AU Student Essay Contest 2025

Americans United for Separation of Church and State established the AU Essay Contest, aimed at inspiring high school students to think about the separation of religion and state. All high school students can apply for this program. Under the program, three winners will receive an award ranging from $500–$1,500.

Also Check – Student Of Color Scholarship

AU Student Essay Contest – Overview

Eligibility Criteria:

Scholarship applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Must be high school students and undergraduate students attending any 2- or 4-year college or university, including trade & technical schools.
• Must reside in the United States including the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.
• However, employees and board members of Americans United, as well as members of their immediate families can not apply for this award.

Also Check – Jerry Wheeler Scholarship

CASH PRIZES:

First Place

• $1,500 for high school essay winner
• $1,500 for high school video winner
• $1,500 for college essay winner
• $1,500 for college video winner

Second Place

• $1,000 for high school essay winner
• $1,000 for high school video winner
• $1,000 for college essay winner
• $1,000 for college video winner

Third Place

• $500 for high school essay winner
• $500 for high school video winner
• $500 for college essay winner
• $500 for college video winner

Application Process:

Here’s what you must submit besides your application.

Essays:

• Essay length should be between 750 and 1,000 words.
• Writing should be clear, creative, and proofread; demonstrate genuine grappling with the topic; and be the student’s original writing.
• Students should fact check their writing and include citations when needed. Any form of citation or footnote is accepted.

Videos:

• Length must be between 2-4 minutes.
• Landscape (16:9) or portrait (9:16)

Selection Process:

The organization will select students based on the quality of their essays.

FAQs