The David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest for Freethinking Students of Color is open to minority students aged 17-21, who are either high school seniors who will be attending a North American college or university in the fall, or who are currently enrolled (if you are graduating from college/university in the spring or summer of the current year, you are also eligible). Applicants must submit an essay between 400-600 words answering the chosen prompt.
Write a personal statement about why you trust science over faith, and why you think society should do the same. Please include an example of how religious faith has obstructed science or analyze a historic or current issue related to religion vs. science, such as with the pandemic, stem-cell research, climate change, medical (and psychiatric) science, etc. (Note: We are not looking for an opinion or theory about the origin of religion or why religion exists.)
By entering the competition, you agree to permit your winning essay to be printed in full or in part in Freethought Today, FFRF's newspaper; announced in a news release, and posted online at FFRF's website. You also agree, if you win an award, to promptly provide FFRF with a high-resolution photograph of yourself suitable for reproduction with your winning essay.
Winners may be asked to send verification of student enrollment. Students will be disqualified if they do not follow instructions, including word limit and deadline. Students are required to submit their essay via the online application, and should carefully review all contest rules. FFRF monitors for plagiarism. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
