By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

First, let me thank you for making 2016 a GREAT year for Mali Rising's students. Because of you, more than 3,000 kids have the chance to make something of their lives through the power of education.

As we wrap up 2016, I also wanted to let you know about something new Mali Rising is doing in 2017...and something you might find really helpful right about now if you have a high school student home on break.

You do? Do they have too much time on their hands? Excellent. 

Tell them about Mali Rising's new Make the Case for Caring Essay Contest. This contest asks students to build a creative, persuasive argument for engagement in a country like Mali -- far from students' homes and daily concerns. National winners of this essay contest receive cash awards and recognition. 

This year's essay topic:  Why should an average person in the United States invest in educating children in a far-off country like Mali...what is in it for us?

Essays may be submitted beginning January 1, 2017. Deadline for submissions is midnight on March 31, 2017. All high school students are eligible. Submission details and official rules are available on our contest page.

So get that teenager out of bed and on to our website. Riches (modest) and fame (kind of) await them...or at the very least something good to add to their college applications.