2010 Application

We are now accepting applications for the 2010 scholarship! This year's applicants are asked to answer a single essay, in 500 words or less.

This year's essay question: What role should the Internet and computers play in modern K-12 education?

For more details, and instructions on how to submit your application, please visit http://www.carlstromfund.org/2010/apply

We look forward to reviewing all applications and selecting this year's winner!

2009 Hiatus

Regretfully, the Carlstrom Fund will not be awarding a scholarship in 2009. We plan to give our next award in 2010.

2008 Winning Essay

When asked "Recent Polls have shown a fifth of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map - why do you think this is?", Timothy Ames Leong of Hampden, ME submitted the following winning essay:

When I was a preteen I was conscious of the world around me. There were times I was confronted with people who were not aware of the outside world. As time progressed, I became dismayed at this unfortunate truth and felt the urge to lead my generation in a positive direction. Many recent studies have made startling discoveries revealing that a fifth if Americans can’t locate the U.S. on a world map. This problem is developing and only appears to be getting worse. Although it lends for great concern, this problem is rooted in shifts in society.

To make matters worse, in a recent survey only one in seven Americans could identify Iraq on a map of the world. Even worse, 49 % could not identify New York, and 11 % could not locate the United States. (Source National Geographic by RoperASW). Shocked at these astounding figures, I feel compelled to help my generation become more aware of news and world events. I believe that I may have an impact on the lives of people throughout my community my generation, and the future as a whole. Before any improvements can be made the cause of the issue must be addressed.

As the United States has emerged from many global conflicts, its citizens have focused less on the outside world and more on immediate interests. Currently, high school and college age students are labeled as the “me” generation. Concerned with consumption and material wealth, the American perception has become clouded. People are considering the events and problems of the world as a secondary concern. With a decrease of foreign awareness, people lose sight of its importance. Additionally the increase of technology has drastically lessened the dependence on personal knowledge. Today one can simply pull up a map of the world in seconds because of the internet. People no longer need to memorize where the United States is located on a map in order to understand geography.

For all of the reasons above I feel moved to study political science. I feel inspired knowing that there are people dedicated to helping people achieve their future endeavors. One person can make a difference and because of this I am seeking to be this difference.

2008 Winner Chosen

We are happy to announce this year's winner of the Carlstrom Family Scholarship. Timothy Ames Leong of Hampden, Maine is this year's winner.

We will follow up with additional posts with more details about Timothy's upcoming plans, and the actual winning essay.

Much thanks to this year's applicants, donors, and judges. Best of luck to Timothy and the entire class of 2008!

2008 Application

Many of you may have already seen Miss South Carolina's response to this past Miss Teen USA's question and answer segment. As of today, the video is ranked #43 as the most-viewed YouTube video of all time with over 22 million views.

"Recent Polls have shown a fifth of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map - why do you think this is?"

It's probably fair to say her response came as a result of being put on the spot and cracking under pressure. But if you were asked this same question - how would you respond? Please respond in essay format, in 500 words or less.

We will publish the top three finalists' essays here on the Carlstrom Fund Blog.

Essays are due no later than May 15th, 2008 by 6pm Eastern Time.

For full a set of rules, eligibility requirements, and details on how to submit, please visit the official Carlstrom Fund 2008 Application Page.