Athletics

Center sponsors essay contest on potential pay for Division I student-athletes

Undergraduates may compete by writing papers about offering a different approach or defending the current system

The Center for the Study of Sports in Society is sponsoring a competition open to Penn State undergraduate students that will allow competitors to write an essay to either defend or offer an alternative to how Division I student-athletes currently are compensated. Credit: Adobe StockAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Center for the Study of Sports in Society is sponsoring a competition open to Penn State undergraduate students that will allow competitors to write an essay to either defend or offer an alternative to how Division I student-athletes currently are compensated.

The Center for the Study of Sports in Society is a cross-campus, multi-disciplinary center designed to serve as the global resource for research, discussion and solutions to sports issues that impact society. The competition is part of the center’s efforts to encourage and engage undergraduate students in thoughtful discussion about timely topics related to sports in society.

The winning paper will be published on the center’s website and the winner will receive a $300 gift certificate for use at the Penn State Bookstore. Two honorable mentions will each receive $100 gift certificates.

The paper should be no longer than 1,200 words, and should include:

  • an executive summary not exceeding 300 words;
  • reference to a minimum of five reputable sources (Wikipedia may not be cited, but it could be used to find other sources); and
  • an essay, including a concise statement of the problem; a detailed explanation of the solution; an explanation for why the solution would be beneficial, considering possible costs or other effects, and how effectiveness would be measured; and a concise conclusion.

Final versions of the essay should be sent to John Affleck, Knight Chair in Sports Journalism and Society, at jra14@psu.edu. The deadline for submission is Nov. 10. Results will be made public on Dec. 10.

This is the second competition the center has sponsored for students to present a paper offering solutions to a specific issue facing sport in society.

Potential entrants who have a question or tentative idea may visit the center’s website and contact one of the affiliated faculty for guidance.

Last Updated June 2, 2021