MATFORCE Launches Youth Essay and Poster Contests for 2026

MATFORCE, a leading prevention organization focused on reducing youth drug use, has announced two exciting competitions aimed at the young people of Yavapai County, Arizona. The initiatives, the Youth Essay Contest and the Youth Poster Contest, are designed to engage youth in promoting healthy lifestyles and a drug-free environment.

Youth Essay Contest Invites Creative Expression

The 2026 #StayHealthy Essay Contest encourages high school students in Yavapai County to showcase their writing talents. Participants are invited to express their thoughts on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through engaging essays that align with the contest’s theme.

Prizes for the essay contest are as follows:
– 1st place: $500
– 2nd place: $300
– 3rd place: $100
– Honorable mention: $50

Students interested in participating can find detailed guidelines and contest rules on the MATFORCE website at matforce.org/youth. The submission deadline for all entries is March 13, 2026, providing ample time for students to brainstorm and craft their essays. For further inquiries, participants may contact MATFORCE at [email protected] or call (928) 708-0100.

Stand With Me, Be Drug Free® Poster Contest

In collaboration with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, MATFORCE has also launched the Stand With Me, Be Drug Free® Design a Poster Contest. Open to all youth in Yavapai County, this contest offers a platform for creative expression while advocating for a drug-free lifestyle.

Prizes for the poster contest include:
– Grand Prize: $500 for the winner in each of the two grade categories (K-6 and 7-12).
– Age Category Prizes: $50 Amazon gift cards for each category.
– Honorable Mentions: $10 Amazon gift cards.

As with the essay contest, guidelines and rules can be accessed at matforce.org/youth. The deadline for poster submissions is March 27, 2026. Participants can reach out to Steven Brazell at [email protected] or call (928) 554-8704 for additional information. MATFORCE can also be contacted at [email protected] or (928) 708-0100.

These competitions not only inspire creativity among youth but also emphasize the importance of healthy choices and community involvement. By participating, young people have the opportunity to make a positive impact while gaining recognition for their efforts.