These programs still require an essay

A search for no-essay scholarships will not be filled by this verified list. All five programs below require a written essay or an audio essay. Treat anything not listed here as unknown and check the official page.

AFSA National High School Essay Contest

The AFSA National High School Essay Contest comes from the American Foreign Service Association. The listed award is up to $2,500, described as $2,500 plus a trip to Washington, D.C. and a Semester at Sea voyage for the winner.

Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 may apply, and the contest is open nationwide. The published rule covers students in grades 9-12 at U.S. public, private, parochial, or home schools, or U.S. citizens abroad. Children of Foreign Service members are not eligible.

The last cycle is closed. Winners are notified in June. The next deadline is not yet posted for 2027-2028. Confirm dates on the AFSA essay contest page.

Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests

The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests are sponsored by the Ayn Rand Institute. The award is up to $25,000, with multiple awards.

Rules depend on the book. Middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13 and up, may enter for Anthem and The Fountainhead. High school and college students may enter for Atlas Shrugged. The list also marks grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, and the contests are open nationwide.

The next deadline is listed as TBD, coming soon, for 2027-2028. Confirm it on the Ayn Rand essay contests page.

JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest is sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation. First place is $10,000. Second place is $3,000. Three finalists each receive $1,000. The listed range is $1,000 to $10,000.

It is merit-based and open nationwide to U.S. high school students in grades 9-12. The deadline on file is January 11, 2027, for the 2027-2028 award year. Confirm that date on the JFK Library contest page.

Optimist International Essay Contest

The Optimist International Essay Contest lists an award of up to $2,500, described as a $2,500 college scholarship at the District level. Optimist International is the sponsor.

The published rule is students under age 19 on October 1 who have not finished high school. Grades 9 through 12 are listed, and entry is open nationwide. Your student enters through a local Optimist Club, and each club sets its own deadline. Club contests are held by early February. Confirm the date on the Optimist scholarships page and with the club.

VFW Voice of Democracy audio essay

The VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Calling it no-essay would be wrong: your student submits an audio essay. National first place is $35,000, with many other national, state, and post awards. The top amount on file is up to $35,000.

It is merit-based and open nationwide to students in grades 9-12. Submit to a participating local VFW Post. The deadline on file is October 31, 2026, for the 2027-2028 award year. Confirm it on the VFW youth scholarships page.

What to do next

  • This week, tell your student these five programs all ask for an essay or an audio essay. Do not plan on them as no-essay awards.
  • If your student is in grades 9-12 and October 31, 2026 still fits, contact a participating VFW Post and confirm the date on the official site.
  • Keep January 11, 2027 only as the listed JFK date. Confirm it on the official page before your student starts the essay.
  • For Optimist, find a local club before early February. The club sets the exact deadline.
  • For AFSA, remember the last cycle is closed and winners are notified in June. The next deadline is not posted yet, so check the official page.
  • For the Ayn Rand contests, wait for a posted date and match the book to your student's age and school level. College students are named only for Atlas Shrugged.
  • Read each eligibility line before anyone writes. AFSA excludes children of Foreign Service members.