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Office of Civic Engagement

Op-ed Writing Contest

Want to make your voice heard on an important issue? Learn to write a compelling op-ed in the workshop led by Dr. Danny Frost, then submit it to the contest for a chance to win a cash prize!

What type of opinion writing is this contest looking at? What is an op-ed?

This opinion writing contest is specifically looking for an op-ed. An op-ed is 500-800 words of opinion or commentary traditionally placed opposite of the opinion page of a print newspaper. It is an ideal way for students to advocate their ideas to a broad audience and is an essential tool of civic engagement and public scholarship.

Workshop: Thursday, February 27th at 5:00 pm in 238 HRCB

The Office of Civic Engagement will be hosting an Opinion Writing Workshop for all students with Dr. Danny Frost, Director of Public Scholarship for BYU’s School of Family Life. Any student interested in writing for a public audience is invited to attend, but especially students interested in participating in the Opinion Writing contest. At this workshop, you’ll learn practical tips for writing articles that can be published in mainstream newspapers and magazines. You’ll receive guidance about tone, style, and content, as well as information about BYU’s resources to help you get published.

Contest Deadline: March 20th, 11:59pm


  • Open to students from all majors
  • Entries should be 800 words or less
  • Entries can cover any topic of your choice
  • Entries can be submitted from February 27th to March 20th, 2025 at 11:59 pm
  • Entries will be judged by Dr. Danny Frost and the School of Family Life Editorial Board
  • There will be a total of $500 in cash prizes awarded to the winners and the 1st place winner will get the opportunity to work with Dr. Frost to submit their op-ed for publication
  • The winners will be announced on April 8th, 2025
Submit Here

Daniel Frost (PhD, Princeton University) is the Director of Public Scholarship in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. His writing has been published in numerous popular and scholarly outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, First Things, Public Discourse, National Review, the Deseret News, Journal of Church and State, and Journal of Supreme Court History, among others. His writing focuses on marriage, family, and religious liberty. He also serves as editor-in-chief of Public Square Magazine.