Business Ethics Essay Contest
2026-27 Contest Details
Essay Topic
The topic for the 2026-27 essay competition is: What ethical responsibilities do businesses have when using their resources to influence government and public policy?
Prizes and Awards
- 1st Place: $2,500 cash + $2,500 scholarship*
- 2nd Place: $1,500 cash + $1,500 scholarship*
- 3rd Place: $1,000 cash + $1,000 scholarship*
- Honorable Mention: $500 cash + $500 scholarship*
- Honorable Mention: $500 cash + $500 scholarship*
- Honorable Mention: $500 cash + $500 scholarship*
*The nonrenewable PRIME Center Scholarship is contingent upon admission to — and full-time enrollment as a freshman in — the College of Business Administration at University of Detroit Mercy.
Submission Process and Deadlines
Please email essay and completed submission information to Dr. Evan Peterson at petersea@udmercy.edu with the subject line “Business Ethics Essay Contest.” Submissions must be received by 5 pm on Nov. 6, 2026. An awards ceremony will be held in early December 2026.
Contest Rules
Eligibility: The competition is open to current juniors and seniors in good standing at any high school in Michigan. Only one entry per person is permitted.
What to Submit: A complete submission consists of the following two documents:
- Submission Information (First and Last Name, Grade, High School Name, Phone Number, High School Guidance Counselor Name and Contact Information).
- Essay
Formatting Requirements: The essay must be an original work on the topic, written in English, double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins. References must be properly identified using the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The essay must not exceed 800 words (excluding the reference list).
Do not include an abstract or cover page (the Contest Submission Form will serve as the cover page).
Do not include your name or any other information in the essay that may identify you or your school.
Scoring: Essays will be reviewed anonymously by at least two members of the competition review panel, comprised of current students and alumni of the College of Business Administration.
Please submit the requested Submission Information along with your essay. Before awards or prizes can be issued, contest winners must provide a completed Award Acknowledgment and Parental Consent Form.