Secular Student Activist Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Secular Student Alliance

If you’re planning to apply for a 2025 Secular Student Alliance Student Activist Scholarship, read this first — a little preparation now will make your application stronger and less stressful later.

Who can apply
- Full‑time students enrolled at a U.S. middle school, high school, trade school, college, or university.

Before you start the online form
Take a little time to write clear, honest answers to the questions you’ll be asked in Part 3 of the application. Drafting them on paper (or in a document) first will help you express yourself more precisely and give you examples to draw from when you write your final responses.

Questions to prepare answers for
1. What are your educational, career, and life goals?
2. What is your secular identity? How did you come to it, and how will it continue to be part of your life?
3. What other parts of your identity intersect with, influence, or inform your secularism?
4. What secular activism have you participated in (on campus or in your community)?
5. What intersectional activism have you been involved with (on campus or in your community)?
6. What activism do you plan to pursue this academic year?
7. Why is the work of the Secular Student Alliance important to you, and how do your goals align with the SSA’s mission and vision?
8. What obstacles, barriers, or financial hardships have you faced in pursuing your academic goals, and how would this scholarship help you overcome them?

Video requirement
- Prepare a 30–60 second video that focuses on one element of your application — for example, your secular identity and why it matters to you, your commitment to church/state separation, a memorable piece of your activism, or something else meaningful. Be concise, personal, and sincere.

Application logistics (quick checklist)
- Have contact information ready for 1–2 references.
- Submit your completed application by July 31, 2025.
- The Use of AI: The selection committee wants your personal story and specific achievements. Relying on AI to generate answers tends to produce generic language and weakens your application. Use your own voice.

Final note
Think of this as your chance to tell a clear, concrete story about who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Specific examples and honest reflection will serve you better than broad statements. Good luck — and take your time to prepare.