BELOIT, KS, September 18, 2026 — High school seniors across North Central Kansas are invited to participate in the 2026–2027 Rural Voices Youth Contest, sponsored by the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC). Students may submit an original essay or short video addressing this year’s theme, “Rural Kansas…Building What’s Next,” for the chance to receive a $1,000 award.
The NCRPC, based in Beloit, Kansas, has sponsored the annual contest since 2006 and has awarded more than $30,000 to local youth through the program.
Two winning entries will each receive $1,000 and the John R. Cyr Rural Voices Award, named in tribute to Cyr, who served as NCRPC Executive Director for 22 years. Winning entries will also be published on the NCRPC website.
The contest is open to high school seniors who live in or attend a public or private school within the 12-county NCRPC service area. Home-schooled students residing in the same area are also eligible. The service area includes Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, and Washington counties.
The entry deadline is February 1, 2027. Contest guidelines and the registration form are available at www.ncrpc.org/rural-voices-
###The North Central Regional Planning Commission is a comprehensive planning and development organization serving a 12-county region in North Central Kansas. Several of its programs and services also extend into much of Kansas. For more information about the NCRPC, visit www.ncrpc.org.
