Contests
BACK TO SCHOOL SCREENPLAY WRITING CONTEST (2026-2027)
Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation- Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. Back in 2000, our Non-Profit Organization realized that by working together we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why we ultimately decided to launch Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation- Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest
Have you ever watched a movie and said: “You know what would make this better?” Now is your chance to show the world how scary, romantic, dramatic, imaginative, funny and just-plain amazing you can be! Create your own screenplay for the movie you wish you could watch!
The Screenplay Writing Contest is Open To Teens between the ages of 11-17!
We Want To Read Your Stories! The Top Three Finalists Winners Will Have The Opportunity To Win Digital Tablets!
- ONE WRITER
- ONE STORY
- THREE WINNERS!
Top three winners will win a
Amazon Fire Tablets with 8GB to write continue to write your Award-Winning Script!
For More Info: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Screenwriting Judges
Meet: Michelle Massie
Meet Michelle Massie: With 15 years of experience as a special needs Math and English teacher and 5 years as an elementary-to-high school interventionist, Michelle Massie empowers students across all subjects—from chemistry to physics—though her greatest passion is teaching reading and writing. Driven by the belief that heavy reading fuels brilliant essays and scripts, Michelle pairs her academic dedication with a strong commitment to social justice as a proud leftist activist. Her proudest hallmark is a flawless track record of helping all her students pass high school. Outside the classroom, Michelle loves reading, catching films, and watching the Alvin Ailey dance troupe.
Meet: Yael Galena
Yael Galena spent ten years producing unscripted television in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to follow her true passion, writing. Yael is drawn to strong female-driven dramedies gleaning from her overly-involved Jewish family, her absurdist backpacking adventures around the world and growing up with parents who thought tropical flavored Tums were an adequate school snack. She wrote on SUPER GIANT ROBOT BROTHERS (Netflix), THE WONDER YEARS (ABC) and currently writes on LONG STORY SHORT (Netflix).
Meet: Justing Casselle
Justin Casselle is an award-winning writer/director whose work has screened at festivals across the country and garnered honors including Best Episodic at the HollyShorts Comedy Film Festival, Best Director at the Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival, and a distribution deal with AspireTV. A past participant in Jenni Konner’s episodic directing shadow initiative, Casselle works across narrative film, unscripted comedy, audio dramas, and branded content, with a focus on episodic writing and directing and developing his debut feature film. He is drawn to elevated dramas and comedies where heart and humor collide with genre-bending moments, unexpected left turns, and sharp social commentary.
Essay Writing Contest
Win the Grand Prize: Amazon Fire 7 tablet
Imagine that you could give advice to someone—it could be someone you know personally, a historical figure, or a famous person living today. Write an essay that identifies the person and the advice you would give. Choose a familiar subject so that you can provide details and explain why this person needs your advice (Answers must be from 300-500 words)
Essay Writing Contest 2024-2025 Winners!
- 1st Place Winner: Lexie Bishop, Ross N. Robinson Middle School
- 2nd Place Winner: Aydin Soner, Ubuntu Nation Builders Academy
Requirements:
- Only one essay per student may be submitted.
- Your essay must be 300-500 words.
- All essays should:
- be double-spaced
- have 1-inch margins
- include page numbers
- include an essay title
- student’s name, age, and grade must appear on each page of the essay
- be typed in Times New Roman, 12-pt font
- be in Microsoft Word, PDF, or other compatible format
Entry Deadline:
Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Only the person entering the essay is eligible to win. No substitutes with be accepted. Only one entry per person and only one person is allowed on the entry form
Eligibility:
Entrants must be a middle school student (5-8 grades) attending school in the United States. Student can attend a public/private school or homeschool program.
Contest prizes:
- 1st place: Amazon Fire 7 tablet
- 2nd place: $50.00 Gift Card for Barnes & Noble
- 3rd place: $25.00 Gift Card for Barnes & Noble
How to enter:
Entrants must complete an official entry form (make sure that your parent/teacher signs the form). Submit the form with the essay via:
- Electronic Entry: Register Now
OR - Mail Entry:
Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation
3680 Wilshire Blvd
Ste P04 – 1516
Los Angeles CA 90010
Entries must be complete, or they will not be eligible for consideration.
Questions?
Email us at: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org