Deadline February 4
High school students can win college scholarships up to $10,000.

The United States Institute of Peace http://www.usip.org/ is holding its annual NATIONAL PEACE ESSAY CONTEST http://www.usip.org/programs/initiatives/national-peace-essay-contest .  This scholarship contest is for high school students who are interested in international issues, conflict resolution, peace studies, justice, and human rights.  The 2010-2011 contest’s topic is “GOVERNANCE, CORRUPTION, AND CONFLICT.”  The topic changes every year. The  DEADLINE for the 2010-2011 contest is  February 1, 2011.  Entries must be received by this date.

Educators who are passionate about these issues and dedicated to challenging students to think globally can make the contest a part of their curriculum or encourage students to write essays outside of class work. A study guide on the essay contest topic is available online http://www.usip.org/npec .

The contest promotes discussions among students, teachers, parents, and youth leaders. The contest also improves and strengthens students’ critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

State-level selection categories include the fifty U.S. states, Washington, D.C., U.S. Territories, and American students abroad. First place state-level winners compete for national awards and are invited to a weeklong education program in Washington, D.C. The Institute pays for expenses related to the program, including travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment. The scholarship award amounts are:
+  1 National award, first place:  $10,000*
+  1 National award, second place:  $5,000*
+  1 National award, third place:  $2,500*
+ 53 State awards, first place:  $1,000 each
(*national awards include state award amounts)

For more information, visit the United States Institute of  http://www.usip.org/