Annual Essay Contest
Keeping with our mission to connect, inform and inspire, The Economic Club of Grand Rapids works with The Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University each year to sponsor a high school economic essay contest. This contest helps bring interest to the relevant topics of economics to our community’s high school students as well as investment in our future leaders’ careers.
The Grand Rapids Economic Club Charitable Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation instituted in 1994, was established to finance the awards for the contest winners and support the Scholarship Fund. Through our members’ unwavering support of this worthwhile endeavor, we continue to provide successful programs year after year!
Sponsorship are open for the 47th Annual Essay Contest!
Recognizing and celebrating the talent and potential of our future leaders!
Donation Levels:
- Platinum: $2000
- Gold: $1000
- Silver: $500
- Bronze: $250
Benefits Include:
- Acknowledgement on our website.
- Logo displayed at the Platinum and Gold levels.
- Company name listed at Silver & Bronze levels.
- Recognition at April 13, 2026 luncheon.
2025-2026 High School Essay Contest Topic:
How will Rapid Changes in Innovation, Technology, and Culture Impact our Local and Global Economy?
In today’s world, innovation, technology, and culture are evolving faster than ever before. New inventions, digital tools, and social trends are transforming economies at both local and global levels by reshaping how people work, communicate, and participate in society. These rapid changes create new opportunities for growth, but also introduce significant challenges.
Awards Are As Follows:
- First Place – $3,000 + YMCA Teen Membership
- Second Place – $2,000 + YMCA Teen Membership
- Third Place – $1,000 + YMCA Teen Membership
- Fourth Place – $500 each (10 winners)
All students who enter the contest will receive a Junior Achievement Here to Career account.
2025-26 Essay Committee And Judges*
John Truscott, Truscott Rossman & Essay Committee Chair
Troy Baker, Better Business Bureau of Michigan
Michael Bender, Michigan Capital Network
Bill Coderre, Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes
Danielle DeWitt, Corewell Health Foundation, WM
Elizabeth Cyr, Grand Rapids Chamber
Ethan Groothuis, Huntington Bank
Joshua York, PhD, Seidman, GVSU
*The Judges receive the essays anonymously for the selection process
47th Annual Essay Contest Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Joe & Kristin Ponstein
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
The Mead Group at Merrill Lynch
Veneklasen Construction
Thank You Essay Contest Partners!
The Annual Essay Contest Has Had:
8,577
Essays Submitted
414
Student Winners
261,000
Rewarded in Cash Prizes
Essay Contest Photo Gallery
Congratulations to the 46th Annual Essay Contest Winners!
Ace Arms, Byron Center High School
Anaka Armstrong, East Kentwood High School
Bomin Koo, Jenison High School
Anish Kulkarni, City High Middle School
Krishna Mano, City High Middle School – SECOND PLACE
Evan Mattson, Cedar Springs High School
George Minor, Grand Rapids Christian High School – THIRD PLACE
Danna Peralta Rodriguez, West Ottawa High School
Ruthie Radgens, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Colt Rockwell, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Thomas Tamae, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Peter Vu, Grand Rapids Catholic Central – FIRST PLACE
Isabel Williamson, City High Middle School
