The Elie Wiesel Foundation established the Prize in Ethics Essay Contest in 1989. Thousands of students from hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation have participated. Through their writing, they explored their concerns and beliefs, their fears and their hopes. While we suggest relevant topics each year, applicants are encouraged to choose any subject they feel strongly about, provided it is related to the domain of ethics.
Scholarship Details
- Established in 1989 to foster ethical reflection and writing among undergraduates.
- Applicants must submit an original, unpublished essay between 3,000 and 4,000 words.
- Essays may address any topic, provided it pertains to ethics.
- Essay submissions must follow specific formatting guidelines and must be the student’s own work.
- Artificial intelligence-generated content is strictly prohibited.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to undergraduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
- Students must be registered during the Fall semester to participate in the contest.
- Study-abroad students are eligible if enrolled full-time at a U.S.-based institution.
- Not eligible: high school students, part-time students, associate degree/community college students, graduate students, or those at unaccredited institutions.
Application Process
- Create an original, unpublished essay of 3,000–4,000 words addressing an ethical topic.
- Ensure the essay follows guidelines: titled, double-spaced, 12-point readable font (e.g., Times New Roman), 1? margins, numbered pages, and free of identifying references.
- Submit the application and essay according to provided instructions, ensuring anonymity for judging purposes.
- Essays containing hateful content will result in disqualification.
The Foundation receives many inquiries regarding what students may write about in their essays. The topics provided by the Foundation each year are merely suggested topics – students may feel free to write about any topic as long as it pertains to ethics.