Living The Legacy Scholarship

Creating New On-Ramps To Civic Engagement

For the past decade, the Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program has partnered with America’s colleges and universities to provide resources, visibility, and mentoring to a national network of student leaders. Our expanded vision includes a Civic Leadership Pipeline, which will meet a new generation of young people wherever they are by creating new on-ramps to civic engagement. As part of this vision, The Andrew Goodman Foundation is pleased to launch the Living the Legacy Scholarship, dedicated to high school students. The first scholarship cohort will include the following: 

5

Award Recipients

7,500

Scholarship Dollars

2

Virtual Convenings

Scholarship Overview

The Living the Legacy Scholarship aims to recognize and support students who demonstrate exemplary civic leadership qualities within their school and community. By honoring those who actively engage in civic duties — such as organizing or advocating for positive change, serving as poll workers, holding leadership positions, or displaying aspirations for public office — this scholarship seeks to foster and empower the next generation of responsible, proactive citizens and leaders. Through recognition, financial assistance, and training, we aspire to inspire sustained commitment to civic engagement and the cultivation of leadership skills among high school students, thereby contributing to the enhancement of society.

Applicants:

Current high school seniors who are planning to go to college or to join the workforce after high school

Deadline:

Apply by November 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST

How to Apply:

Applicants, complete the “For Applicants” form below and send your resume and essay or video to scholarship@andrewgoodman.org. Recommenders, complete the “For Recommenders” form below and send your recommendation letter to scholarship@andrewgoodman.org.

For Applicants

For Recommenders

Questions?:

Email your questions to scholarship@andrewgoodman.org

Print:

To download a printable version, click here.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit 1) a resume and 2) an essay or video responding to the prompt below. Optionally, applicants may request a recommender to submit 3) a recommendation letter.

Resume

As part of the application process for the Living the Legacy Scholarship, we require all students to submit a comprehensive resume highlighting their volunteer and work experience or extracurricular activities. Please follow the guidelines below when preparing your resume:

  1. Format: Your resume should be well-organized, concise, and easy to read. Use our professional format, with clear headings and bullet points to present your information.
  2. Contact Information: Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of your resume.
  3. Objective or Summary: Write a brief objective or summary statement that highlights your interest in civic engagement and leadership.
  4. Education: List your current high school, along with your expected graduation date. Include any relevant academic achievements or honors.
  5. Volunteer Experience: Detail any volunteer work you have undertaken, including the organization or cause, your role or responsibilities, and the duration of your involvement.
  6. Work Experience: Provide information about any part-time jobs or internships you have held. Include the name of the employer, your position, and the dates of employment.
  7. Extracurricular Activities: Highlight any extracurricular activities you participate in, such as clubs, sports teams, student government, or community organizations. Describe your role or contributions to each activity. Specifically note any leadership positions you have held within your school, community, or extracurricular activities. This may include serving as a class president, club officer, team captain, or any other leadership role.
  8. Skills and Achievements: Mention any relevant skills, certifications, or achievements that demonstrate your leadership abilities or commitment to civic engagement.

Please ensure that your resume accurately reflects your experiences and accomplishments. After completing the form at the “For Applicants” button above, submit your completed resume by the specified deadline to scholarship@andrewgoodman.org. If you have any questions or need further clarification, reach out to the scholarship committee for assistance.

Essay or Video

In one essay of 500 words or one video of three to five minutes maximum, please reflect on all of the following questions and provide a thoughtful response:

  1. Your Experience as a Young Civic Leader: Describe your involvement in civic leadership roles and activities within your school and community. Highlight specific initiatives, projects, or events where you demonstrated leadership and made a positive impact.
  2. Relevance of the Civil Rights Movement to Modern Movements: Discuss the connections between the Civil Rights Movement of the past and contemporary social justice movements that you are a part of or support. How do the goals, strategies, and challenges of the Civil Rights Movement resonate with issues and movements today?
  3. Continuing the Legacy of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner: Reflect on the legacy of Andrew Goodman, James Earl Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, three young activists who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. How does your own organizing and activism contribute to carrying on their legacy of fighting for equality, justice, and civil rights?
  4. Your Plans After High School: Outline your aspirations and goals for the future after high school. How do you intend to continue your commitment to civic engagement, leadership, and activism as you pursue further education or enter the workforce?

Your essay or video should demonstrate critical thinking, personal insight, and a clear understanding of the intersections between historical movements and contemporary activism. Be sure to provide specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence to support your reflections and arguments. We encourage you to be authentic and reflective in your writing or speaking, sharing meaningful experiences and insights that showcase your passion for civic engagement and social justice. After completing the form at the “For Applicants” button above, submit your completed essay or video, alongside your completed resume, by the specified deadline to scholarship@andrewgoodman.org.

Recommendation Letter (Optional)

Include a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, employer, or mentor who can attest to your character, work ethic, and leadership qualities. The letter should be signed and dated, and it should be addressed to the scholarship committee. After completing the form at the “For Recommenders” button above, submit your recommendation letter by the specified deadline to scholarship@andrewgoodman.org.

Scholarship Recipients

The Andrew Goodman Foundation will select five rising high school seniors as recipients of the Living the Legacy Scholarship. Recipients will receive a financial award as well as training from The Andrew Goodman Foundation via virtual convenings. 

Financial Award

Five recipients will receive a $1,500.00 award each.

Virtual Convenings

If selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be expected to participate in two virtual convenings in 2025. These convenings will provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and engagement with fellow scholarship recipients, as well as with leaders and experts in the field of civic engagement and social justice.

During these virtual convenings, you will have the chance to:

  1. Engage in discussions and workshops focused on topics related to civic leadership, activism, and social change.
  2. Share experiences, insights, and best practices with other scholarship recipients.
  3. Receive guidance, support, and mentorship from experienced leaders and professionals in the field.
  4. Explore opportunities for further involvement in civic engagement initiatives and projects.
  5. Build connections and relationships with like-minded peers who share your passion for making a difference in the world.

Attendance at these virtual convenings is mandatory for all scholarship recipients. We believe that your participation in these events will not only enhance your own leadership skills and knowledge, but also contribute to collective efforts to create positive change in our communities.

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