For five years running PSWG has sponsored a student writing contest at one of our local high schools. This year The Guild is sponsoring the Indio High School Writing Contest, “This I Remember.” Students from grades 9-12 submit their essays to the Language Arts teachers who determine the most deserving essays and submit them to PSWG volunteer readers. These volunteers judge the essays for first, second, and third place. PSWG honors the student winners on our website and at our next membership meeting held at the Rancho Mirage Public Library. The deadline for entry in this year's contest is March 1, 2021. Winner will be announced at our April Members Meeting.

Here are the winners from last year's Coachella Valley High School Writing Contest:

EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

The Palms Springs Writers Guild education mission is to inspire and nurture Coachella Valley writers, including student writers, with a focus on English Language Learners. We believe in giving voice to students’ aspirations by offering a variety of writing workshops, contests, and scholarships.

WHY WRITING SKILLS MATTER

For the last two decades, there has been a steady decline in basic writing skills throughout the United States. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, three-quarters of both 12th and 8th graders lack proficiency in writing.

Additionally, the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that poor writing skills influence both employers and their prospective employees. Strong writing skills are a requirement for people who aspire to a career in writing and also to careers as wide-ranging as education, engineering, IT, healthcare, the arts, politics, and business.