PHILADELPHIA — The Rendell Center, which is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of citizens by building civics knowledge and engagement in students, launched the 11th annual Citizenship Challenge essay contest for students in fourth and fifth grades.

The region-wide contest provides students with the opportunity to express themselves regarding a current issue facing democracy. This year the question is: “Should the Constitution be amended to eliminate the Electoral College system for selecting the President and replace it with the national popular vote?”

The challenge is open to fourth and fifth grade classes enrolled in public, private or parochial schools or home study programs from Philadelphia to the Capitol Region. Blair County schools are also included.

Classroom teams are asked to write an essay that addresses their point of view on the assigned issue mentioned above. Teams take one position and defend their argument in a concise written document of a minimum of 300 words. The top 10 finalists are invited to present their essay in a dramatic format on the stage at the National Constitution Center when a panel of judges will select first-place winner and four runner-up winners.

Classrooms should submit their entry in an essay form, double-spaced format using Times News Roman 12 point. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1 and should be sent to info@rendellcenter.org.

For more details, visit https://rendell

center.org/citizenship-challenge-2024.