The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is seeking entries for the Women Making History Essay Contest 2002. .

The contest is open to all Ohio eighth-graders. Entrants must submit a 400-500 word essay about a woman who is making or has made history in one of six fields: Athletics; Arts, Communication and Technology; Business and Government; Math, Science and Health Services; Education and Community Service; and Non-Traditional Careers. The contest is intended to increase students' and educators' awareness of women's contributions during Women's History Month, observed in March.

"The contest is an excellent opportunity for students to research and write about women who have helped shape our state and national history," said Tom Hayes, ODJFS director. "The contest provides Ohio's eighth-grade students an opportunity to apply their research and writing skills to reflect on the accomplishments of outstanding individuals."

Essays will be judged on content and writing style. The four winners selected in each category will be honored at an awards ceremony the week of March 18, 2002 in Columbus.

Essay entry forms have been mailed to all Ohio middle school principals, guidance counselors and past participating teachers. Essays may be submitted to Women's Programs, ODJFS, 145 S. Front St., 6th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 and must be postmarked by December 14, 2001. Contest information and rules are available on the Women's Programs website at: jfs.ohio.gov/women/essaycontest

This year, students are encouraged to submit essay entries on-line. Additional information is on the contest website.

The contest is administered by Women's Programs at ODJFS with support from Barnes + Noble Booksellers; International Association of Personnel in Employment Security; Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department Development, Small Business Development Center; Ohio Women's Hall of Fame; Small Business Development Center; and The Writers' Bloc, American Association of University Women; Ohio Women in Government; and The Ohio State University, Department of Women's Studies.

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For more information, contact Robin Rice at (614) 466-4496..