Big Mind Learning Scholarship Contests

Celebrating The Art of the Personal Essay

Contest 1: Big Mind Learning Scholarship Contest

In recognition of the richness and vitality of the personal essay, Big Mind Learning announces our second annual Big Mind Learning Scholarship Contest. We believe that students are most apt to discover their authentic voices when they examine their own lives and beliefs in writing. This scholarship also acknowledges that professors and leaders place their highest value on clear, written communication.

Contest 2: Big Mind Learning Environmental Prize

Big Mind Learning is introducing a second contest this year to recognize one student's contribution to the environment. The Big Mind Learning Environmental Prize will honor a student who has shown outstanding concern for the environment, has worked on a project or program, and can express his or her inspiration for nature and the earth in a lively literary form.

Eligibility

All junior and senior high school students from the following New York counties may apply: Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie.

Prizes & Judging

The winning essay in each contest will receive $400. Five students will be named finalists in each category. A panel of judges will select the winning essays.

Students can apply to both contests, but can win in only one category. Students cannot submit the same essay to both contests.

Submission Guidelines

Submission to each contest is free. Students can use our online application form to submit their information and essay. Alternatively, students can download and fill out an application form to submit with their personal essay via regular mail.

Guidelines for Scholarship Essay Contest

Guidelines for Environmental Prize Contest

The submission deadline for both essay contests is March 15, 2012. The winners will be announced on May 1, 2012.

To see last year's Essay Contest winners, click here.