CHET Undergraduate Essay Competition
The Center for Health Equity Transformation (CHET) states that racism is a public health threat that undermines health equity, and we aim to understand and combat centuries of oppression through transformational training and research. As we penned in a recent statement, although current events have revealed to some and reminded others of how systemic racism operates in the United States, the work of creating an anti-racist society is a marathon, not a sprint. Solutions require meaningful and tangible actions and strategies informed by voices, experiences, scholarship, activism, and leadership of those who experience racism and allies and accomplices committed to re-imagining a just society.
Essay Prompt
In an effort to implement programming focused on health equity and anti-racism, CHET invites students to reflect on the following quote and submit a thoughtful essay. Responses should illustrate the intersection of health and justice and the importance of health equity – the fair and just opportunity for everyone to live their healthiest life possible. Submissions should focus on actionable solutions to achieving antiracism in health outcomes, and how we can apply our knowledge to improve health for all.
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
CHET acknowledges that recounting past trauma based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, class, immigrant status, physical or mental ability, or other factors, can re-traumatize individuals and disproportionately impacts groups that have experienced systemic oppression. Although students may draw on personal experiences, they are not required. Only one submission per student will be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Understanding of current injustices in health.
- Thoughtful discussion of actionable solutions to achieving antiracism in health outcomes, and applying knowledge to improve health for all.
- Clear and creative voice.
- Grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling.
Submissions
- Submissions are due by February 19, 2024
- Submissions will only be accepted from current undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky
- Letter of support from an individual who can speak to the student’s experience and/or involvement in social justice.
- Submissions must be double-spaced in 12-point font and must not exceed 1,000 words
- Applications will be accepted online, and materials (letter of support and essay) should be submitted here
- Winning essays will be shared on the CHET website.
Awards
First Place: $300
Second Place: $150
Winning submissions will be highlighted on the CHET website
Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.