Pennsylvania Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award

Name: Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award

Award Amount:

• First Prize: $6,000
• Second Prize: $4,000
• Third Prize: $2,000

Overview:
The Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award invites Pennsylvania public school juniors to submit an original essay discussing the modern-day relevance of a selected Benjamin Franklin quote. This annual competition encourages students to engage deeply with Franklin’s writings and reflect on their applicability to contemporary life.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a junior (11th grade) student enrolled in a Pennsylvania public high school.
• Submission of an original essay responding to the provided Benjamin Franklin quote.

Application Requirements:

• Write an essay analyzing the modern-day relevance of the following Benjamin Franklin quote:
  

  “Like an old Man, who, having buried all he lov’d in this World, begins to think of Heaven, I begun to think of and wish for Home; and as I drew nearer, I found the Attraction stronger and stronger, my Diligence and Speed increas’d with my Impatience, I drove on violently, and made such long Stretches that a very few Days brought me to my own House, and to the Arms of my good old Wife and Children, where I remain, at present well and happy.”

• Ensure the essay is original, well-researched, and provides a thoughtful analysis connecting the quote to contemporary issues or personal experiences.
• Adhere to the essay guidelines and submission instructions provided by The Pennsylvania Society.

Application Timeline:

• Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
• Award Announcement: Winners are typically announced in the spring following the submission deadline.

Additional Information:

• Essays are evaluated based on originality, depth of analysis, clarity of expression, and relevance to the selected quote.
• Winners’ essays may be published or featured by The Pennsylvania Society.
• For detailed guidelines, past winning essays, and additional information, visit the official Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award page below.

Apply Now

View Scholarship Data