Scholarship Essay Contest for College-Bound Women

Applications are being accepted for the 15th annual Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors. 

Applicants must apply their knowledge of the U.S. Bill of Rights to shape their opinions about the roles states ought to play in public policy decisions. All applicants must be sponsored by a woman legislator from their state. Delegate Cathy Vitale (R-Severna Park) is available for sponsorship, according to a press release.

The contest is sponsored by Vitale, the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and the National Rifle Association, as co-sponsors.

The essays should describe how various public policies impact women and historically under-represented populations when they are decided at the state or federal level.

Each of the seven winners will receive a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the NFWL’s Annual Conference from Nov. 15-19 at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta, GA. They will network with, be mentored by, and speak to hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States, according to the release.

Applications (see attached PDF) are available online from the NFWL website.  Entries must be received or postmarked no later than July 31, after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and determine the seven winners. The judges will weigh the factors of research, understanding of the Bill of Rights, original thought and personal connection, according to the release.

Questions from potential applicants may be directed to Vitale at 410-841-3510, the NFWL office at 202-293-3040, ext. 1005, email to events@womenlegislators.org or check the NFWL website.