Submissions will be accepted for Americans United’s annual Student Contest now through Oct. 6, 2025. The contest accepts essay and video submissions from high school and college students.
This year, students are invited to respond to this prompt: How and why do religious and/or non-religious groups, on their own or together, advocate for the separation of church and state? How have they been successful, and what does their example mean for present and future advocacy for the separation of church and state?
Winning essays and videos — with separate prize categories for high school and college students — will win between $500-$1,500. Winners also have the chance to be published in AU’s Church & State magazine and online.
Students who wish to enter the contest should keep in mind the following:
The contest is open to high school students and undergraduate students attending any two or four year college or university including trade and technical schools. Students must live in the United States including the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.
Creativity is encouraged! Winning submissions will have a unique and compelling voice or perspective.
Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, Oct. 6.
To enter, and for more information about the contest, visit www.au.org/studentcontest.