COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University is asking college students across the country to engage this fall in the provocative national debate about the Internet's effects on public policy.

College juniors and seniors are invited to participate in a national public policy essay competition offering cash prizes to the top four writers, including a grand prize of $5,000. The contest deadline is Nov. 15, 2000.

"This essay competition provides an opportunity to elicit input from a segment of the population who will play a critical role in fashioning future public policy," said Mary K. Marvel, associate professor of public policy and management and chair of the competition committee. Ohio State's School of Public Policy and Management and John Glenn Institute of Public Service and Public Policy are co-sponsors of the project.

The essay topic is titled "The Internet and the Future of Democracy." Participants are expected to address such issues as the implications for democracy when a nearly real-time, two-way conversation between government and the governed is possible; roles of political leaders and political parties in the age of the Internet; and the effects of online voting on campaigns and democracy. Essays will be evaluated on the clarity and persuasiveness of the arguments made.

Eligible participants must be full-time college juniors or seniors at accredited U.S. institutions as of Nov. 15. The maximum essay length is 1,500 words. Cash prizes are $2,500 for second place, $1,500 for third place and $1,000 for fourth place. Awards are made possible by gifts from School of Public Policy and Management alumni. Winners will be notified in March.

Three copies of the essays must be sent to The Ohio State University School of Public Policy and Management, Public Policy Essay Competition, 2100 Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio, 43210. For contest details, visit the Web at http://ppm.ohio-state.edu.

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