The deadline for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) sixth annual State of the Union essay contest is noon on Friday. Sanders essay contest calls upon Vermont’s high school students to address what they view as the major issues facing the United States.

President Barack Obama will deliver his final State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress on Jan. 12.

Sanders’ annual essay contest is an opportunity for Vermont high school students to articulate what issues they would prioritize if they were president. A panel of Vermont teachers will judge the essays and select a winner. The 20 finalists will have their essays entered into the Congressional Record — the official archive of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

“Our youth are the future of our country — and they must be involved in the discussion about where our country needs to go. This is a great opportunity for students to articulate their views and have their voices heard,” said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee.

Since the contest was first held, more than 1,600 students from schools throughout Vermont have written essays on topics such as the declining middle class, climate change, health care reform, the rising cost of a college education, and many other issues.

The deadline to submit an essay is noon on Friday, Jan. 8. Essays can be submitted online. More information is available by calling (800) 339-9834.