Applications Are Now Open for the 2021 Essay Contest!

Apply at https://afsascholarships.communityforce.com

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 5, 2021

2021 Essay Contest Topic

What characteristics lead to a successful effort by diplomats and peacebuilders to mediate or prevent violent conflict? The United States Foreign Service—often referred to as America’s first line of defense—works to prevent conflict from breaking out abroad and threats from coming to our shores. Peacebuilders work on the ground to create the conditions for peace and resolve conflicts where they are most needed.

Successful essays will identify, in no more than 1,250 words, a situation where diplomats worked on a peacebuilding initiative with partners from the country/region in question, nongovernmental organizations, and other parts of the U.S. government, and then go on to analyze what characteristics and approaches made the enterprise a success.

For more information on Essay Contest Rules and Guidance please visit this page. For additional resources and to view the 2021 Study Guide please visit this page.

Share your story on social media. Use this Storyboard Outline Worksheet to help you prepare.  Must plan on attending college prior to December 31, 2022.

Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up) can apply in 28 categories of art and writing. See link for local deadlines: http://www.artandwriting.org/the-awards/guidelines-deadlines/

($8,000) - The GSBA Scholarship Fund awards educational scholarships to Washington State LGBTQ and allied students who exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities, and are actively involved in school and community organizations.

The Hamilton Award recognizes outstanding HS juniors for their academic, personal, and service achievements and selects students for the Hamilton Leaders Academy – a three-year, no-student-cost program that helps students get into college, transition to college, succeed while in college, and transition to the post-college world.

For HS seniors. No citizenship required. History of leadership &/or allyship in issues that affect the LGBT/Queer community. Must plan to continue this leadership/allyship in the future. No specific GPA but seeking candidates w/ high academic performance. 

DO-IT Scholars are Washington State high school students with disabilities planning to continue their education after they graduate. Scholars prepare for their transition to college—which includes exploring careers, independence, self-advocacy, and leadership. Is open to high school sophomores or juniors.

The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest” aims to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship. Here in Washington State, we will award $5,000 in scholarships to the top 4 finishers.

This essay contest is for K12 students – in grades 3 thru 12 (ages 8-18). To apply, applicants must write an original essay on a given topic related to engineering. 

($500-$5,000) - For students ages 18 -35, pursuing a profession in visual arts & be skilled & devoted to the classical or conservative tradition.

For HS seniors who plan to go to a 2- or 4-year college or university. Must have at least one parent of Hispanic heritage, have a min. 3.0 GPA, and be a legal resident.

The next application period is Dec. 13, 2021 to Feb. 14, 2022. WSECU members of all ages are welcome to apply. $2,000 is awarded for two-year colleges and vocational schools. $3,000 is awarded for four-year undergraduate and graduate programs.

Must have a parent or legal guardian who has a full-time career in the financial services industry. $12,500 renewable for 4 years. 

Open to 9-12 graders. Must create an original poster that interprets the theme “One Person Can Make a Difference,” & illustrates the idea that one person can change the world for the better. $100-$1,000.

One award of $10,000 and two awards of $5,000 will be given to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.