Next Generation Thinkers
An expansion of the Great American Think-Off (America’s premier amateur philosophy contest, The Great American Think-Off) to involve Viking Library System students in the program; this was an essay contest, with the top four essayists receiving a $25 award and recognition at the official event, which is a debate amongst the top four adult contestants.
Event dates: May 10 – June 12, 2010; New York Mills, MN
23 youths participated in the essay contest
300 audience members attended the Think-Off at which the youth winners were introduced.
Radios Station contributed public service announcements, schools provided publicity and space to display posters. Volunteers from all organizations organized and ran the event. New York Mills Cultural Center contributed funds.
Measurable Outcomes may be collected by survey, anecdotal responses, post-test; End user change in Behavior, Attitude, Skills, Knowledge, Condition and/or Status
Students were seriously challenged by the essay writing and spent a fair amount of time in researching the question. Their involvement as a sideline also increased youth interest in/attendance at the actual Great American Think-Off as well. (knowledge, skills)