In August each year, the Iowa League of Cities launches the “If I Were Mayor…” essay contest for 7th graders. The contest is promoted to 7th grade English and Social Studies teachers. A winning essay will be selected in each of the state’s congressional districts. District winners will receive $250 college scholarship, while one grand prize winner will be selected to represent the entire state and receive a total of $500 to use towards college.
Promoting good city government is important to the Iowa League of Cities, and this essay contest provides students the opportunity to reflect on the role of the key elected official in their own city. This contest is sponsored by Snyder & Associates.
Our future mayors of our cities are in classrooms today. The education they receive helps them to become good citizens – and good mayors. The League promotes this essay contest to 7th grade English and Social Studies teachers each fall, and asks mayors to reach out to these teachers locally as well.
