White Picket College

A college grant money opportunity for high school students under the age of 19 is the Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest.

The award amounts for the winners are as follows:

• Top ten first-place winners receive between $5000 and $2500 in college scholarship money.
• First place winners’ awards will be paid out to the college directly.
• Top ten second-place winners receive $500 cash.
• Top ten third-place winners receive $250 cash.

For this essay contest, students have to answer a set topic on the Holocaust.  For example, 2010′s topic was: “(a) analyze why it is vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed on to a new generation; and (b) suggest what young people can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today” (holocaust.hklaw.com).

To be competitive in this contest, students should have a good command of Holocaust history and understand the ramifications this event had on past generations and today’s society.  A deep knowledge of Holocaust-related subjects is essential; for example, if the student has studied in this area or if s/he has a relative who was in the Holocaust.

Students should also be creative in their essay responses because the judges probably read generic essays all the time such as “don’t let history repeat itself.”  Take a unique angle on the Holocaust and apply it to the essay.  Also, make sure the voice is unique as well.

Essays should be no more than 1200 words.  As with all high school essay contests, be certain to write with clarity and style in mind.  Use perfect spelling, grammar, punctuation and appropriate vocabulary.  The essay is also judged on research and citing references properly.  All essays should have a Work Cited or Bibliography page.

Please note: The top ten first-place winners will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles for the awards ceremony, usually held for three days in July.  Select teachers accompany students on the trip and are paid for as well.

If you have an interest in Holocaust history, make sure to enter this contest.

Information available: September 15

© White Picket College, 2010 – College Funding for the Upper Middle Class