Vermont

Deadline: March 31, 2021

The Clinton Foundation focuses on creating economic opportunity, improving public health, and inspiring civic engagement and service. Arkansas students in 11th or 12th grades are invited to write a 1,500 word (minimum) essay exploring one of these three focus areas. Students are asked to define a challenge, propose an idea to alleviate the challenge, and develop a strategy for putting that idea into action. The top three students will be recognized, and the student with the winning essay will be awarded a $2,500 college scholarship. The essay must be submitted by March 31, 2021

For the second year, we're partnering with the Clinton Global University (CGI U), to provide an additional element to the Ideas Matter Scholarship Essay Contest. Arkansas students in 12th grade, who are planning to enroll in a college or university in Fall 2021, could have the opportunity to participate in the CGI U student program.

Students who are interested in applying for this unique opportunity should write an additional 1,000-word (minimum) essay which expands on the original Ideas Matter Essay Contest prompt (above). They should detail how their strategy is innovative when compared to other individuals or organizations addressing a similar problem. You can name specific organizations working in the field, outline how they are tackling an issue, and explore why you think your approach will be more successful than others. Feel free to show off your research in citing sources and quoting experts too.