FIU 35th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration: Creative Scholarship

The FIU 35th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration: Creative Scholarship invites students to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the theme Carrying the Torch: 35 Years of Faith, Courage, and Unity. The scholarship encourages students to share what Dr. King’s values, such as justice, equality, nonviolence, faith, and service, mean in their lives today. Students may submit an original essay or a variety of creative works, and creative pieces should include a brief artist statement. FIU looks forward to seeing how each student’s perspective and creativity help carry the torch forward. Three recipients will be selected:
1st Place Award – $2,000 toward tuition, $1,000 meal plan, and a $500 book advance
2nd Place Award – $1,500 toward tuition, $1,000 meal plan, and a $500 book advance
3rd Place Award – $1,000 toward tuition, $1,000 meal plan, and a $500 book advance

Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate students (12-75 credits must be from FIU)
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Applicants must be in good academic and conduct standing

General Requirements

• Each submission must connect to the theme Carrying the Torch: 35 Years of Faith, Courage, and Unity
• Submissions must be original and created by you only. AI tools can help you think or research, but they cannot create your submission
• Students may submit an Essay, a Visual Art, or a Video (visual art and video submissions must include a 100-word artist statement). Please see below for additional information on each submission type.

Essay Submission

• One original 500-word essay (typed, double-spaced, 12-point font) responding to the scholarship theme
• Must demonstrate understanding of Dr. King’s life, work, and ideals
• Must show how you personally connect to or embody the theme
• No artist statement is required for the essay submission*

Visual Art Submission

• Students may submit a painting, drawing, photography, collage, digital illustration, etc.
• Upload a high-quality JPG or PNG file
• Must include the title, medium, and dimensions
• Add 1-3 photos that show different angles or details
• You may include a short text description if it supports your message

Video Submission

• Students may submit spoken word, monologue, short film, or performance
• Maximum length 3 minutes
• Acceptable submission: MP4
• Record horizontally with clear lighting and sound
• Background music or effects are allowed if they help your piece
• Include a title card with your name and the title of your work

For questions, please contact David Bynes (dbynes@fiu.edu) or Dr. Candice Ammons-Blanfort (cammons@fiu.edu).