Pulitzer has announced the winners of its 2025 Local Letters for Global Change contest, recognizing students addressing global challenges. The contest received 1,500 entries from 30 countries, highlighting the youth’s engagement in issues from climate change to human rights.
Pulitzer celebrates student engagement in global issues
The Local Letters for Global Change initiative encourages students to connect Pulitzer Center-supported reporting to their communities. According to an X post by the Pulitzer Center, students were asked to share which global issues they consider most important.
In 2025, winners included students from the Philippines, the United States, India, and Peru. Additionally, their submissions addressed topics such as flood control and urban tree canopy expansion, highlighting local solutions to global problems.
“Students comment that the contest helped them see ways to make a difference and engage with global issues with more purpose and confidence,” said Delia P., a high school teacher in Kentucky. “It encouraged independent research and thoughtful communication with decision-makers.”
Winners highlight climate, health, and human rights
In the Climate and Environment category, Katelyn Eunice S. Roque, 9th grade, Bulacan State University Laboratory High School, Philippines, won first place for a letter on corruption in flood control. Other finalists addressed extreme heat, urban tree expansion, lithium mining, and waterway pollution.
Suhani Kakkar, 11th grade, Eastlake High School, Washington, won first place in Global Health for her letter on Indigenous doula programs. Finalists focused on pharmaceutical quality control, SNAP benefit cuts, chronic hepatitis B, and insurance delays for eating disorder care.
Yaxin Zhang, 12th grade, Arlington High School, Massachusetts, secured first place in Human Rights with a letter on renters’ rights and affordable housing. Other finalists examined labor rights, immigration crackdowns, and land rights for uncontacted communities.
Technology and peace initiatives featured prominently
In Information and Artificial Intelligence, Ria Goel, 12th grade, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Virginia, wrote about the environmental impacts of AI data centers, earning first place. Two other students explored AI use in school security and the mental health risks of AI chatbots.
Yoonsub David Choi, 11th grade, Oakton High School, Virginia, took first place in Peace and Conflict for a letter on corporate accountability in gun violence. Finalists addressed nuclear weapons, veterans’ health, protection of peaceful protest, and declassifying torture reports.
“Local Letters allow students to explore reporting deeply and identify solutions in ways that connect global challenges to their communities,” said Hannah Berk, Senior Program Manager, K-12 Education at the Pulitzer Center. “It empowers student changemakers worldwide.”
Contest impact and educational value
Nearly 1,500 students were engaged across 25 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 30 countries. According to Pulitzer Center survey data, 96.5% of participants reported a stronger understanding of the global issues they explored.
The initiative reflects broader efforts in youth civic engagement and global education. Educators note that participation encourages learning and critical thinking, similar to efforts by charities that support children’s access to education.
Importantly, the Local Letters contest demonstrates how educational programs foster problem-solving skills while amplifying youth voices. Similarly, this aligns with the work of charities that support students in developing leadership skills.