This is now the fifth year for the Maltz Museum's essay contest, "Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out!"  Since its inception in 2008 more than 6,500 students have submitted essays on topics ranging from bullying and racism to sexual orientation and mental/physical challenges.

The contest is open to all students in grades 6-12 in the Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit.  High school juniors and seniors compete for three college scholarships of up to $50,000 as well as other prizes and educational resource materials for their schools.  The ten scholarship finalists read their essays at a ceremony to be held on May 2, 2013, where winners will be selected. Students in grades 6-10 are eligible for cash prizes, field trips and educational resource materials.

Essays for 6^th – 10^th graders are due January 15, 2013. The deadline for 11^th and 12^thgraders is February 23. Students are encouraged to submit their essays electronically through the official Stop the Hate website. Complete information, current guidelines and copies of all past winning essays are also available on the website.