AU Student Essay Contest
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Americans United for Separation of Church and State is an independent, not-for-profit organization that advocates for freedom of religion. The organization created the AU Essay Contest to inspire high school students to think about the separation of religion and state and why it matters to them and to their communities. All high school students are eligible except board members and employees of American United and their families.
Annually, American United for Separation of Church and State awards three high school students. The first prize is worth $1,500; the second prize is $1,000 and the third prize is $500. Applicants must submit a persuasive, well-supported, and creative 750–1,000 word essay. They must clearly show how the Do Not Harm Act affects the lives of people in the United States and the church-state separation. The winning essay must be well-researched and referenced.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State recognizes the importance of giving high school students a platform to speak up. The organization is also committed to helping them pay for their education.
Scholarship Summary
Americans United for Separation of Church and State is an independent, not-for-profit organization that advocates for freedom of religion. The organization created the AU Essay Contest to inspire high school students to think about the separation of religion and state and why it matters to them and to their communities. All high school students are eligible except board members and employees of American United and their families.
Annually, American United for Separation of Church and State awards three high school students. The first prize is worth $1,500; the second prize is $1,000 and the third prize is $500. Applicants must submit a persuasive, well-supported, and creative 750–1,000 word essay. They must clearly show how the Do Not Harm Act affects the lives of people in the United States and the church-state separation. The winning essay must be well-researched and referenced.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State recognizes the importance of giving high school students a platform to speak up. The organization is also committed to helping them pay for their education.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Junior – High School Senior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of AU Student Essay Contest
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
AU Student Essay Contest Timeline
January 2023
Application Opening Date
Applications open on January 1.
April 2023
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on April 19.
August 2023
Awards Announcement Date
The winners are announced in August.
How to ace the AU Student Essay Contest
Include examples in your essay
The essay contest requires applicants to make persuasive arguments that are well-supported. Support your arguments using examples from personal experiences or current events.
Cite your sources
Reference your sources. Don't plagiarize. The essay contest allows students to use any citation style they prefer or footnotes.
Refer to U.S. history
Applicants must submit a detailed essay. They are encouraged to use historical events to strengthen their arguments.
Proofread your essay
The organization expects applicants to review their essays. It will not tolerate grammar or spelling mistakes. Get second or third-eye reviews to avoid unforeseen mistakes.
How the AU Student Essay Contest is Judged
The organization evaluates students on the quality of their essays.
Why We Love the AU Student Essay Contest
The essay contest is non-academic
AU Student Essay Contest emphasizes freedom of expression and civil rights protection among high school students through this essay contest. There are no restrictions or academic requirements including GPA or recommendation letter, etc. to qualify.
No discrimination
The program is open to all high school students as long as they meet the contest requirements. AU Student Essay Contest supports equality and has no discrimination against gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
Contest is in support of minority groups
The organization created the essay contest to give a voice to religious minorities, women, LGBTQ communities, and other marginalized groups.
5 Facts About AU Student Essay Contest
All U.S citizens can apply
High School students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S territories are eligible to apply.
The essay contest has three prizes
$1,500, $1,000, and $500 prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third places.
Winners announced on AU website and magazine
The First prize winner is featured in the Church & State magazine and AU website and the second and third prize winners are printed on the website.
The contest receives hundreds of applications annually
The AU Student Essay Contest is highly competitive. Only impressive essays win.
The contest page has a get updates option
Students can sign up with their emails to get updates on important application dates.