The Phi Beta Kappa Association of East Central Illinois is very excited to announce our 32nd annual PHI BETA KAPPA YOUNG SCHOLAR AWARD competition. See winners from previous years here.
Founded in 1776, the Phi Beta Kappa Society is the most prestigious honors society in the United States. The PBK motto is: Love of learning is the guide of life.
1) We invite short essays from high school JUNIORS who are excited about learning and using the gift of learning to see the world in a new light.
2) Submit an essay online HERE. Submit the essay that you are most proud of writing. It should be approximately 500 words and not a work of creative writing.
3) Submit the essay by Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Students will need to give current contact information.
4) Winners will be honored at the Student Research and Creative Activity Conference, held on the campus of Eastern Illinois University, on April 21, 2023.
2nd place $300
3rd place $200
4th place $150
Runner-up $100
Runner-up $100
OR, if you would like, use this writing prompt:
Describe an experience that piqued your intellectual curiosity.
For instance, you might want to tell us about a time when you…
*struggled to learn something and persisted; or
*learned something on your own, through scientific inquiry or close observation; or
*posed a question as a child—such as “why is the sky blue?”—that was answered by what you learned in school; or
*gained a more global perspective by studying a foreign language; or
*learned of an historical event; or
*understood how a Midwestern background prepares you to make unique contributions as a citizen
Who: Winners and their parents, teachers, and principals will be invited, along with Phi Beta Kappa Association members and current Honors Eastern students.
When: Friday, April 21, 2023
11:00am Awards presentation
11:30am – 12:30pm Lunch with winners and PBK members
The EIU Student Research and Creative Activity Conference will continue throughout the day. Students may want to make plans to visit with the Honors College Dean, meet faculty, and take a campus tour.
Where: campus of Eastern Illinois University at 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920
Prizes: The first prize, second prize, third prize, fourth prize, and two honorable mention winners will be awarded prizes of $500, $300, $200, $150, $100, and $100. The lunch will be covered for all attendees.
The Honors College at Eastern: The Honors College offers an exceptional Honors education as well as very generous scholarships to attend EIU.
Campus tours: Want to meet current Honors College students or see the Honors dorm? Contact Dr. Suzie Park at sapark@eiu.edu to arrange a special campus tour of Eastern.
We’re looking forward to your wonderful entries!
Department of English
Coleman Hall
Eastern Illinois University
sapark@eiu.edu