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The Public Forum publishes opinion pieces from high school, college, and graduate students across all political perspectives. We believe the best political writing comes from people with the most at stake.
The week's most interesting student arguments on politics, media, technology, and public discourse — delivered once a week. Free.
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The Public Forum Weekly — student perspectives on politics, delivered every Sunday. Free.
✓ You're in!
The Public Forum
The Public Forum Weekly — the most interesting student arguments on politics, media, technology, and public discourse, delivered every Sunday. Free.
✓ You're in! Welcome to The Public Forum.
Disagree with this perspective? The Public Forum publishes counter-arguments. If you're a current student and want to respond to this piece, we'd love to read it.
Video interviews and full transcripts with policymakers, military leaders, and public figures — conducted by student journalists at The Public Forum.
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The Public Forum is an independent student publication dedicated to amplifying the political voices of the next generation. We publish opinion pieces from high school, college, and graduate students across the United States — and across the political spectrum. We believe that students have some of the most urgent, thoughtful, and underrepresented perspectives in public life. This is their platform.
Our team
Transparency & editorial standards
Funding & independence
The Public Forum is an independent student-run publication founded in 2026 by Max Drayer. The publication currently has no outside funding, sponsors, advertisers, or institutional affiliations. Operating costs are covered personally by the founder. We have no financial relationships that influence editorial decisions.
Editorial process
Articles are submitted by student contributors through our public submission form, or commissioned through outreach to student writers. Submissions are reviewed by the editorial team for clarity, accuracy, sourcing, and fit with the publication's mission. Most articles go through at least one round of editing before publication. Submissions may be declined, returned for revision, or accepted as-is at the editor's discretion.
Editorial guidelines
We publish student perspectives on politics, economics, culture, education, technology, international affairs, and public discourse. We encourage viewpoint diversity and publish articles representing a range of political perspectives — publication does not imply endorsement by The Public Forum or its editors. Contributors are expected to make factual claims in good faith and provide sources where appropriate.
Who can submit
The Public Forum accepts submissions from current high school, college, and graduate students. International submissions are welcome. Contributors must confirm that submitted work is their own original writing. For full submission guidelines, see our submission page.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not reflect the views of The Public Forum, its editors, contributors, or affiliates. The Public Forum is a nonpartisan publication and does not endorse any political party, candidate, or ideology.
We welcome submissions from high school, college, and graduate students on any political topic. All perspectives are considered.
✓ Summer 2026 — Closed
The 2026 contest has concluded. Thank you to every student who submitted. Winners and selected pieces are being published now — check the homepage for new contest pieces rolling out weekly.
125+
Submissions received
The Public Forum is a nonpartisan student publication dedicated to thoughtful long-form discussion and public discourse.
✓ Closed
Submissions closed
July 30, 2026 deadline
✓ Complete
Decisions sent
All submitters notified
Now publishing
Winners & finalists
Rolling out on the homepage
About the contest
The Public Forum Summer Essay Contest was designed to encourage thoughtful student writing and discussion surrounding politics, media, technology, education, culture, and public discourse. The contest gave younger writers a space to explore important issues and contribute to broader conversations through long-form opinion writing.
The 2026 contest received 125+ submissions from students in 29 countries. All political perspectives were welcome — winners and selected finalists are being published on The Public Forum and featured on the homepage.
The 2027 Contest
We'll be accepting submissions again next summer. The 2027 contest will be open to current high school, college, and graduate students worldwide — all political perspectives welcome.
New essay prompts will be revealed on January 1, 2027. Submissions will open then and run through July 31, 2027.
Prompts revealed
January 1, 2027
Submission deadline
July 31, 2027
Requirements & eligibility
Submission requirements
Who can apply
How to submit
What we look for
What winners receive
Why participate?
✍️
Publish your ideas publicly
Get your writing in front of real readers, not just a classroom.
🌐
Reach beyond the classroom
Your argument can reach students, educators, and readers across the country.
🗣️
Contribute to youth discourse
Add your voice to the public conversations that matter most right now.
📁
Build your writing portfolio
A published byline is a meaningful credential for college, grad school, or a career in writing.
🤝
Connect with other writers
Join a community of student thinkers who take ideas seriously.
📣
All perspectives welcome
We publish across the political spectrum. What matters is how you argue, not where you land.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still submit for the 2026 contest?
No — the 2026 contest closed on July 30, 2026. The next contest opens January 1, 2027.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The contest is open to all current students regardless of country or institution.
Can I submit a previously published piece?
Yes, as long as you disclose where it was previously published in your submission. Original, unpublished work is preferred.
When will 2026 winners be published?
Winners and selected finalists are being published on a rolling basis — check the homepage for new contest pieces each week.
When will the 2027 contest prompts be announced?
New prompts will be revealed on January 1, 2027. Sign up for the newsletter below to be notified.
Does my essay have to be about U.S. politics?
No. The prompts are broad — essays on international politics, technology, education, culture, or public discourse are all welcome.
Want to be notified when the 2027 contest opens and when new contest pieces publish?
2027 Contest · Prompts: January 1 · Deadline: July 31
The Public Forum publishes thoughtful responses to pieces we've run. If you disagree with a piece — or want to extend, challenge, or reframe its argument — we'd love to read your response. We review all submissions and publish selected counter-arguments directly alongside the original piece.
About you
Your response
Tip: wrap text in **double asterisks** to make it bold.
By submitting, you confirm this is your original work and you are currently enrolled as a student. Counter-arguments are reviewed editorially and not all will be published.
The Public Forum · editors only
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Add a response
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Published interviews