Illuminate Your Future: The BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recognizes the pivotal role of ethics in shaping future leaders. Understanding that high school students grapple with ethical dilemmas that can significantly influence their lives, the BBB champions those who demonstrate unwavering integrity. Through the BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship, the BBB seeks to honor ethical students for doing the right thing. This scholarship, available in Greater Arizona and Southern California, provides an opportunity for students to showcase their moral compass and win scholarship prizes.
Why Ethics Matters: The BBB's Perspective
The Better Business Bureau believes it is never too early to introduce and emphasize the importance of ethics. At the high school level, students begin to face ethical decisions that may impact the rest of their lives. They serve as role models whose moral compass not only guides their actions, but also influences those around them. The BBB is an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other.
The Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship: An Overview
The BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship Contest is an opportunity for students to showcase their unwavering integrity by describing an ethical dilemma that they have experienced. We award a total of $5k in scholarships to the top 5 winners in our contest with recognition at our Annual Torch Awards for Ethics ceremony. The scholarship aims to recognize and reward students who embody ethical principles and demonstrate a commitment to integrity in their decision-making.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Students in grades 9-12 (graduating classes of 2025-2028) residing and enrolled in school in eligible counties are invited to apply for this scholarship opportunity. If you’re in grades 9-12 and reside in Apache, Coconino, Gila, Imperial, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Orange, Pinal, San Diego, Yavapai or Yuma Counties, in Arizona or Southern California you’re eligible to apply.
The Essay: Your Ethical Reflection
Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay on an ethical issue they faced and how they handled it. Essays should not exceed 500 words and include a title in the essay. The essay is your opportunity to delve into a personal experience where you confronted an ethical challenge. It's a chance to showcase your ability to analyze complex situations, make sound judgments, and act with integrity.
Read also: Examples of Ethical Dilemmas
What Makes a Winning Essay?
Essays should analyze what ethics has taught the students and themselves. Note that the most engaging essays often reflect on a meaningful experience or lesson learned in one’s life that focuses on an ethical reflection.
Important Rules and Guidelines
Essays should be written by students without the use of AI. Essays written with the assistance of AI will be disqualified from the contest.
Scholarship Award Details
Five students in Greater Arizona, five students in Orange County, California, and five students in San Diego County, California to be awarded with scholarship prizes. The scholarship is designated for both full and part-time enrollment statuses. This scholarship is restricted for use at two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and trade/technical schools.
Key Application Deadlines
San Diego and Imperial County students must submit their application on August 11, 2025. Orange County students must submit their application on September 22, 2025. Greater Arizona students must submit their application on October 20, 2025.
Resources to Help You Succeed
For help writing the essay component of this scholarship application, check out our guides How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay and How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples).
Read also: Student Ethics at Intermountain
Read also: The Labyrinth of Education Ethics
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