How To Apply

2026 Applications Now Closed

Who is eligible?

Any member of the 2026 senior class of selected Brooklyn public high schools who enjoys writing, has a desire to be recognized for his or her efforts and who has a spark that honors the memorial nature of the award.

How to Apply

Complete the "Apply" form linked below. Include two writing pieces (as described):

Submission 1: Prize Essay

Write a roughly 1,000 words essay on the following prompt:

"AI has been called the great equalizer — a tool that could give any person, anywhere, access to the kind of guidance, education, and opportunity once reserved for the privileged few. Others see it differently — as a threat to human thinking, creativity, and what makes us irreplaceable. You are coming of age at the exact moment this question is being decided. How do you view AI — and what is it about you, specifically, that AI cannot replicate? Are you certain?"

Submission 2: Personal Writing Sample

From your own portfolio, submit your best writing sample of any length up to 2,000 words.

Tips

Please, do not submit your first draft. We want to see how you write and how you think about writing. Take your time to write and rewrite something you are proud to submit. Feel free to show it to others before you upload it.
Formatting:
- Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font
- Be sure to include your first and last name on every page of both writing pieces.
Upload your completed application no later than midnight May 26, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions should be directed to mohbatknightsaward@gmail.com.

Apply

For this application process, each student will express his or her own form of creativity. Our hope is that the Mohbat Prize will bring out students’ individual voices and that applicants will be rewarded for their efforts in unexpected ways.