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BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity Foundation announced today a statewide free-market essay contest open to North Dakota high school students who are sophomores during the 2006-2007 school year. Winners of the contest will receive an all expense paid trip to attend the July 2007 Spirit of America Youth Conference hosted by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. The nationally recognized conference is designed to facilitate development of leadership and critical thinking skills and increase civic participation.

“Today’s youth are the future leaders of our state. It is important to instill in them the importance of the free-market values that have made our nation great,” said Americans for Prosperity Foundation North Dakota Director Duane Sand. “Americans for Prosperity Foundation is pleased to provide North Dakota high school students with an opportunity to further develop their leadership skills. This essay competition is a great way to give back to the community and invest in our state’s most valuable resource – our children.”

All participants in the essay contest must write an essay of 1000 words on the question: “How does the free enterprise system encourage entrepreneurship and innovation?” Entries must be submitted by e-mail to Rudie Martinson of Americans for Prosperity Foundation at rmartinson@afphq.org, or mailed to Americans For Prosperity Foundation, 909 Basin Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58504. Essays must be submitted by April 1, 2007. The winning essays will be announced on April 15th.

“Enacting responsible fiscal policy that will encourage economic growth needs to be a major focus of our federal and state governments. By helping future generations of civic leaders understand the positive impact free markets have on our economy, we will help North Dakota’s youth make a positive difference for smaller government and free markets,” Sand concluded. “The Spirit of America Youth Conference will be a great opportunity for North Dakota high school students to enhance their leadership abilities and learn more about the proper, limited role government should play in our state’s economic future.”