Alderwoman Coggs launches 8th Annual Freedom Essay Scholarship Contest

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is challenging recent Milwaukee high school graduates to dissect the concept of “freedom” for the 8th Annual Freedom Essay Scholarship Contest. The scholarship is open to current and recent high school graduates from Milwaukee who are college-bound.

The topic for the essay is “freedom,” and it provides graduates with an opportunity to parse out how they define the subject and what it means to them. They are encouraged to share their ideas to end prejudice, discrimination, sexism and violence, on a global scale. The suggested length of an applicant’s essay is 1,000 words.

Applications are being accepted now until the close of business on Friday, August 5, 2016. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded and winning essays may be published, Alderwoman Coggs said.

Alderwoman Coggs began the contest when she took office in 2008 as a means of investing in and diversifying opportunities for students. Alderwoman Coggs said, “The scholarship contest is held annually because it is an important platform for young people in Milwaukee to express their thoughts on freedom, and it is fertile ground for new ideas from new young leaders.”

Applications are available online at milwaukee.gov/district6. Paper applications will also be available at city libraries, many high schools and colleges, and at the following locations:

Scholarship Essay Contest

WestCare Wisconsin, Inc. Harambee Community Center, 335 W. Wright St.
Northcott Neighborhood House, 2460 N. 6th St.
Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum, 2620 W. Center St.
Milwaukee Urban League, 435 W. North Ave.
Hillside Family Resource, 1452 N. 7th St.
Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club, 611 W. Cherry St.
COA Holton Youth Center, 510 W. Burleigh St.

The contest is open to students who reside in the City of Milwaukee and attended a public, private, parochial or home school, or who participated in a high school correspondence program in the city. Preference will be given to residents of the 6th Aldermanic District.

Additional contest rules, complete details and submission requirements are contained within the application. For more information, please contact Akuwa Dantzler at (414) 286-8640.