2016-17 DVRF College Essay Competition

The Dennis & Victoria Ross Foundation is pleased to announce an essay competition open to all undergraduates enrolled at a college or university in the United States for the 2016-2017 academic year.

The essay topic is:

"The First Amendment and Free Expression in 21st Century America"

Update: Junior Jacob Fisher has been selected as the winner of this year's competition and the $5,000 prize. 

The Foundation is committed to the importance of free expression and inquiry in a civilized, diverse society. We are, however, equally committed to the value of robust dialogue and debate, and are naturally skeptical of any absolutist views on any issue of importance, including the role of the First Amendment. In this regard, the essay competition is not designed to elicit a 'right' answer or to draw and reward views similar to those of the Foundation. Essays will be evaluated on their thoughtfulness and quality of expression, and the extent to which they engage honestly with alternative views.

Rules and Guidelines

Submissions for 2016 are now closed. Thank you to all who submitted! 

Essays should be limited to no more than 1,500 words. Students must be currently enrolled at a college or university in the United States for the 2016-17 academic year. Limit of one essay per student. Please list your name, email address, school and class year visibly on your submission or in your email. Submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and sent to dross@dvrf.org by November 1st, 2016.