Name: The FIRE’s Freedom In Academia Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500 (2nd place)
Information And Eligibility:
The FIRE’s Freedom In Academia Scholarship is one of the nation’s leading essay competitions dedicated to educating students about the importance of free speech on college campuses. Offered by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), this scholarship encourages young people to explore the role of free expression in higher education and to understand how policies restricting speech can undermine the fundamental purpose of colleges and universities.
This annual competition invites high school seniors to critically examine real examples of censorship on campus using FIRE’s documented case videos. Applicants are required to watch two selected videos highlighting situations where colleges or universities violated students’ free speech rights. These cases may include restrictive speech codes, disinvited speakers, censorship of student groups, or disciplinary actions against students for protected expression. Applicants must use these examples to demonstrate their understanding of why free speech matters and how such violations contradict the mission of higher education.
Participants are asked to write an 800–1,000 word essay that answers the central question: *Why is free speech important at our nation’s colleges and universities?* The essay should not only analyze the videos but also explore the broader consequences of suppressing speech, including how censorship affects academic inquiry, student development, civic engagement, and the exchange of diverse ideas. Strong entries typically show a clear understanding of constitutional principles, the historical importance of free expression, and the role of universities as marketplaces of ideas.
Eligibility is open to all high school seniors in the United States who plan to enroll at an accredited college, university, or postsecondary institution following graduation. Essays are judged on clarity, depth of argument, use of examples, factual accuracy, and overall writing quality. Winners receive substantial scholarship awards that can be applied toward tuition or other education-related expenses.
Eligibility Requirements:
Application Requirements:
Additional Details:
Deadline: November
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Request to Update or Remove This Scholarship. The CollegeWhale ID number for this Scholarship is #12786. This Scholarship was added in August 2011 and last reviewed by a member of our staff on December, 2025.
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