MALDEN, Mass, January 20, 2026 / The Immigrant Learning Center (The ILC) is now seeking art and essays from teens at Malden, Everett and Medford public high schools for our fifth annual Teen Perspectives Contest. Students are invited to submit original work on the topic “How Immigration Benefits My Community” now through Monday, February 9, 2026. Cash prizes up to $300 will be awarded for first, second, third place and honorable mentions in both categories.
Now in its fifth year, Teen Perspectives is a great opportunity for high school students to express themselves on such an important and timely topic, whether they come from immigrant communities or were born in the United States.
“The Immigrant Learning Center has been a generous partner to Malden High School. They have become an annual tradition within our school through their Teen Perspectives Contest,” says Gerard Tannetta, Director of History and the Arts at Malden Public Schools. “Our students excitingly participate through essay writing, art projects, and videos. As the most diverse high school in the state of Massachusetts, Malden High School is always looking for ways to honor our students’ diverse cultures and identities. The Teen Perspectives Contests allows our students to tell their stories through their lens and provides a wonderful opportunity to amplify their voice.”
Winners will be notified the week of March 23, 2026. There will also be a ceremony for the students, their families and teachers on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Malden High School.
Learn more about how to enter this year’s contest and view last year’s entries on The ILC’s website at https://www.ilctr.org/for-teachers/teen-perspectives.
Photos from last year’s event are available upon request.
The 2026 Teen Perspective’s Contest is sponsored in part through a grant from the Malden Cultural Council. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested in contributing can reach out to Director of Development Mark Correia at mcorreia@ilctr.org.
About The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. of Malden, MA, is a not-for-profit organization that gives immigrants a voice in three ways. The English Language Program provides free, year-round ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes to help immigrant and refugee adults in Greater Boston become successful workers, parents and community members. The Public Education Institute informs Americans about immigrants and immigration in the United States, and the Institute for Immigration Research, a joint venture with George Mason University, produces valid, reliable and objective multidisciplinary research on immigrants and immigration to the United States.
Media Contact
Carli Velocci, Communications Specialist
Phone: 781-322-9777
cvelocci@ilctr.org