The Freedom From Religion Foundation offers five 2025 essay competitions for freethinking students — awarding more than $65,000 in total scholarships.
The contests cater to students in different age/class ranges.
2025 First Amendment Scholars – Law Student Essay Competition Donated by Diane and Stephen Uhl
Topic: Under the First Amendment, may states require religious organizations that receive government funding to comply with anti-discrimination laws?
Prompt: Following the Supreme Court ruling in Carson v. Makin, religious organizations seeking to participate in government funding programs have argued that requiring them to comply with anti-discrimination laws in order to receive public money violates their constitutional rights. Respond to the argument that anti-discrimination laws cannot be enforced against religious schools receiving public funds. Your argument must be supported by clear well-researched legal analysis, including case law.
Deadline: January 27, 2025
$9,000-plus in prizes
William J. Schulz Memorial Essay Contest for College-Bound High School Seniors
$16,500-plus in prizes
David Hudak Memorial Black Indigenous Students of Color Essay Contest
$16,500-plus in prizes
Kenneth L. Proulx Memorial Essay Contest for Ongoing College Students
$16,500-plus in prizes
Cornelius Vanderbroek Memorial Essay Contest for Ongoing College Students
$16,500-plus in prizes
