A Call for Entries: Dec. 4 Deadline Set for 2021 MLK Advancing the Dream College Essay Contests
By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication
Posted on November 17, 2020, November 17, 2020

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Editor's Note: This article, originally published Oct. 13, 2020, was updated Nov. 17, 2020, to include additional scholarship information.

Every year, the Arlington Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee awards cash prizes and scholarships to local youth as part of its long-running art and essay contests.

The 2021 Advancing The Dream Essay Contest and Art Contest offer students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and knowledge of Dr. King's dream.

Arlington’s four-day Advancing the Dream Celebration, set for Jan. 15-18, 2021, will be held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic to protect public health. Art and essay contest winners will be formally recognized at an opening event scheduled for Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Stay tuned for more details, which will be posted on the Advancing the Dream website.

Essay Contest

The 2021 MLK Essay Contest is open to high school seniors attending Arlington schools or residing within Arlington city limits. Students enrolled in private schools and charter school in Arlington are also invited to submit their original essays, which must be typed, double-spaced and not exceed 1,500 words. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 are awarded to the top three winning essay writers. This year's theme is "Unifying Our Nation." The deadline to submit is Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. For more information or to download an entry form, click here or please email [email protected].

Art Contest

 The 2021 MLK Art Contest is open to junior high and high school students attending Arlington schools or residing within Arlington city limits. Students enrolled in private schools and charter school in Arlington are also invited to submit their original art. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 are awarded to the top three winning artists. The deadline to submit is Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. For more information or to download an entry form, click here or please email [email protected].

College Essay Contest

The Arlington MLK Celebration Committee also announced an essay writing scholarship competition for students currently enrolled at UT Arlington and Tarrant County College Southeast. One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded for the best essay among TCC-SE students and one $2,000 scholarship will be awarded for the best essay among UT Arlington students. The theme is: Advancing the Dream: Unifying Our Nation. This scholarship can help defray the cost of college tuition and books for a deserving student and will be paid into your financial aid account if you are a winner.

Requirements include:

1. Freshman/Sophomore, Junior, or Senior who has completed 24 hours or more

2. Be in good academic standing. Minimum 3.0 GPA earns higher score

3. Full-time status attending 12 semester hours or more

4. Demonstrated ongoing community service and how you believe it supports the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

5. Well-written essay. The theme is “Advancing the Dream: Unifying Our Nation” (Must not exceed 1,500 words.)

Application materials must be in a .pdf format to upload into the application form. Please also include two letters of recommendation and a statement of community service achievements. Letters of recommendation may come from faculty, employers and/or community leaders.

Entry deadline is: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Click here for more information.

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