The YWCA Northcentral PA announced a special opportunity for students across Lycoming County to participate in an essay competition about racial justice.

The essay’s prompt asks students to write about how racism has impacted their life and how they are working to eliminate racism and promote peace in their community.

Students from all local school districts recently received the necessary information and entry form. All necessary materials are available at http://www.ywcawilliamsport.org.

Students from ages 10-18 years old can participate by crafting a 750 to 1,000-word paper, due by 4:30 p.m. on April 16, to the YWCA, 815 W. Fourth St., or via email to CEO Dawn Linn at dlinn@ywcawilliamsport.org.

There will be one winner from each age category who will receive a $25 gift card for themselves and a $250 gift card for their teacher to use in the classroom. The categories are 10-12 years old, 13-15 years old and 16-18 years old.

All submitted essays will be read by a group of diverse judges whom will select three winners.

The first phrase in the YWCA’s mission statement is to eliminate racism. The passion to achieve equality is deeply rooted in the organization as a whole.

With this essay contest, we are encouraging students across the county to think about race and how people treat one another. Having those conversations can be difficult but if we continue to sweep them under the rug, there is no hope for change.