Students in grades 6-12 are invited to submit entries in two categories (Essay and Poetry). To submit, students are asked to write a personal narrative or poem responding to a provided prompt. The piece should highlight real-life experiences they have witnessed, experienced, or learned about. Their work should share how they are inspiring positive change, taking action, or encouraging others to do the same.
Scholarship Details
- Open to Northeast Ohio students in grades 6-12
- Students may submit an entry in the Essay or Poetry category
- Grades 11-12 essay awards include scholarships of $30,000, $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000
- Six additional grades 11-12 essay recipients receive $1,000 cash prizes
- High school poetry awards range from $500 to $2,000
- Middle school poetry awards range from $100 to $400
- School grants are awarded with several of the top essay and poetry prizes
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a student in grades 6-12 in Northeast Ohio
- Essay entries must be personal narratives of no more than 500 words
- Poetry entries must contain at least 12 lines and no more than 500 words
- Entries must respond to the Stop the Hate prompt and address themes of hate, exclusion, discrimination, injustice, courage, inclusion, or positive change
- Poetry submissions must be original and specific to the student's experience or understanding of the issues presented in the prompt
Application Process
- Choose whether to submit an Essay or Poetry entry.
- Review the Stop the Hate prompt inspired by Bryan Stevenson's call to speak up and stand against injustice.
- For the Essay category, write a personal narrative of 500 words or less about an experience involving hate, exclusion, discrimination, or injustice and reflect on the actions taken or lessons learned.
- For the Poetry category, write an original poem of at least 12 lines and no more than 500 words using imagery and poetic language to explore the contest themes.
- Review the entry to ensure it addresses the appropriate prompt and meets all category requirements.
- Submit the completed entry by January 14th at 11:59 p.m.
The Stop the Hate Program gives Northeast Ohio middle and high school students a platform to share their stories and inspire positive change in their schools and communities. The Maltz Museum proudly supports young people of all faiths and backgrounds by recognizing their efforts through $100,000 in scholarships and awards annually.
