Americans Against Gun Violence National High School Essay Contest
Direct application
$3,000
12 winners
Eligibility
Location
United States
Education level
High school
About this scholarship
U.S. high school students in good standing may enter Americans Against Gun Violence's national high school essay contest.
At least twelve winners share $15,000 or more in tiered scholarships, with $3,000 for first place. Additional awards may be given for outstanding essays beyond the initial twelve.
Submit an original essay of 500 words or fewer on the assigned gun-violence prevention topic through the online entry form. Only one essay per student is allowed, and students under 18 need parental or guardian consent.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Original essay of 500 words or fewer on the assigned gun-violence prevention topic
- Online entry form
- Essay must be 500 words or fewer (titles and footnotes do not count toward the limit)
- Must be a current U.S. high school student (or graduated early but on track for 2026 class)
- Students under 18 need parental/guardian consent
- Essay must be original student work; AI-generated essays are ineligible
- Board members and their relatives cannot enter
- Submitted via online entry system
- 2026 deadline was April 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM (student's own time zone)
- Only one essay per student is allowed.
- AI-generated essays are ineligible.
- High-school students must be in good standing; early graduates must be on track for the class of 2026.