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Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Host Contest Winners at Governor’s Mansion

Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. and Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo joins Governor Ron DeSantis to recognize student and educator winners

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Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month student and educator contest winners. Contest winners were invited to the Florida Governor’s Mansion where they received prizes and were recognized for their art, essays and educational contributions. This year, students wrote essays and created art that reflected the theme  “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.”  Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15.   “Florida has extensive Hispanic heritage, and many Hispanic Floridians have played a significant role in defending freedom and liberty,”  said Governor Ron DeSantis.  “We are proud to teach students about their important contributions and the role they have played in preserving freedom.”    “Hispanic Floridians have played a vital role in the history of our great state and continue to have a tremendous impact,”  said First Lady Casey DeSantis.  “This year’s theme honored the contributions Hispanic Floridians have made in ensuring that Florida and the United States continue to be a beacon of freedom for the rest of the world and I am proud of the students who participated in this year’s contest.”   “As Florida’s first Hispanic female Lieutenant Governor, I believe it is important to recognize the ideals and values that bind us together as Floridians and Americans,”  said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.  “ It is a privilege to work with our Governor and First Lady to ensure our students are learning about the positive contributions of Hispanics from all walks of life. So many leaders throughout our state’s history have made great strides to protect and defend freedom. This year’s participants were able to learn about Hispanic Floridians who have worked to secure a better future for the generations to come. I congratulate every one of this year’s winners.”   “Congratulations to the educators recognized and the art and essay contest winners celebrated for their outstanding work honoring the remarkable accomplishments of the Hispanic community in Florida,”  said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.  “As a Hispanic Floridian, it was heartwarming to learn about the many Hispanic Floridians who impacted our communities through their heroism and contributions to freedom.”   “We are proud to honor the great and varied contributions and influences of the Hispanic culture, as well as educating our future generations on the value of community and service to others,”  said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo . “Congratulations to all the art, essay and educator winners of this year’s contest.”     Student Art Contest Students in kindergarten through third grade were invited to submit original artworks for the contest. Four art contest winners were chosen, and each received a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. The winners of the student art contest are:

  • Norah Hall,  Grade 5, James E. Plew Elementary School, Okaloosa County
  • Angelica Urena , Grade 4, Sandpiper Elementary School, Broward County
  • Camila Romero , Grade 6, Alice B. Landrum Middle School, St. Johns County
  • Joseph Norman , Grade 7, Oakleaf Junior High School, Clay County
  • Jasmyn Cabral , Grade 12, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School, Polk County
  • Bella Jiron , Grade 12, School for Advanced Studies, Miami-Dade County

Excellence in Education Award The First Lady announced the four winners for the Excellence in Education Award Contest. The winners were selected from nominations sent in by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, and students. Excellence in Education Award winners received a $2,500 monetary recognition provided by Volunteer Florida. The Excellence in Education Award winners are:

  • Christopher Morales,  who teaches biology to 9 th  and 10 th  graders at Fort Myers High School in Lee County.
  • Fabiola Galarraga-Cole,  who teaches Spanish at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Collier County.
  • Nathalia Camacho Alzate,  who teaches Spanish at Cooper City High Schol in Broward County.
  • Rosario Silva (Del Valle),  who teaches Spanish to grades 7 through 12 at Doral Academy Charter Middle/High School in Miami-Dade County.

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Art and Essay Contests for Florida Students

Posted by Angela Small | Oct 30, 2023 | State of Florida News

Art and Essay Contests for Florida Students

Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Launch 2023 Native American Heritage Month Student Art and Essay Contests

Tallahassee, Fla .–  Today, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida encourage students to participate in Native American Heritage Month student contests with the theme  “Highlighting Native American Heroes and Their Accomplishments.”  Native American Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from November 1 to November 30.

“I am proud to celebrate the culture and heritage of Native Americans who enrich the value of our Nation.”  said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo . “During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the many contributions of Native American Floridians.”

“Native American Heritage Month serves as a great opportunity for Florida students to learn about the heroes of the Native American community and their accomplishments,”  said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.  “These heroes have played an important role in our state, and we are proud to recognize them.”

All Florida students are invited to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year’s theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

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The News Literacy Project

PitchIt! FLORIDA Student Essay Contest

Published on December 1, 2023 Events

Friday, May 24, 2024 11:59 PM EST

Contest Deadline: May 24, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST

Florida educators! Enter your students in our essay contest for a chance for both you and a student to win a gift card worth up to $100.

Contest Deadline: May 24, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST.

  • Nov. 1, 2023 – Feb. 16, 2024: Educator RSVP is open! Suggested time frame to teach using Checkology ® virtual classroom and other NLP resources. (All free!)
  • Feb. 19 – March 15, 2024: Regular essay submission period. Suggested time frame to teach using Checkology® virtual classroom and other free NLP resources.
  • March 18 – May 24, 2024: Extended entry submission period. Suggested time frame to workshop essays for submission.
  • May 24: Absolute essay submission deadline.

Student voice is a catalyst for positive change in schools and communities. For this reason, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), in partnership with the News Literacy Project, is hosting a writing contest to empower Florida students to be civically informed and engaged.

The PitchIt! Florida student essay contest is an opportunity for students to write about some of the most important topics of our time and explore how they can help combat misinformation or work to protect freedom of the press.

TEACHING AND LEARNING GOALS

Teachers have an authentic and engaging writing assignment that amplifies student voices and explores issues aligned to district curricula, standards and required topics, such as the First Amendment.

Students analyze different types of misinformation and show the ability to think critically about what is and is not verifiable information.

Students apply their news and media literacy skills to solve the misinformation problem.

Students develop their 21st century civics and media literacy skills (see our Google Drive documents, academic contexts and connections).

“Our learning goals for this contest include helping students analyze different types of misinformation and showcasing their ability to think critically about what is and is not verifiable information. When we fail to teach news literacy, we actively disempower students from being engaged members of their communities. That’s why we hope students and teachers from across the district will enter and participate.”— Monica Valdes , social studies and film teacher, M-DCPS

The below are given for each grade band in 6-8 and 9-12.

  • GRAND PRIZE – PITCH: $100 gift card scholarship for student winner, gift card for teacher and a school banner celebrating both.
  • FIRST PLACE – ESSAY $75 gift card (teacher and student)
  • SECOND PLACE – ESSAY $50 gift card (teacher and student)
  • THIRD PLACE – ESSAY $25 gift card (teacher and student)

Note: First-, second- and third place essay winners will prepare a presentation to “pitch” in the virtual PitchIt! Grand Prize event on Zoom (date TBA) and receive feedback from working journalists. The Grand Prize winners will be chosen at this time.

This contest is open to middle and high school students in Florida who participate with support from a teacher. Schools are encouraged to conduct their own internal essay competition to coordinate, and teachers submit their top three essays per grade band (6-8 and 9-12).

Educators are provided with free resources, as well as planning and organizational support for instructional purposes in the PitchIt! Student Essay Contest folder on NLP’s Google Drive. Join the NewsLitNation Facebook Group for additional tips on how to best blend key news literacy concepts into your existing curriculum.

For this project, students will write a 500- to 1,000-word essay in response to one of the news literacy writing prompts, using a news article as inspiration. Submitted essays will be judged by NLP ambassadors.

The selected first- through third-place essay contest prize winners (three from middle school and three from high school) then compete at the virtual PitchIt! Grand Prize event, where they receive real-time feedback from journalists on their “pitch,” a presentation about their essay topic. The grand prize winners will be chosen at this time.

LEARNING TASK AND CHOOSING THE ESSAY TOPIC

News literacy is the ability to determine the credibility of news and other content to identify different types of information and to use the standards of fact-based journalism to determine what to trust, share and act on. Being news literate also means recognizing the critical role of the First Amendment and a free press in a democracy and interacting with news and information in ways that promote engaged participation in civic life.

Students will be able to develop critical thinking and news literacy skills to find reliable information to make decisions, take action and responsibly share news through social media.

Students compose an essay in response to one of the news literacy writing prompts below, discussing how it relates to a local, national or international news article of their choice. They should form a thesis based on their chosen prompt and aim to convince their audience that the thesis is accurate and valid.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Students will be evaluated using the PitchIt! rubric found among the PitchIt! Student Essay Contest documents in Google Drive. Teachers should provide students with a written copy of the rubric and relevant supporting materials.

  • Step 1. Teacher introduces the writing assignment to students, the rubric*  and the process by which the top essays will advance. News literacy topics are explored with students as they relate to the curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to use the free educator resources on NewsLitNation ® and the Checkology ® virtual classroom on topics like the First Amendment.More resources are at the M-DCPS library, which includes access to The New York Times, articles on ProQuest or any other available sources.
  • Step 2. Students work with their teacher to select a news article/topic, picking one of the prompts below to follow in writing the essay. Encourage students to use the student planning document* as an outline and review the essay formatting requirements before handing in a final draft.
  • Step 3. Teachers choose up to five student essays per grade, per school, and submit with cover letter via email to Monica Valdes, Florida’s NewsLitNation ambassador: [email protected] . While not required, we encourage schools to conduct their own internal essay contest to establish the top essays for submission.
  • Step 4. NLP’s educator panel selects six essays (three from middle school and three from high school) to advance to the Grand Prize phase of the contest (the “pitch”!).
  • Step 5. Panel notifies the teacher by May 24, 2024. The selected students then begin creating a visual presentation of their essay (PowerPoint or Google Slides) no more than three minutes in length, to compete in the final phase of the contest.
  • Step 6. First-, second- and third-place essay winners make their three-minute presentation (“pitch”) to a panel of journalists during the PitchIt! Florida Grand Prize event on Zoom and receive personalized feedback. Panelists choose the Grand Prize winners for middle school and high school competitors, who will be awarded during the event.

*Click here for the Google Drive folder with PitchIt! educator resources. 

Students should pick one of the following prompts: 

  • Prompt #1: Explain how the First Amendment protects freedom of the press. Use a recent local, national or international news story to illustrate the importance of freedom of the press and how other freedoms are required to protect it.
  • Prompt #2: What steps should someone take to fact-check statements by a public figure? What are the potential consequences of sharing it online? Consider a recent event in the news to analyze the ways in which the press can hold public figures accountable for what they say and share publicly.
  • Prompt #3: People have civic responsibilities, things they should do but are not required by law. Explain which news literacy skills are essential to responsible civic participation by example of a recent event in the news.
  • Prompt #4: Social media platforms are under increased public pressure to fact-check online content generated and shared by users. Which news literacy standards should social media platforms adopt to evaluate fact from fiction? Support your answer with real-world examples in the news media.
  • Prompt #5: What is the role of the media in our society, and how can we become responsible consumers and producers of news and information in the digital age? Support your answer with real-world examples in the news.
  • Prompt #6: How does confirmation bias, stereotyping and other cognitive biases impact how we interpret events, news and information? What are potential consequences of not verifying the accuracy of such information? Analyze a current news event with these multiple issues in mind for your essay.
  • Submission must be original, unpublished work of one student.
  • Essay is between 500-1,000 words, clearly addressing one of the prompts.
  • Essay is typed in 12-point, Times New Roman, double-spaced with 1” margins and numbered pages.
  • Submissions must have a title.
  • Students must include at least three credible sources to support their thesis.
  • Proper citation of sources is required.
  • Only five essays from each grade may be submitted per school.
  • Essays must be proofread and should follow the rules for standard English (grammar, punctuation, mechanics) in writing. See Purdue Owl Grammar .
  • A cover page MUST be included with the following information: student name, student ID, grade level, student’s complete address, best phone number for student, school’s name, principal’s name, teacher’s name, best phone number and email address for teacher and title of essay.
  • Finalists must be able to virtually participate in the PitchIt! Grand Prize event, with camera on, and submit a media release form (date TBA).

SUBMISSION:

Schools/teachers should submit their top five winning essays per grade with required cover letter via email to: Monica Valdes, Florida news literacy ambassador, [email protected] . Entries must be received by May 24, 2024.

Is there a submission fee? No fees! Better yet, there is no catch. All our educator resources are free, including Checkology !

What does “teacher support” mean? Successful writers are made through direct instruction. Teachers are encouraged to support students in both content selection and the writing process. The teacher’s name and contact information must be indicated in the cover letter as the primary point of contact regarding the entry.

How are the essays judged? During the first phase of the contest, essays are reviewed by news literacy ambassadors for readability, accuracy and originality, using the PitchIt! Rubric . Successful essays are about a local, national or international story that would have benefited from news literacy skills being applied to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, consider the impact a story had, and whether false claims about it could be debunked using reputable and verifiable sources of information.

Do you have essay tips for the students? Essays must have a recognizable beginning (opening or introduction), multiple body paragraphs and a conclusion. See Purdue Owl Argumentative Essays . Hook the reader with a strong opener. Readers will use the first few sentences to decide whether they will read the whole essay. Keep your paragraphs short. Popular essays tend to average three sentences per paragraph. Submit thoroughly thought-out, tightly focused essays. Originality is also important. In the conclusion, include a call to action . Encourage readers to take some positive steps. For instance, if you’ve given them a list of tips, prompt them to put some of the tips into practice.

How is the “pitch” judged? The first-, second- and third-place essay winners advance to the Grand Prize event phase of the contest. To prepare, they must create a visual presentation based on their essay theme. During the event they will each have three minutes to “pitch” their essay idea to a panel of journalists and will receive real-time feedback. Student presentations will be judged for creativity, delivery, impact and accuracy during the event.

Who can participate? The PitchIt! contest is open to all middle and high school students in the State of Florida. If you live in Pennsylvania, Colorado or New York, please visit the main PitchIt! page for details.

What document formats are accepted? The following formats are accepted: Microsoft Word, PDF, Google Doc.

How are the finalists announced? Email notifications will be sent to teachers by early May.

I have more questions! Questions about NLP resources can be directed to Terry Berna, educator success manager, [email protected] , or you can submit a request via the NLP Education Help Center or the NewsLitNation Facebook Group . Questions about rules can be directed to Miriam Romais, director of NewsLitNation, at [email protected] , and questions about entries can be directed to our Florida ambassador Monica Valdes at [email protected] .

More Updates

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Livestream: Vetting election information

The News Literacy Project is hosting a panel of experts who work with the military community for a virtual discussion about common types of election-related misinformation and practical tips and tools for finding reliable news sources before voting.

Published on May 17, 2024 Updates

NLP defines news literacy for Encyclopedia Britannica entry 

In a recent update to Encyclopedia Britannica, Pamela Brunskill, the News Literacy Project’s senior director of education, broke down the meaning of news literacy. She detailed how to assess different types of information, understand the First Amendment, detect misinformation and practice civic responsibility. “News literacy teaches people how to think critically about timely issues and…

Published on May 8, 2024 NLP in the News

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Why press freedom matters: The case of Evan Gershkovich

Paul Beckett, assistant editor at the Wall Street Journal, spoke to NLP about press freedom and the imprisonment of reporter Evan Gershkovich.

Published on May 6, 2024 Updates

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Sophia Fleming Scholarship

Open to Clay County High School seniors

2023-2024 Essay Topic:

"The United States of America: What it Means to Me"

The Sophia Fleming Scholarship Essay Contest is sponsored by the Sophia Fleming Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, located in Clay County, Florida.  The Sophia Fleming Scholarship was founded by an anonymous donor in 2009 in order to further educational opportunities for high school seniors in Clay County, Florida.  The chapter will award one $1000 scholarship.

The Sophia Fleming Scholarship Essay Contest is open to all Clay County, Florida high school seniors who are planning post-graduate study.  The post-graduate school of choice may be a university, vocational school, academy, or any other post-high school educational institution.  No GPA is required for entry into this scholarship contest.

Deadline: February 16, 2024

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Congratulations to our 2021 Black History Month Essay Contest Winners!

We would like to give a big congratulations to our Black History Month scholarship essay contest winners. In celebration of Black History Month, we are proud to announce three exceptional students that recently were awarded a 4-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship!

Each student was tasked with writing an essay that highlights the theme, “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in Florida’s Communities.” We are thrilled to be a part of celebrating Black History Month, alongside Volunteer Florida and the Governor and First Lady DeSantis. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation has been a sponsor of the student contest for the past 19 years.

Essay Contest Winners:

Elementary School Winner: Brynley Ashraf, High Springs Community School, Alachua County

Brynley wrote about her school resource officer, Officer Adam Joy, who serves their community not only through his profession, but by giving back through his involvement with numerous organizations.

Middle School Winner:  Harper Schuknecht, Sebring Middle School, Highlands County

Harper wrote about Joseph E. Lee, one of the first Black Floridians to practice law in our state who served as a judge as well as in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate.

High School Winner: Valeria Alfonzo Molina, Belleview High School, Marion County

Valeria wrote about James Weldon Johnson, a Florida-born educator, poet, novelist, journalist, anthologist, diplomat, lyricist, lawyer and civil rights activist.

To hear more from First Lady DeSantis click here .

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Your donation will be used in furtherance of the tax-exempt charitable purposes of Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”). All donations are received and considered unrestricted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the donor. If funds received exceed the specific need or goal of a Foundation program, then, at the discretion of the Foundation, any funds donated may be used for similar scholarship programs operated by the Foundation.

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Writing is an extremely important part of success in high school, college, and life in general. For some students, writing is also an intricate part of who they are and how they express themselves. If you are someone who loves English class and is genuinely excited about a new creative writing assignment, then you should keep reading! Writing scholarships, creative writing scholarships, and essay scholarships are great ways to put your talent to use.

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“Mom to Scholar” Scholarship for Mothers This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Maria Geiger

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college… Show More

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college degree. This scholarship is funded by Scholarships360’s own Maria Geiger, who started her journey toward a B.A. at the same time that her oldest son Will started college. Maria knows firsthand how challenging it is to raise a family, have a job outside the home, and attend college, but would not change the way she did things for the world. Mothers who have a desire to earn their college degree bring unique perspectives that greatly enhance their learning experiences; for some, motherhood is a vocation that enlightens like no other. If you are a mother over the age of 35 who feels that the time is right to begin your academic or career journey, please apply! Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic… Show More

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic year) or have heard stories from those enrolled, you already know! “Gutsy” means courageous and determined, which nearly all successful graduate students are. Why else would one continue on with rigorous academics while often living on a shoestring? The rewards of graduate school are numerous, especially the more focused and advanced level of specialized study in your chosen field. Learning with like-minded people who share your passion is fulfilling, and the networking is awesome. The flipside of graduate school is the costly student loans to fund it. With this in mind, the "Gutsy" Graduate Student Essay Scholarship aims to help out a passionate graduate student who is actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Good luck on your educational journey, and we hope to read your application!  Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2024 is open to just who you think: high school seniors graduating in the class of… Show More

The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2024 is open to just who you think: high school seniors graduating in the class of 2024! Here at Scholarships360, scholarships are our passion–we know that you can never have enough of them! After all, scholarships are essentially “free money” to help fund your education. We want to help out a lucky high school senior who is just starting out on their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We hope that you apply and look forward to reading your application! Show Less

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500… Show More

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essay. Good luck! Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500… Show More

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is meant for high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 or 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. In order to apply, you must write an essay about how your passion for STEM started and how the scholarship will help you fulfill your dreams. No matter which STEM field ignites your interest, we look forward to reading your essays. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Apply today - it’s time to cell-e-brate you! Show Less

“A Helping Hand” Scholarship

“A Helping Hand” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult… Show More

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income backgrounds or for those who demonstrate financial need. This is where our “A Helping Hand” Scholarship comes in! We're offering a $500 scholarship to help out a low-income student who is passionate about their higher education journey and is actively looking for ways to fund it. This award is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. In order to apply, students should submit an essay detailing how winning the scholarship would help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career… Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship

“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range… Show More

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range of students in a wide range of majors. If starting your postsecondary education at a community college is right for you, we have a scholarship just for you! The “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship aims to financially support community college students who are passionate about their higher education journeys and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply for the “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay explaining how earning their degree at community college will help them achieve their educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!  Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship

“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter… Show More

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

Ocean Awareness Art Contest

Ocean Awareness Art Contest This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Are you an 11–18 year old passionate about the creative arts and/or the environment? Consider applying for Bow Seat's Ocean Awareness Contest! The 2024 Ocean… Show More

Are you an 11–18 year old passionate about the creative arts and/or the environment? Consider applying for Bow Seat's Ocean Awareness Contest! The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest – Tell Your Climate Story – encourages students to become climate witnesses and creatively share their personal experiences about our changing climate reality. Submit works of visual art, creative writing, poetry, spoken word, music, dance, film, and more for a chance to win cash awards of up to $1,000 and to join the world’s largest environmental youth community for the creative arts! Show Less

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged) This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Ayn Rand Institute

Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for reading, writing, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand? If so, we may… Show More

Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for reading, writing, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest! Each year, the contest asks its applicants to write an 800 - 1,600 word essay in which they analyze and make an argument about an aspect or plot point of the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Nine prizes of varying amounts are awarded each year, with a grand prize of $25,000! If you’re familiar with Atlas Shrugged, can make a convincing argument, and want to make some cash, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Minecraft Scholarship

Minecraft Scholarship

Offered by Apex Hosting

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the… Show More

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Minecraft Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship offers $2,000 to one applicant who best writes about how Minecraft can positively influence one’s education and career development. The scholarship is offered by Apex Hosting, a Minecraft server provider dedicated to supporting both new and experienced server administrators. If you’re a high schooler or college student with a love for Minecraft, it’s time to put your passion to good use and apply to the Minecraft Scholarship! Show Less

Top 10 essay scholarships in 2024

Our editors hand-picked the following 10 essay scholarships with an eye for large awards, prestigious organizations, and scholarships that are open to a wide variety of students. Apply with confidence to the following essay scholarships:

  • Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship – For high school seniors with financial need, worth up to $55,000 per year
  • Questbridge College Match – For high school seniors with financial need, offers a full ride to college
  • The Gates Scholarship – For low-income minority high school seniors, offers a full ride to college
  • Tylenol Future Care Scholarship – For students enrolling in medical, nursing, or pharmacy school, worth $5,000-$10,000
  • Regeneron Science Talent Search – For high school seniors interested in pursuing an individual STEM research project. Worth anywhere between $2,000 and $250,000
  • Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship – For high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or a business field. Worth up to $20,000
  • Horatio Alger Undergraduate Scholarships – For high school students with high financial need, worth up to $49,000
  • Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship – For high school seniors with high financial need who plan to study computer science in college. Worth $10,000 per year
  • Ron Brown Scholarship – For Black high school seniors who plan to study global entrepreneurship and/or community engagement. Worth $10,000 per year
  • Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship – For undocumented high school seniors and college freshmen with high financial need living in a state where public colleges do not offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. Worth $20,000 per year

Creative writing scholarships

Are you a writer who loves fiction, poetry, and screenplays? If so, you can put those talents to use by applying for creative writing scholarships.

Creative writing scholarships are a subset of writing scholarships that support students who enjoy writing poetry, fictional stories, plays, and generally using their imagination to guide their writing.

Here are the top creative writing college scholarships that you can apply for:

HelpTeaching.com Scholarship

  • Eligibility: High school and college students who submit a educational short story or informational article (400-800 words) for young students
  • Amount : $1,000
  • Deadline: June 1st of every year

Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest

  • Eligibility: Teens aged 9-12 who write about their own cancer journey or a family member in a maximum of 1,500 words.
  • Deadline: Late March

YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

  • Eligibility: Students 19 years old or younger who submit an original one-act play between 10-40 minutes in length (10-page minimum). Multiple winners may receive up to $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS.
  • Amount: $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS
  • Deadline: Early May

National High School Poetry Contest

  •   Eligibility:  U.S. high school students who submit a poem 20 lines or less that is unpublished, the sole work of the entrant, and not entered in any other concurrent contest.
  • Amount: Up to $500.
  • Deadline:  Rolling

The Narrative Prize

  • Eligibility: Students who submit a short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction.
  • Amount: $4,000
  • Deadline:  Mid-June

Also see:  Top writing summer programs for high school students

College-specific creative writing scholarships

Some colleges and universities may also offer specific scholarships and financial aid to students with a talent in creative writing! Check with the colleges on your list for these college-specific creative writing opportunities!

Note that some of these scholarships may have requirements for winning students that stipulate that they take a certain number of creative writing classes when enrolled in the college.

Kenyon Writing Award

High school seniors can apply for this scholarship program at Kenyon College which offers up to $15,000 per year of merit based aid. It is based off of your portfolio and does not take into account financial need, high school GPA , or other factors. Submissions typically have to be in by January of your senior year.

Related:  How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Students

The scholarship is open to students in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida who have completed at least one full year at an accredited Florida College and are majoring in Film, Computer Animation, Creative Writing, Motion Design, or Illustration. Five recipients will earn a $2,000 award. The application deadline is July 31st of the current year.

Lycoming College Creative Writing Scholarship

The scholarship is open to students majoring in Creative Writing at Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA and must submit five poems and/or a short story not to exceed ten pages. Six recipients will be selected and can earn up to $3,000. The scholarship deadline for the Fall 2023 Class is March 1, 2023.  

Arkansas Tech University Gwaltney Scholarship

The scholarship is open to ATU students who submit individual works of fiction to the Department of English. Recipients earn a one-time cash award every year. The deadline to submit your entry is 2 weeks before the end of the spring semester.

Lake Forest College Carnegie English Essay Contest

The contest is open to first-year students of Lake Forest College who plan to study English either through the literature or creative writing track and submit an essay, between 500 and 1,000 words answering a designated prompt. Four winners will be awarded $2,500 annually. Submission deadline is March 1, 2023.

Austin Peay State University Creative Writing Scholarships

The scholarships are open to undergraduate and incoming APSU students who email a 10-20 page manuscript of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction, to Lakota Withrow at [email protected] . Awards are for $600 or $1,200. The deadline to apply is March 18th.

Scholarship essay resources

When it comes to writing and essay scholarships, your writing skills will be put to the test. You’ll have to adapt your writing to specific styles in order to effectively and succinctly communicate your ambitions and potential. We have a host of resources to help you perform well in this arena and stand out from the crowd.

  • How to start your scholarship essay (with examples)
  • How to write a “why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay
  • What’s the best scholarship essay format?
  • How to write a 250 word essay
  • How to write a 500 word essay
  • How to write an essay about yourself

Frequently asked questions about writing scholarships

Do i have to major in english to earn a writing or essay scholarship, where can i get help proofreading my scholarship essays, how much should i write if there is no word limit on the application, explore these other scholarship categories:.

  • Scholarships for English majors
  • Easy scholarships
  • Top scholarships for high school seniors
  • Top creative writing scholarships
  • Top scholarships for journalism students
  • Top short story scholarships

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United States District Court

Middle district of florida, timothy j. corrigan, chief united states district judge • elizabeth warren, clerk of court, search form, you are here, 2023 high school essay contest - tampa | information for teachers.

This is the logo for the 2023 High School Essay Contest - Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

—INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS—

This guide provides information for teachers as to how the essay prompt aligns with the Florida high school curriculum standards and how teachers may promote the essay contest in their classrooms. The Contest Rules , submission requirements, and deadlines are available on the Middle District's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov .

We hope you will encourage your students to participate in the 2023 essay contest. Some teachers will qualify for a $500 classroom grant, and the school with the most qualifying submissions will receive $1,000. The schools with the second and third most qualifying submissions will receive $500 and $250. Accordingly, your students may ask for your contact information to include in their online contest Entry Form . In promoting the essay contest to your students, you may want to emphasize the benefits listed below and review with them or direct them to the Contest Home Page , which includes links to the Contest Rules and past winning essays.

  • Cash prizes for the top ten winners.
  • Grants for teachers and school.
  • Recognition ceremony on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., in Courtroom 14 B, at the  Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse .
  • Opportunity to shadow a federal judge.
  • Opportunity to create a writing sample for college and scholarship applications.
  • Opportunity to develop research skills and learn more about the historical and enduring significance of the phrase, "no taxation without representation," as embodied in the Constitution.

The essay prompt aligns with several English Language Arts and Social Studies CPALMS and BEST standards: CPALMS SS.912.CG.2; CPALMS SS.912.S.6; CPALMS SS.912.S.7; CPALMS SS.912.S.8; BEST ELA Standard C.4.1; BEST ELA Standard C.1.2.

The essays will be scored by lawyers and  judges in the Tampa Division . Their decisions will be final. The essay graders will evaluate the essays based on the following categories, which directly align with CPALMS and BEST standards as indicated:

  • Identification of Personal Example : An above average essay will identify a personal example in which the concept of "governance without a say" applies to the student’s life and effectively explain why that example was selected. 
  • Analysis & Coherence : An above average essay will analyze and explain how the Constitution embodies the concept of "no taxation without representation" by reference to specific language in the Constitution itself and to external sources such as Supreme Court decisions, legislative history, or commentaries, and will articulate how the Constitutional language applies to the personal example identified.
  • Creativity :  An above average essay will be creative, thought-provoking, and interesting.
  • Writing Style & Proofreading: An above average essay will contain few to no punctuation, spelling and/or capitalization errors and use precise, topic-appropriate language and vocabulary.

—Links to Essay Contest Information—

Contest Home Page

Contest Rules

Essay Prompt

Top 10 Finalists Announced for the 2023 High School Essay Contest - Tampa

Winners Announced for the 2023 High School Essay Contest - Tampa

Here are the 2024 Leon County high school Best & Brightest award winners

florida scholarship essay contests

Now in its 19th year, Leon County's “Best & Brightest” scholarship program honors the academic achievements of local high school students. On Wednesday, May 15, the awards program held at FSU’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall recognized 134 talented seniors from public and private schools — and home schoolers — in 15 categories.

“The schools choose their most qualified students through their direct involvement with the academic growth of these fine young people," Laura Rogers, Program Director of the Best & Brightest, said.

Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and a trophy. Runners-up and honorable mentions receive scholarships of $750 and $500, respectively, and trophies. All other finalists receive a $100 scholarship in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments.

The Best & Brightest Eighth Grade Essay contest also honors 59 students who are the top three-ranking essayists from their middle schools. Those top winners will receive $100 to $500, and all essayists earn a certificate of recognition.

Here are the 2024 winners:

Art category

  • Winner: Liana Rieger, Leon High School
  • Runner-up: Onyinye Okoli, Florida State University Schools
  • Honorable Mention: Mary Clayton Soto, Maclay School

Athletics category

  • Winner: Patrick Koon, Leon High School
  • Runner-Up: Ashlyn Koerner, Lincoln High School
  • Honorable mention: Cannon Ramsey, Florida State University Schools

Business category

  • Winner: Kevin Wang, Rickards High School
  • Runner-Up: Lydia Zhao, Lincoln High School
  • Honorable Mention: Kaylee Sandell, Leon High School

Career/Technical category

  • Winner : Nia Sampson, Lincoln High School
  • Runner-Up: Abhigna Konanur, Rickards High School
  • Honorable Mention : Karen Liang, Chiles High School

Drama & Performing Arts category

  • Winner: Arts Oliver Jacobs, SAIL High School
  • Runner-Up: Louis Dearman, Maclay School
  • Honorable Mention: Ella Leaman, Lincoln High School

English & Language Arts category

  • Winner: Sophia Krizner, Maclay School
  • Runner-Up: Camille Friall, Leon High School
  • Honorable Mention: Dilahan Cavusoglu, Florida State University Schools

Journalism & Media Production category

  • Winner: Leah Kiros, Maclay School
  • Runner-Up: Dream Hogan, FAMU Developmental Research School
  • Honorable Mention : Amelia Haggins, Leon High School

Leadership category

  • Winner: Helen Conn, Leon High School
  • Runner-Up: Madeleine Byrd, Florida State University Schools
  • Honorable mention: Copeland Frazee, Maclay School

Mathematics category

  • Winner: Navya Kommu, Rickards High School
  • Runner-Up: Nima Mollaei, Chiles High School
  • Honorable Mention: Samuel Plettl, Community Leadership Academy

Music category

  • Winner : Alexandra Jones, Leon High School
  • Runner-Up: Mary Caitlin Boulo, Leon County Home School
  • Honorable Mention : Kyla Rogers, Florida State University Schools

Public Speaking category

  • Winner: Kinleigh Bass, Chiles High School
  • Runner-Up: Victoria McQueen, Leon High School
  • Honorable Mention : Venkat Maddipoti, Maclay School

Science & Health category

  • Winner: Shiv Patel, Maclay School
  • Runner-Up: Sarayu Vanga, Rickards High School
  • Honorable Mention : Shaoyang Ma, Chiles High School

Social Science category

  • Honorable Mention: Gillian Tran, Leon High School
  • Runner-Up : Zoe Rubin, Florida State University Schools
  • Winner : Velan Thanasekar, Rickards High School

Technology category

  • Winner: James Zhang, Chiles High School
  • Runner-Up: Anaia Larkins, Leon High School
  • Honorable Mention: Nevaeh Green, FAMU Developmental Research School

World Languages category

  • Winner: Eryn Files, Florida State University Schools
  • Runner-Up: Heewon Seo, Chiles High School
  • Honorable Mention: Geetika Kosuri, Rickards High School

Spirit Award

  • Helen Conn, Leon High School

About the Best & Brightest

The annual awards are organized by  World Class Schools of Leon County , a program of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

The Best & Brightest Awards was launched 19 years ago by Ron Sachs to recognize young leaders’ selfless service to others and the collective impact they make on our community.  Sachs Media  continues to support the program as a major sponsor, along with the  Tallahassee Democrat .

Best & Brightest’s presenting sponsor,  Envision Credit Union  has underwritten the scholarships for this program since its inception, giving over $695,000 in scholarships to students.

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$2,024 Bridget DeVine x Niche Scholarship

Whether you’re a musical theatre major like me or you’re pursuing a PHD, college is SO expensive! This is why I have partnered with Niche for this $2,024 NO ESSAY scholarship to kick the new year off right (by saving money!!)

The Bridget DeVine scholarship is here to provide you with the opportunity to win some extra money without the added stress that comes along with writing scholarship essays and filling out tedious applications. I’m so happy and excited that one of you will win $2,024 !! Thank you so much to Niche for this wonderful opportunity and good luck to all those applying!

This scholarship has ended

Be sure to check out all the scholarships we offer on Niche!

Who Can Apply

All high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Please note: Not everyone is eligible for this scholarship. Niche sponsored scholarships and sweepstakes are for people with US citizenship or a valid Visa/US passport only. Read the scholarship rules for eligibility requirements. Questions? Find more information on Niche scholarships here or visit our FAQs .

How It Works

Only one entry allowed per person. One winner will be selected at random from the entries received. Scholarship winner will be notified by email.

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Broward County Public Schools announces National Merit Scholarship winners

Veronica Crespo , Digital Journalist

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County Public Schools has announced the winners of this year’s prestigious National Merit Scholarships.

Seven graduating high school seniors were awarded $2,500 from National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

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BCPS National Merit Scholarship winners:

· Patrick Fung, McFatter Technical High School (National Merit $2,500 Scholarship)

· Ingrid J. Groose, Flanagan High School (National Merit $2,500 Scholarship)

· Arya Gujarathi, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (National Merit $2,500 Scholarship)

· Badrinath Konidala, Cypress Bay High School (National Merit $2,500 Scholarship)

· Marcela Lopez, Cypress Bay High School (Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship)

· Marcos S. Ortega, West Broward High School (National Merit $2,500 Scholarship)

· Haoran Shi, West Broward High School (National Merit $2,500 Scholarship)

The winners represent the finalists in each state who demonstrated the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in challenging college coursework. These scholarships can be used at any regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

Corporate-sponsored scholarships are offered to finalists who meet the specific criteria of the sponsoring organization.

From an initial pool of semifinalists, more than 15,000 students met the rigorous academic standards and other requirements to advance to the final state.

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$10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024

$10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024

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florida scholarship essay contests

Scholarship details

Area of study, country of the scholarship, scholarship valid until (year), type of scholarship, scholarship amount given, type of scholarship administrator, mode of scholarship (online/offline), applier's country, expenses covered, scholarship contact details.

The $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024, is a prestigious scholarship opportunity aimed at celebrating the enduring legacy of Ayn Rand and fostering critical thinking and philosophical exploration among Australian students. Organized by the Ayn Rand Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the ideas of individualism, free markets, and personal responsibility, this contest offers a platform for students to engage deeply with Rand’s philosophy through educational programs and scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Provider

The Ayn Rand Institute, the organizer of this contest, is a renowned non-profit organization committed to advancing Rand’s ideas. The Institute focuses on promoting Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes individualism, rational self-interest, and laissez-faire capitalism. Through educational programs, publications, and scholarships, the Ayn Rand Institute aims to inspire and support the next generation of thinkers who are passionate about these principles.

Host Country Overview

Australia, the host country for the 2024 essay contest, is a diverse and vibrant nation known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strong commitment to education. With world-class universities and a thriving academic community, Australia provides an ideal setting for students to engage with Ayn Rand’s ideas and explore their own philosophical beliefs.

Eligible Applicants

The $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024, is open to:

  • High school students
  • Undergraduate students
  • Graduate students
  • Aspiring writers of all ages

Participants should be passionate about philosophy and interested in exploring themes of individualism, capitalism, and Objectivism in their essays. Participants are encouraged to delve into Ayn Rand’s works and draw upon her philosophy to craft compelling arguments that resonate with contemporary issues and societal concerns.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship benefits include:

  • A grand prize of $10,000 for the winning essay entry
  • Additional prizes for runners-up
  • Publication of the winning essay on the Ayn Rand Institute website
  • Recognition for intellectual achievements

Level and Field of Study

The essay contest is open to students from all disciplines and academic backgrounds. Whether studying literature, philosophy, economics, or any other subject area, participants are welcome to join this thought-provoking competition that encourages critical thinking and creative expression.

Application Process

To apply for the $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, participants must:

  • Submit an original essay of no more than 1,500 words on a topic related to Ayn Rand’s philosophy or works.
  • Ensure that essays are clear in argumentation, original in thought, and engaging with relevant themes.

Essays will be judged based on clarity of argumentation, originality of thought, and engagement with relevant themes.

Eligible Countries

The essay contest is open to:

  • Australian students
  • Students from neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region

Students from diverse backgrounds and academic institutions are encouraged to submit their entries and contribute to a stimulating intellectual dialogue that transcends borders.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the $10,000 scholarship prize, applicants must:

  • Adhere to the word count limit of 1,500 words
  • Follow the specified formatting guidelines
  • Meet the submission deadline
  • Carefully review and meet all eligibility criteria set forth by the Ayn Rand Institute

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply for the essay contest by:

  • Visiting the official website of the Ayn Rand Institute.
  • Following the detailed instructions on how to submit entries electronically.
  • Carefully reading through all guidelines before preparing their essays to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024, is June 30, 2024. Applicants are advised to submit their materials well before the deadline to ensure consideration.

Application Link

For more information about the $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia and to access the online application form, visit the Ayn Rand Institute website .

The $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024, offers an incredible opportunity for students passionate about philosophy and critical thinking to explore Ayn Rand’s ideas in depth. By participating in this contest, students not only compete for significant financial rewards but also gain recognition for their intellectual efforts. This scholarship program serves as a beacon for aspiring philosophers and writers, encouraging them to engage with profound themes that impact contemporary society. Apply today and take the first step toward making a meaningful contribution to philosophical discourse.

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florida scholarship essay contests

Title: Master the Art of Writing: Top Essay Writing Contests of 2024 for Students

May 20, 2024 | Education

florida scholarship essay contests

Showcasing Your Talent: Essay Writing Contests of 2024 for Students

Writing competitions for college students provide an engaging platform for writers to explore topics that excite them. They accomplish several goals. First, contests encourage careful thought organization and provide detailed research and unrestricted creativity. Second, they let participants be a part of a lively writing community. Engaging in such activity offers the captivating prospect of receiving acknowledgment for one’s abilities and the chance to earn travel costs, cash prizes, and scholarships.

Writing is one of those extracurricular hobbies that you can do whenever it’s convenient for you, and it doesn’t have to cost you anything. If during the summer break you can easily write essays with the thought “I want to write my paper even better”, then it’s definitely something you enjoy. Moreover, the benefits of involvement don’t stop after taking home the coveted top spot. Many contests offer various awards in different categories, and the judges’ insightful commentary may help you identify areas for growth and advance your writing career. Unquestionably, winning one of these competitions adds prestige to your college application. Want to take part and show your skills? We’ve listed the top contests this year.

Types of Writing Competitions for High School Students

You may discover a writing competition is possible regardless of your skills and academic background. The following are the most well-known categories:

  • Contests for creative writing provide an opportunity to display your skills. Reviewing committees carefully select entries with vivid descriptions and original storylines that grab readers’ attention.
  • Short story competitions, a subgenre of creative writing, offer an engaging challenge: expressing your originality within a word count. This is when your editing and organizing abilities shine.
  • Essay contests for students are common, especially in disciplines like physics, philosophy, and the social sciences. These writing competitions sharpen your critical thinking abilities by making you create a strong thesis statement and thoroughly investigate the subject you have selected.
  • Should you find great satisfaction in rhythm, imagery, and the vivid portrayal of feelings, you have all the necessary elements to excel in a poetry contest.
  • Fiction and nonfiction essay contests for long-form writing provide a special challenge: creating engaging narratives using storytelling devices. Fiction prompts might explore a variety of genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, or historical fiction.

Remember that every submission you make is an invaluable learning opportunity that will help you advance in your writing career, even if you are not successful in every competition.

How Essay Writing Contests Benefit You

Essay writing contests draw authors because of the promise of grand prizes and publication, but participation is valuable regardless of the outcome. These contests provide a unique training ground that enables writers to grow and reach new heights:

  • Essay competitions usually center on specific subjects or prompts. They encourage you to explore new intellectual horizons and try various writing techniques. This constant practice helps you become more adept at crafting compelling stories and improving your writing style.
  • Feedback from judges on submitted entries is a feature of many essay contests. This priceless resource of insightful critique provides an unbiased assessment of your writing abilities and shortcomings.
  • Competitions often come with deadlines, which can be a solid motivator to cultivate a consistent writing routine. Meeting deadlines necessitates discipline and effective time management — essential qualities for any writer.
  • Entering a contest is a low-risk way to get a taste of the publishing world. They enable you to evaluate reader interest in your writing and your level of competition in a particular genre or specialty.
  • Every writing contest entry you enter helps to expand your portfolio. This might be crucial information when contacting editors and literary agencies or applying to writing schools.

Essay competitions offer a gateway to publishing your work — and 2024 presents several promising contests. These competitions aid in establishing a writing portfolio that can support future publication endeavors, grant applications, and even MFA program admissions. Additionally, most competitions offer monetary awards.

Top Contests

Now, let’s look at the most promising contests you can participate in.

The Reedsy Prompts Contest by Reedsy

Genres: Fiction and Short Story

Fiction and short story authors will find The Reedsy Prompts Contest an enticing prospect. Reedsy publishes five writing prompts every Friday that push writers to create gripping stories in only one week. A sizable $250 reward is due to the winning submission. Moreover, writers may include their writing in an upcoming edition of Reedsy’s renowned literary journal, “Prompted.” This is a big first step for those who want to create fiction.

  • Top Prize: $250
  • Additional prizes: $25 credit toward Reedsy editorial services
  • Entry fee: $5
  • Deadline: December 31, 2024

The Reedsy Prompts Contest offers a potent combination of financial reward, professional validation, and a chance to jumpstart your writing career. So, hone your craft, free your creativity, and see if your story can win the day.

ABC Poetry Contest by FanStory

Genres: Poetry

Take the ABC Poetry Contest to see how good you are at poetry. You must write a poem following the alphabet to win this playful competition. Never undervalue the power of wordplay — a well-written and captivating poem may win you $100.

  • Top Prize: $100
  • Entry fee: $10
  • Deadline: July 25, 2024

This contest is perfect for a fun, low-stakes dip into the world of poetry competitions. So why not put your ABCs to the test and see if your poem strikes gold?

Black Orchid Novella Award by Wolfe Pack & Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine

Genres: Crime, Mystery, and Novella

Fans of crime and mystery novels can benefit from this contest. Write a gripping tale that pays homage to Nero Wolfe’s heritage by channeling your inner Agatha Christie. If the judges find your composition captivating, you might win a $1,000 prize and have your story published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. It’s a dream opportunity for any writer who loves the mystery genre.

  • Top Prize: $1,000
  • Additional prizes: Publication in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine
  • Deadline: May 31, 2024

This prestigious award offers a chance to win a substantial prize and have your work reach a dedicated audience of mystery lovers.

Flash Fiction Contest by Writer Advice

Genres: Flash Fiction

Are you skilled at creating engaging stories in a limited number of words? The Writer Advice Flash Fiction Contest is the only place to look. This prestigious competition seeks outstanding flash fiction submissions of no longer than 750 words. If your brilliant prose wins over the judges, you may be among the five to seven winners who split the $300 prize fund. Additionally, publishing your work might lead to priceless exposure and the growth of your writing career.

  • Additional prizes: Publication
  • Deadline: June 02, 2024

With a low entry fee and the chance to be published alongside a $300 prize pool, Writer Advice’s Flash Fiction Contest is a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and gain recognition for your bite-sized brilliance.

Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry by Lynx House Press

The renowned Lynx House Press is the driving force behind the Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry. It grants a whopping $2,000 reward in addition to the much sought-after chance to have a full-length poetry book published. This competition is open to both established poets and up-and-coming writers, and it may be the beginning of something quite special.

  • Top Prize: $2,000
  • Entry fee: $28
  • Deadline: June 16, 2024

With a chance to win $2,000 and see your poetry collection published by the esteemed Lynx House Press, the Blue Lynx Prize is a dream come true for any poet.

Maximize Your Contest Experience

It’s crucial to remember that the competitions are only a tiny portion of the fantastic essay writing opportunities out there. If you do the necessary research, you’ll find various options carefully crafted to fit your unique writing style and areas of interest.

The advice that follows will be constructive in making the most of your contest experience:

  • Examine the Guidelines. Each tournament has unique rules and participation requirements. Before submitting your work, make sure that it complies with these standards.
  • Keeping deadlines is crucial. Procrastination can hinder your chances of winning a contest. Make reasonable writing plans and turn in your work well before the due date.
  • Editing and proofreading are required. Grammar mistakes and typos may taint even the best-written work. Give yourself enough time to make sure your submission is flawless and error-free.
  • Accept Experimentation. Investigate other subjects and styles and venture outside your comfort zone. This investigation might result in producing a masterpiece that wins a prize.

Persistence is frequently the key to success in essay writing competitions. Don’t give up if you don’t win every contest you enter. Think of every competition as a teaching tool, improve your work with every entry in cooperation with the best essay writer services , and never give up on your dream of being a writer.

Essay writing competitions provide an excellent environment for beginning and seasoned authors to develop their skills, get noticed, and connect with a larger literary community. Utilizing the tools and knowledge offered in this manual, you may set off on a fruitful path that will propel your writing to unprecedented levels. So grab a pencil and let your imagination go wild.

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Rochester eighth grader wins local, district and state VFW Patriot's Pen essay contest

May 17—Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) holds essay contests for middle and high school students. The contests offer cash prizes and scholarship opportunities, with different essay themes each year.

Rochester Middle School eighth grader Emily Hammack entered the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen essay competitions for middle schoolers and won the local Centralia VFW Post 2200's contest, which qualified her for the district level.

Hammack won that, too, and then took first place in the Washington state VFW's contest. As the state level winner, she went on to compete nationally representing Washington, where she wound up placing sixth overall.

Her essay was one of more than 73,000 essays submitted nationally for the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen contest, according to the VFW's website.

On Tuesday, May 14, Hammack and her family were in downtown Centralia's American Legion Grant Hodge Post 17, where she was honored and congratulated by local and state-level VFW members.

She was also given her final prize check from Washington state VFW Commander Craig Dougherty, state VFW Vice Commander Perry Taylor, state VFW Judge Advocate Frank Persa and VFW Post 2200 Commander Roger Towers.

"Sixth place winner Emily Hammack of Rochester represented the VFW Department of Washington, and was awarded the $2,000 Clyde A. Lewis Department of New York and Auxiliary Award," Dougherty said.

Along with the check, Hammack received an award certificate paired with a portrait of the National VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento and VFW Auxiliary National President Carla Martinez.

"I am here on their behalf to congratulate you and thank you very much for entering," Dougherty said.

The theme for the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen essay contest asked students "how are you inspired by America?"

"Democracy and the different features are what inspired me, like its rich history," Hammack told The Chronicle. "History is definitely one of the things that inspired me about it."

The essay Hammack wrote and submitted for the Patriot's Pen contest is as follows:

"America inspires me in countless ways. Its rich history, diverse culture, and the values it upholds ignite a fire within me to pursue my dreams and make a difference in the world. The American dream, the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work, resonates deeply with me. It serves as a constant reminder that no matter where we come from or what our circumstances may be, we have the power to shape our own destinies.

"One of the aspects of American democracy that inspires me the most is the freedom of speech. This fundamental right allows individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of persecution. It is through the freedom of speech that progress is made, as it encourages open dialog, the exchange of diverse perspectives, and the challenges of established norms. "This freedom empowers individuals to stand up for what they believe, to advocate for change, and contribute to the betterment of society.

"Another attribute of American democracy that inspires me is the pursuit of equal justice. The United States has a history of fighting for civil rights and striving towards equality for citizens. The principles of fairness, equality, and justice are deeply ingrained in the American ethos. This commitment to equal justice inspires me to be an advocate for those who are marginalized or oppressed, fight against discrimination, and work towards creating a more equal and inclusive society.

"Freedom of speech and individual rights are closely intertwined but not the same. While freedom of speech is one aspect of individual rights, it encompasses much more. Individual rights include a range of freedoms and protections, such as the right to privacy, the right to due process, and the right to equal treatment under law. These rights are essential in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

"In conclusion, America's history, culture, and commitment to freedom and justice inspires me to be a better person, and to strive for a better world. The American dream reminds me that anything is possible with hard work. The freedom of speech empowers me to express my thoughts and make my voice heard. The pursuit of equal justice motivates me to fight for equality and stand up against injustice. America's inspiration fuels my passion to make a positive impact and contribute to a society that upholds the values of freedom, equality, and justice for all."

On top of the $2,000 check she received Tuesday, Hammack had already won an additional $750 in cash prizes for winning the local, district and state level VFW Patriot's Pen essay contests leading up to her competing nationally.

While getting ready to start high school after this summer, Hammack is planning on saving the prize money for college.

Though Hammack is no longer eligible to compete in the Patriot's Pen contest, she will be able to compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy audio essay contest for high school students.

There, she can compete for a share of more than $1 million in scholarship opportunities, including a $35,000 scholarship for the contest winner.

To learn more about both the VFW's Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy contests, including how to enter and submission deadlines, visit https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships .

The VFW is a national nonprofit organization that aims to foster fellowship among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts along with advocating for veterans resources and programs at the federal level. For more information, visit https://www.vfw.org/ .

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COMMENTS

  1. Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Encourage

    Tallahassee, Fla., January 12, 2024 - Today, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida launched the 2024 Black History Month student art and essay contests and educator awards with the theme of "Celebrating Florida's African American Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.

  2. Florida Launches 2023 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests

    ~ Student essay contest winners will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida officially launched the 2023 Black History Month student art and essay contests with the theme of

  3. ICYMI: Florida Launches 2023 Black History Month Student and Educator

    ~ Student essay contest winners will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation ~ Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida officially launched the 2023 Black History Month student art and essay contests with the theme of "Celebrating the ...

  4. First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2022-2023 Student and Educator Contests

    The winners of the essay contest will receive a 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. About the Student Art Contest. First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Art Contests are open to all Kindergarten through third grade students in ...

  5. Florida Black History Month Essay Contest (Deadline 2.7.24)

    Governor Ron DeSantis' and First Lady Casey DeSantis' Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12 (public, charter, private, home or virtual). ... Each winner will receive a 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100.00 ...

  6. ICYMI: First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2022-2023 Student and

    The winners of the essay contest will receive a 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. About the Student Art Contest. First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Art Contests are open to all Kindergarten through third grade students in ...

  7. Black History Month

    The essay contest honors the historic contributions and accomplishments of African-American leaders, educators, and public figures from Florida. More than fifty Florida Prepaid College Plan Scholarships have been awarded as part of this program. Congratulations to the 2023 Black History Month Essay Contest winners!

  8. - Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

    Student Essay Contest ... (grades 9-12). Winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. The winners of the essay contest are: Norah Hall, Grade 5, James E. Plew Elementary School, Okaloosa County;

  9. First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2022 Black ...

    First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2022 Black History Month Student and Educator Contests. On January 21, 2022, in News Releases, by Staff. ~ Student essay contest winners will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation ~. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced ...

  10. Essay Contest

    Entry Requirements and Instructions: You must be an eleventh- or twelfth-grader in an FBC-LEO member municipality and graduate during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 school year. • The essay must be typed or legibly printed (no cursive). • The essay must not exceed 750 words. • Deadline to submit: February 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Essays ...

  11. Art and Essay Contests for Florida Students

    About the Student Essay Contest ... (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual ...

  12. PitchIt! FLORIDA Student Essay Contest

    Florida educators! Enter your students in our essay contest for a chance for both you and a student to win a gift card worth up to $100. Contest Deadline:May 24, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST. TIMELINE: Nov. 1, 2023 - Feb. 16, 2024:Educator RSVPis open! Suggested time frame to teach using Checkology® virtual classroom and other NLP resources. (All free!)

  13. Think for Yourself Scholarship 2024

    Let Grow's Think for Yourself Essay Contest Awards $8,000 in Scholarships. Every year, Let Grow asks high school students to think about the importance of free speech, curiosity, and open-mindedness in their everyday lives. We award a $5,000 scholarship to the Grand Prize Winner, and $1,000 each to three Runners-Up.

  14. Florida Students Invited to Showcase Their Talents in 2024 Black

    The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have launched the 2024 Black History Month student art and essay contests and educator awards with the theme of "Celebrating Florida's African American Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom." These contests will run through Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Black History Month is celebrated each year in the month of February.

  15. Hispanic Heritage Month

    The theme for the 2023 essay and art contests was "Celebrating Florida's Hispanic Heroes and their Contributions to Freedom". Congratulations to the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest winners! Each winning student received a 2-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Essay Contest winners:

  16. Scholarships

    The chapter will award one $1000 scholarship. The Sophia Fleming Scholarship Essay Contest is open to all Clay County, Florida high school seniors who are planning post-graduate study. The post-graduate school of choice may be a university, vocational school, academy, or any other post-high school educational institution. No GPA is required for ...

  17. Congratulations to our 2021 Black History Month Essay Contest Winners!

    We would like to give a big congratulations to our Black History Month scholarship essay contest winners. In celebration of Black History Month, we are proud to announce three exceptional students that recently were awarded a 4-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship! Each student was tasked with writing an essay that highlights the theme ...

  18. Scholarship Essay Contests

    Deadline May 15, 2024. The Virginia Zank Scholarship for Writing Studies is offered to students at Missouri Valley College. Applicants must have an ACT score of 21 or higher (and/or SAT Critical Reading and Math score of 976 or higher) and high school GPA 3.0. Submit a 500-word essay describing your relationship to writing.

  19. Top 64 Writing & Essay Scholarships in May 2024

    Austin Peay State University Creative Writing Scholarships. The scholarships are open to undergraduate and incoming APSU students who email a 10-20 page manuscript of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction, to Lakota Withrow at [email protected]. Awards are for $600 or $1,200. The deadline to apply is March 18th.

  20. Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Launch 2023

    Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks. About the Student Essay Contest. Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis' Native American Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12.

  21. PDF Florida Native American Heritage Month 2023

    For more information, visit www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com or contact Volunteer Florida at 850-414-7400. Official Essay Rules and Guidelines Grades 4-5, 6-8, 9-12 Governor Ron DeSantis' and First Lady Casey DeSantis' Native American Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12.

  22. 2023 High School Essay Contest

    The Contest Rules, submission requirements, and deadlines are available on the Middle District's website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. We hope you will encourage your students to participate in the 2023 essay contest. Some teachers will qualify for a $500 classroom grant, and the school with the most qualifying submissions will receive $1,000.

  23. Scholarship 2023 Essay Contest

    Florin|Roebig Is Proud To Announce A 2023 $1,500 College Scholarship Essay Contest. The law firm of Florin|Roebig knows how valuable higher education can be, not only in shaping society but in helping young people reach their long-term academic and professional goals. For this reason, we're proud to announce a scholarship contest awarding ...

  24. Tallahassee high school seniors recognized as 2024 Best & Brightest

    Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and a trophy. Runners-up and honorable mentions receive scholarships of $750 and $500. ... The Best & Brightest Eighth Grade Essay contest also honors 59 ...

  25. $2,024 Bridget DeVine x Niche Scholarship

    Whether you're a musical theatre major like me or you're pursuing a PHD, college is SO expensive! This is why I have partnered with Niche for this $2,024 NO ESSAY scholarship to kick the new year off right (by saving money!!) The Bridget DeVine scholarship is here to provide you with the opportunity to win some extra money without the added stress that comes along with writing scholarship ...

  26. Broward County Public Schools announces National Merit Scholarship winners

    BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. - Broward County Public Schools has announced the winners of this year's prestigious National Merit Scholarships. Seven graduating high school seniors were awarded $2,500 ...

  27. $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024

    The $10,000 Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest in Australia, 2024, is a prestigious scholarship opportunity aimed at celebrating the enduring legacy of Ayn Rand. ... Florida Bright Futures Scholarship 2023 - APPLY NOW. By Michael Nz. on 22/07/22 | 9 min read | 169,271. Views ...

  28. | American SPCC

    Essay contests offer a platform to explore your passions, hone your craft, and potentially win recognition and prizes. This guide explores the benefits, top contests, and winning strategies. ... and scholarships. Writing is one of those extracurricular hobbies that you can do whenever it's convenient for you, and it doesn't have to cost you ...

  29. Rochester eighth grader wins local, district and state VFW ...

    The contests offer cash prizes and scholarship opportunities, with different essay themes each year. Rochester Middle School eighth grader Emily Hammack entered the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen essay ...

  30. Greene County Students Receive iPads In Essay Contest

    The competition and the scholarship were both established in honor of the late John Gamble. A Morristown native, Gamble had successful careers as a newspaper reporter, an aid to a Tennessee governor and a Hollywood agent and producer. ... The essay contest is held in a different county in the college's service area each year on a rotating ...