For the 2016-2017 contest, students were challenged to address one of the most daunting current global challenges: the causes and consequences of today’s enormous refugee crisis, the largest movement of people since World War II. The 2016-2017 National High School Essay Contest asked students to take on the role of a member of the Foreign Service and provide recommendations to your ambassadors on how best to respond to the crisis, assist refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP) and help build peace. 

We recognize that it is no easy task to jump into the role of a diplomat, especially when confronted by such an urgent crisis. This guide was intended to provide a basic introduction to the topic at hand and some additional context that can assist you in answering the question, while still challenging you to develop your own unique response. In this guide you will find insights into the role of the Foreign Service; country, organization, and key-term briefs to provide a foundational understanding; and a list of other useful resources.