USA Scholarships
Student Essay Contest 2027 - Americans United
The AU Student Contest from Americans United invites high school and college undergraduates to speak up for church-state separation through creative writing or video. You can enter the essay track, the video track, or both, each with its own 2026 prompt about the Founders, the Constitution, and why religious freedom still matters in democracy. Separate prize tiers for high school and college students offer up to $1,500 for first place and $500 for additional winners, and standout entries may appear in Church & State magazine or on au.org. You must live in the United States, including territories, and submit through https://www.au.org/studentcontest/ by Monday, 5 October 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Judges reward a distinctive voice, accurate history, and clear personal stakes rather than recycled talking points.
What is the Americans United AU Student Contest?
Church-state separation can sound abstract until a local school board pushes prayer over the loudspeaker. Americans United runs this contest so younger voices can explain, in plain language, why the Founders split religion from government and why that line still protects everyone, believers included. You are not writing a law review note. Judges want personality, clear history, and a reason this issue touches your life.
High school and college categories stay separate, and essay writers face a different question than video creators. That means you can enter twice if you have the bandwidth. Prizes top out at fifteen hundred dollars, with five hundred dollar awards for additional winners, and strong pieces may land in Church & State magazine.
Everything happens on au.org/studentcontest, and the clock runs on Pacific Time. Read last year winners for pacing, cite real sources when you mention the Constitution, and skip partisan rants without substance. Share the link with classmates if you are not eligible yourself. The deadline is Monday, 5 October 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Eligibility
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✓High school or undergraduate studentThe contest is open to high school students and undergraduates enrolled at any two- or four-year college or university.
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✓US residency requirementYou must live in the United States, including the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and US territories, when you enter.
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✓Essay or video submissionFollow the published essay prompt or video prompt on au.org/youthactivism and studentcontest for the active cycle.
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✓Original creative work (no AI)Americans United expects a unique perspective and compelling voice. Using AI to write or produce your entry is prohibited and leads to disqualification; submissions are screened for AI use.
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✓Online entry through official formSubmit through the student contest page at au.org/studentcontest rather than mailing materials to AU offices.
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✓May enter one or both tracksStudents may compete in the essay contest, the video contest, or both, because each track uses a different prompt.
Benefits
- First place $1,500 essay or video
- Second place $1,000 in each track
- Third place $500 in each track
- Publication Possible feature in Church & State
- Paid AU internship Not part of contest rules
- College tuition guarantee Prize money only
- First place $1,500 essay or video
- Second and third place $1,000 and $500 prizes
- Dual-track entry Separate essay and video prizes
- National recognition Winners posted on au.org
- Graduate student eligibility Undergraduates only
- International students outside US territories Not eligible
Document checklist
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✓Essay responding to the published promptWrite 750 to 1,000 words on why the Founders protected religious freedom and why separation of church and state matters to you today. Include citations for facts you reference.
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✓Video responding to the video promptRecord a short video debunking the myth that America was founded as a Christian nation and explain why separation protects democracy.
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✓Student contest entry formComplete every field on au.org/studentcontest, including school level and contact details.
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✓Uploaded media files or linksProvide video files or links exactly as the 2026 form specifies so judges can review your work.
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✓Parent or school information if requiredHigh school entrants should list accurate school and advisor details when the form asks for them.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the AU Student Contest?
It is Americans United annual essay and video competition on church-state separation for US high school and college undergraduates, with cash prizes up to $1,500.
Who can enter the Americans United student contest?
High school students and undergraduate college students who live in the fifty states, DC, or US territories may apply through au.org/studentcontest.
When is the AU Student Contest deadline?
The 2026 cycle closes Monday, 5 October 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time according to AU youth activism and news posts.
How much can I win in the AU Student Contest?
Americans United offers up to $1,500 for first-place winners in separate high school and college categories, with $500 prizes for additional honorees.
Can I submit both an essay and a video to AU?
Yes. The essay and video contests use different prompts, and students may enter either track or both.
What is the AU Student Contest essay prompt for 2026?
Essay entrants explain why the Founders protected religious freedom and separation of church and state and why that fight still matters personally today.
What is the AU Student Contest video prompt for 2026?
Video entrants debunk the claim that America was founded as a Christian nation and briefly explain why church-state separation protects democracy.
Where do I apply for the AU Student Contest?
Use https://www.au.org/studentcontest/ and follow the upload instructions on the official form before the Pacific Time deadline.
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