Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION   
The Center for Student Engagement invites you to apply for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Essay Scholarship Contest. The MLK Scholarship Contest is open to matriculating students with 12 – 75 credits earned at FIU who are US citizens or permanent residents. 

Applicants must submit a 500-word original essay centered on the theme “Empowering Generations of Audacious Leaders,” that demonstrates knowledge of the life, work, and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as how the student embodies the ideals of Dr. King.

Eligibility Criteria
• Open to matriculating undergraduate students (with 12- 75 credits earned at FIU) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Applicants must submit an original 500-word essay (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font) centered on the theme, " Empowering Generations of Audacious Leaders” that demonstrates knowledge of the life, work and ideals of Dr. King. While AI tools are often helpful for research and generating ideas, students may not use them to author the entire essay as their work should be reflective of their understanding of Dr. King’s life and legacy through original writing.

• Applicants must be in good academic and conduct standing at Florida International University.

Awards
1. First Place – $2,000 towards tuition at FIU for one academic year ($1,000 per semester) commencing Spring 2025 and a book award for $500 ($250 per semester).

2. Second Place – $1,500 towards tuition at FIU for one academic year ($750 a semester) commencing Spring 2025 and a book award for $500 ($250 per semester).

3. Third Place – $1,000 towards tuition at FIU for one academic year ($500 per semester) commencing Spring 2025 and a book award for $500 ($250 per semester).

Notification
Winners will be notified by November 18, 2024, and will be recognized during the MLK Commemorative Celebration. Winners will also be required to attend the Commemorative Breakfast on January 17, 2025.
   
Winning essays will be published on the FIU MLK Commemorative Celebration webpage. Winners are required to record a thank you video expressing gratitude to the donors and will need to sign a Talent Release Waiver.

For questions, please call (305) 348-2436.