Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest
Direct application
Eligibility
About this scholarship
High school students may enter the Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation essay contest, with separate competitions for U.S. students and international students. Each contest awards first, second, and third prizes of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,250.
Submit a research-supported essay in English of up to 2,500 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography) answering the annual human rights question, along with a signed cover page including teacher attestation and a no-generative-AI statement. Essays are due by December 10.
KHREF was founded to motivate students to find rules and enforcement mechanisms that protect human rights. The contest honors Richard Kemper, killed in France during World War II, whose parents later dedicated land by his high school to those who fought for human rights.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Research-supported essay in English of no more than 2,500 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography
- Signed cover page with teacher attestation and no-generative-AI statement
- Footnotes and bibliography identifying sources
- Must be written in English
- 2500 words or less, not including footnotes and bibliography
- Open to high school students who are citizens or residents of the U.S.
- Submitted as a Microsoft Word attachment to kemperhumanrights@gmail.com (or by mail to KHREF, 184 Fillow Street, Norwalk, CT 06850, USA)
- Footnotes and a bibliography required indicating names, titles, year of publication, and page numbers for all references
- Cover page required with: title; author's name and grade level; name and address of author's high school; name of a teacher at the high school; a signed teacher statement confirming awareness and inde
- Deadline: on or before December 10, 2025 (Human Rights Day)
- Winners may be required to participate in a Zoom interview with KHREF's board prior to receiving a prize
- Essay must answer the annual human-rights question.
- Winners may be required to participate in a Zoom interview before receiving a prize.