The John Locke Institute Essay Competition, though only a decade old, has quickly become a highly sought-after academic credential for students worldwide. Last year alone, it received over 30,000 entries.

Students from Beijing, Shanghai, and other Chinese cities have consistently excelled in the competition. In 2023, a student from the Shanghai American School won the top prize, and past winners include students from Beijing New Talent Academy and Beijing Normal University’s Experimental High School.

This year’s competition opens on April 1. Tonight, you’ll have the unique opportunity to hear directly from the founder of the John Locke Institute, Martin Cox, in a special WeChat Channels live stream with Jingkids Founder Toni Ma. Tune in tonight (Monday, March 17) from 7:30 PM to 9 PM. The livestream will be conducted in English.

Whether you have questions about essay strategies or want to learn more about the competition and their global academic camps, this is your chance to get insider insights. Bring your questions and prepare to gain valuable advice on how the John Locke Institute can help you grow—not just as a student, but as a thinker.

Since its launch in 2015, the competition has attracted curious minds from around the world. Essays must be no longer than 2,000 words and can be submitted in seven categories: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law. Essays are evaluated by professors from Oxford and Princeton, with prizes awarded in each category. The Grand Prize is given to the best overall essay, and there’s a special prize for participants under 15.

If your child is eager for more intellectual challenges, the John Locke Institute offers global academic camps. This year, they’re introducing an Economics & Finance Summer School in Nanjing from July 1 to 8. Designed for students aged 13 to 18, the camp features lively debates, engaging lectures, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers from around the world.

Images: John Locke Institute