FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@nurfc.org
Freedom Center scholarship contest asks: What kind of ancestor will you be?
Contest open to high school seniors, submissions due April 1
CINCINNATI — The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center exists to share stories of ancestors who endured and battled against slavery, inspiring future generations to pursue social justice for all through their courage, cooperation and perseverance. The Freedom Center is asking high school seniors: what kind of ancestor will you be? The answer could win a student a $1,000 scholarship. Submission for the Freedom Center’s scholarship contest, sponsored by PNC Bank, are due April 1. Winners will be announced on Juneteenth.
“Everyone, regardless of their age, has the power to inspire someone, the power to change someone’s life,” said Asia Harris, youth programs manager at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “The actions you take today and tomorrow can be a model for future generations to follow. How will you use this power? Your actions speak volumes. What will you say?”
Scholarships will be awarded to three individuals: $1,000 to first prize, $750 to second prize and $250 to third prize. Scholarship submissions must be in the form of a two-minute video that explains the lesson future generations will learn from their story. The Freedom Center is less concerned with students’ past actions, but wants to know their intentions for the future. Students must also provide their current school transcript as proof of projected 2022 graduation and a letter of recommendation from an educator, coach or youth leader.
Video submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Lesson of your story: What will your ancestors learn from your life?
- Explanation: How will this lesson help other people?
- Action plan: How will your actions illustrate the lesson of your story?
- Video length: Videos longer than two minutes will be disqualified.
- Video quality: Evaluators must be able to hear and see you.
All submission materials must be submitted by April 1, 2022 to Asia Harris at aharris@nurfc.org. Any students who require accommodations to participate can also email aharris@nurfc.org for assistance. Scholarship winners will be announced on Juneteenth. The three scholarship winners and honorable mention submissions may be posted on Freedom Center media sites.
