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Foundations of Liberty

Undergraduate Essay Contest

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As we approach a momentous milestone in America’s story—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026—we also prepare to celebrate 65 years of advancing liberty at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS).

These anniversaries offer a powerful opportunity for us to reflect on the transformative ideas at the heart of the American experiment and renew our commitment to the principles that made this nation a flourishing beacon of liberty.

In celebration of the liberal principles that inspired our forefathers so many years ago, the Institute for Humane Studies invites undergraduate students to participate in the Foundations of Liberty Undergraduate Essay Contest.


Details:

Student submissions must focus on one of the twelve core principles listed below, but students may choose from three available prompts. Essays should not exceed 750 words and can be submitted using the application below. Twelve winners will be selected, one per principle.

Winners receive a $1,000 award and a framed poster of the IHS-commissioned artwork representing the core principle their essay addressed.Their essay will also be printed in a literary magazine published by IHS.

Eligibility

  • Students must be enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate degree at a four-year degree-granting institution in the United States.
  • Winners may be required to provide proof of enrollment prior to receiving their award.

Timeline

Submission Opens: March 1, 2025
Deadline to Submit: May 1, 2025

Winners will be announced no later than September 1, 2025.

Essay Prompts:

Students may select one of the following prompts:

      1. Why is this principle central to human flourishing and a free society?
      2. Why does the future of America depend on this principle?
      3. What does this principle mean to you?

Core Principles:

Choose from the following:

        1. Human Dignity: The inherent worth possessed by every person simply by being human.
        2. Economic Freedom: The ability to voluntarily exchange goods and services, which is essential for prosperity and progress.
        3. Voluntary Action: The principle that human flourishing arises from free choices rather than coercion.
        4. Rule of Law: The equal treatment of all citizens under the law.
        5. Spontaneous Order: The natural emergence of stable and adaptable social outcomes beyond centralized planning.
        6. Civil Society: The network of freely formed institutions and norms that operate independently of the state to balance power.&
        7. Toleration and Pluralism: The embrace of diverse choices and ways of living in a free society.
        8. Freedom of Expression: The right to share and exchange ideas without fear of oppression.
        9. Justice: The protection of rights and provision of remedies for their violation.
        10. Intellectual Humility: The recognition of the limits of personal knowledge and the dangers of overconfidence in authority.
        11. Peaceful Solutions: The preference for nonviolence and freely formed arrangements to serve the common good.
        12. Individual Freedom: The belief that people are ends in themselves, entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Submit your essay today!

Hidden Fields
You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of this application. If you do not receive an email for any reason, please reach out to us at Funding@TheIHS.org.









Foundations of Liberty Undergraduate Essay Contest
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Affiliation Information

Please note, students participating in the Foundations of Liberty Undergraduate Essay Contest must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a 4-year degree granting institution in the United States. Winners may be required to provide proof of enrollment prior to receiving their award.


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Application Information


Here is the timeline for our application process:

  1. Apply for a position 
  2. An HR team member will review your application submission  
  3. If selected for consideration, you will speak with a recruiter 
  4. If your experience and skills match the role, you will interview with the hiring manager
  5. If you are a potential fit for the position, you will interview with additional staff members
  6. If you are the candidate chosen, we will extend a job offer

 

All candidates will be notified regarding the status of their application within two to three weeks of submission. As new positions often become available, we encourage you to visit our site frequently for additional opportunities that align with your interests and skills.