For two decades, Ford Motor Company continues to provide annual educational opportunities to young students grades 4-8 each, with the potential to earn financial prizes for higher education. Not only will students learn about this year’s Ford Freedom Award honorees, students will gain historic perspective, enlightenment and an opportunity to express their own viewpoint in essay form.
Cultural enrichment is a key component to the holistic, educational experience for school children. Starting this exposure early on provides an opportunity for students to see a piece of themselves in these highlighted achievers. Learning more about these honorees, their background, their triumphs and failures ultimately helps students connect the dots and see limitless possibilities for themselves.
Many students become aware of their interests and often their future educational and career aspirations at an early age. Exposure to as many leaders, achievers from a variety of backgrounds is a great addition to student’s school curriculum.
Students (boys and girls) in Michigan schools grades 4-8 are encouraged to view the contest rules and information below and submit for the chance to win scholarships towards higher education
ESSAY CONTEST
2018 Ford Freedom Award Scholar’s Experience Essay Contest for Grades 4-8
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, and the Charles Wright Museum of African American History join to bring another high quality, educational program to Michigan Schools. The 2018 theme is “Black Girl Magic.”
In addition, students in grades 4-8 are invited to submit essays on the following Black Girl Magic topic:
Black Girl Magic is a celebration of the power, beauty and tenacity embodied by African American women who triumph under pressure and persevere through challenges.
Black women like NASA Engineer, Katherine Johnson, 12-year-old beverage entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer, actress/activist Yara Shahidi and Lupita Nyong’o are just a few examples of women who embody the talent, ingenuity, and intelligence that makes Black Girl Magic.
Think of a Black Woman who has excelled in one of the following areas:
- Innovation/Tech
- Business
- Style
- Education
- Entertainment
It can be a celebrity, teacher, politician…even your mom!
- What has this woman accomplished?
- Why do you admire her?
- What do you have in common with this individual?
- How does her story inspire you to activate your inner magic?
Entry forms available at www.FordFreedom.org. All essays must be POSTMARKED or uploaded no later than Friday, April 13. Mail entries to:
Charles H. Wright Museum Education Department
ATTN: Ford Freedom Award Essay Contest
315 E. Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
PRIZES
The following scholarships will be awarded for the pursuit of higher education:
- 1st Prize–$5,000 Scholarship, Ford Freedom Award medal and certificate of merit for ONE winner
- 2nd Prize–$2,500 Scholarship, Ford Freedom Award medal and certificate of merit for ONE winner
- 3rd Prize–$1,000 Scholarship, Ford Freedom Award medal and certificate of merit for ONE winner
- Honorable Mentions–$250 Scholarship, Ford Freedom Award medals/certificates of merit for TWO winners
For additional information, visit: www.FordFreedom.org.