CLINTON FOUNDATION
Clinton Foundation essay contest provides $8,500 in college scholarships for high school ...
- ~$8,500 total awardsTotal Scholarship Amount
- $5,000First Place Award
- High School Juniors & SeniorsTarget Applicants
- Arkansas, USAEligible Location
- Founded 2014Programme Start Year
- ~3 awards per cycleNumber of Awards
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Jan 1, 2027
Deadline
United States
Country
Clinton Foundation
Provider
The Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest, administered by the Clinton Foundation, offers college scholarships to high school juniors and seniors residing in Arkansas, USA. This contest provides an opportunity for young people to articulate their ideas on strengthening communities and enhancing civic health. Since its inception in 2014, the program has awarded over $43,000 in scholarships to students who identify and propose solutions to community challenges. For the 2027 cycle, participants are tasked with writing an essay that explores how youth can foster civic health through community involvement, trust-building, and respectful engagement. The contest aims to encourage students to analyze barriers to civic participation and develop practical solutions. The contest offers a total of $8,500 in scholarships, with a first-place prize of $5,000, a second-place prize of $2,500, and a third-place prize of $1,000. The submission period typically opens in September, with entries due in early January of the following year. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- First Place Scholarship — A scholarship award of ~USD 5,000 (est.) towards college expenses.
- Second Place Scholarship — A scholarship award of ~USD 2,500 (est.) towards college expenses.
- Third Place Scholarship — A scholarship award of ~USD 1,000 (est.) towards college expenses.
- Educational Recognition — Formal recognition for innovative ideas on improving civic health and community involvement.
- Civic Engagement Opportunity — An opportunity to research and articulate solutions to community challenges, fostering civic skills.
How to apply
Applicants for the Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest must follow a structured submission process, ensuring all guidelines are met to be considered for the awards.
- Review Contest Rules — Thoroughly read the complete contest rules, essay requirements, and submission details on the official Clinton Presidential Center website.
- Write Your Essay — Compose an original essay of at least 1,500 words that addresses the theme: 'how young people can improve civic health through community involvement, trust-building, fostering a sense of belonging, respectful engagement with others and collaborative problem-solving'.
- Identify Barriers and Propose Solutions — Within your essay, identify barriers that limit civic engagement among young people and propose practical solutions to address these challenges.
- Submit Your Entry — Submit your completed essay and any other required materials via the official submission portal by the specified deadline.
Eligibility
Nationality/ResidencyMust be a resident of Arkansas, USA.
Study LevelCurrently enrolled as a high school junior or senior.
Essay RequirementsSubmit an original essay of at least 1,500 words addressing the contest theme.
Theme FocusEssay must discuss how young people can improve civic health through community involvement, trust-building, fostering a sense of belonging, respectful engagement, and collaborative problem-solving.
The scholarship is specifically for students in Arkansas. Further details regarding academic standing or specific age limits beyond high school junior/senior status are available on the official contest page.
Eligible countries
United States
Deadlines
Annual (2027 cycle)2027-01-04
Selection
Recipients are selected based on the quality and originality of their essays. The essays must reflect the student's original work, examine the importance of youth participation in civic life, and effectively identify barriers to civic engagement while proposing practical solutions. A panel of judges reviews submissions to determine the first, second, and third-place winners.
Verified sources
- Clinton Presidential Center: Ideas Matter Essay Contestclintonpresidentialcenter.orgofficial
- Clinton Foundation essay contest provides $8,500 in college scholarships for high school juniors and seniorsyahoo.comannouncement
About the provider
The Clinton Foundation, established in 2001 by former President Bill Clinton, is a global non-profit organization focused on improving lives worldwide. It convenes leaders and partners to implement solutions to global challenges, including economic development, health equity, climate resilience, and civic engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest?
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The Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition organized by the Clinton Foundation, offering college scholarships to high school juniors and seniors in Arkansas who submit essays on civic engagement and community improvement.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship provides monetary awards to assist with college expenses. The top three winners receive individual scholarships of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000, respectively.
What is the total award value?
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The contest awards a total of $8,500 in scholarships each cycle. The first-place winner receives $5,000, second place receives $2,500, and third place receives $1,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
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Eligibility is restricted to high school juniors and seniors who are residents of Arkansas, USA. Applicants must submit an original essay adhering to the specified theme and length.
Which countries are eligible?
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Only students residing in the state of Arkansas, United States, are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It is not open to international applicants from other countries.
Which study levels are covered by this scholarship?
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The scholarship is primarily intended for high school juniors and seniors, with the award designated to support their future undergraduate (bachelor's) studies at a college or university.
What is the application deadline?
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For the 2027 contest cycle, entries must be received by January 4, 2027. The submission period typically opens on September 10 of the preceding year.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
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To apply, you must review the full contest rules and requirements on the official Clinton Presidential Center website. Then, write an original essay of at least 1,500 words on the specified civic health theme and submit it through their designated portal.
What documents are required for the application?
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The primary required document is an original essay of at least 1,500 words. Applicants may also need to provide proof of Arkansas residency and high school enrollment, though specific document lists are detailed on the official application page.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Recipients are selected based on the quality, originality, and depth of their essays, focusing on how well they address the theme of improving civic health and propose practical solutions to engagement barriers. A judging panel makes the final decisions.
What is the duration of the scholarship, and is it renewable?
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The scholarship awards are one-time payments intended for college expenses. The page text does not indicate that the scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study.
Where can I confirm current-cycle details?
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For the most current and complete details regarding the Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest, including rules and submission guidelines, please visit the official website at ClintonPresidentialCenter.org/ideasmatteressay.