasn't in French immersion.” - Casey Sykes, winner of a scholarship to La Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina, 2023-2024.
Students are invited to write a 750-word essay, in French, and submit it in the category that applies to them by December 20, 2024. Winners will be announced in March 2025.
Details of the scholarships to be won and further information are available on the competition web page.