Through the "How My Community College Has Changed My Life" essay contest, the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association gives current students an opportunity to express their thoughts about the benefits of community college. The winning Oakton student will receive a $250 prize and have his or her essay entered in the 2024 Paul Simon Statewide Student Essay Contest and could win a scholarship of $500.

Contest rules:

• Participants must be currently enrolled in the Spring 2024 semester
• Essays must be less than 500 words, typed, and address the topic, “How my community college has changed my life.”

Essays are judged on the basis of writing style, clarity of expression, relevancy to the topic and correct grammar and punctuation.

Entries must be submitted by email to studentlife@oakton.edu on or before Friday, February 16, 2024, by 5 p.m. Email Subject line must say: CC essay entry. Submissions must include a title page with the student's name, phone number, email and Oakton ID number.

Students can pick up copies of the flyer for the contest at the Office of Student Life in Room 1530 (DP campus) and Room A130 (SK campus).

For any questions about the contest, please email studentlife@oakton.edu.