Each year, American Atheists holds a scholarship competition for student atheist activists.   A first place prize of $2,000 and a $1,000 runner-up prize will be awarded to outstanding young atheist activists.  In addition, the Chinn Scholarship is a grant of $1,000 to an outstanding gay/lesbian atheist activist.  Current college students as well as high school students entering college the following year are eligible.  

The deadline for entries is January 31, 2010!

What is it?  

The Founders' Scholarship grants a first place award of $2000 and a runner-up prize of $1000 to Atheist students going to college every year. The Chinn Scholarship is a $1000 grant to an outstanding gay/lesbian Atheist. 

Who can enter? 

The grant can be used for current college students or for high school students entering college next year. Applicants must be Atheists and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (in academic subjects) or better. Race, color, politics, ethnicity, lifestyle, and sex will not be considered as factors. We judge people on their actions and words alone. 

NOTE: Membership is required to accept the prize, but not to apply. A gay / lesbian person may apply for both scholarships, but s/he can only win one of them. 

How is the winner chosen? 

American Atheists is an organization of activists, and so our scholarship will be awarded primarily on activism. Qualified applicants must submit an entry form and any and all information or evidence they have of their activism for the previous year. Examples include: 

· Letters printed in newspapers 

· Replies from politicians on certain issues 

· Letters of testimonial from teachers, friends or other activists 

· Evidence that you sponsor an Atheist TV show (e.g., our Atheist ViewPoint) on your cable system. 

· Student essay 

While any and all activism is important and will be considered, special attention will be given to those students who show activism in their schools, such as starting Atheist/freethinker groups or fighting against violations of the separation of church and state in the school. Click here to get some ideas! 

Please note that merely writing an essay will not win you the scholarship. This is about activism, and your essay should be about your activism for the cause of Atheist civil liberties, the separation of church and state, or placing a positive face on Atheism. Show proof -- include clippings, printouts, or copies of letters. Writing well is important, but we'll take a poorly-written essay about heroic activism over a well written essay about nothing any day. Do, then write. 

Violent or vandalistic behavior is not tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification. 

Who decides the winner? 

The winner will be chosen by the Youth and Family Director, the President, and/or the delegates they choose who are directors and/or officers of American Atheists. 

How do I enter? 

Winning is hard, but entry is easy. Simply fill out the entry form and submit it, your 500-1000 word essay, and all supporting documentation via mail before January 31, 2010.

Important disclaimer 

As you can see above, the winner is chosen on purely subjective criteria. American Atheists reserves the right to choose the recipient of the scholarship as we see fit. We also reserve the right to withdraw the scholarship after it is announced but before it is paid if we see substantial evidence of violent or otherwise undesirable behavior in the recipient. A runner-up may also be chosen in case the winner is deemed no longer worthy. Finally, while we will try to verify all claims made by applicants, we cannot and will not be held responsible if we are deceived in any way. 

Good luck, and may the best activist win!  Click here to download Application

For more information, visit the American Atheists scholarship page.