Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression
Who can apply
- The Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression is available to high school seniors who are 21 years of age and younger.
- To be considered for this award, you must plan to enroll in an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or approved vocational-technical school.
About the scholarship
Selection is based on one original literary composition submission addressing the following prompt: "In the face of these book bans and attacks on free expression, we are celebrating the power of books and stories. Tell us about one banned book that changed your life and why." Only the first 1,000 applications will be accepted.
Awards
Number of winners: 1
Last reviewed
Frequently asked questions
When is the deadline for the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression?
The deadline is January 15, 2027. Penguin Random House sets the exact cutoff time, which can be earlier than the end of the day, so check the provider's page before you apply.
How much is the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression worth?
The Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression is worth $10,000.
Who can apply for the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression?
It's open to high school seniors and trade school students, according to the listing. Every requirement is listed under “Who can apply” on this page, and Penguin Random House decides who is eligible.
How do I apply for the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression?
You apply on Penguin Random House's site, under its rules. Create your profile and sign in, then select Apply now on this page to open the provider's application.
Who offers the Chinua Achebe Award for Freedom of Expression?
Penguin Random House offers this scholarship. It reviews applications and chooses the winner. AspireOpen lists the scholarship so you can find it, but doesn't review applications for it.
Will I hear back if I don’t win?
Penguin Random House decides whether to contact applicants who don't win. You apply on the provider's site, so AspireOpen doesn't receive results for this scholarship. If you haven't heard back after the deadline, check the provider's page or contact Penguin Random House.
How is the scholarship paid?
Penguin Random House pays the award on its own terms, including whether it goes to your school or to you and when. The provider's page has the details.
Are these details up to date?
We last reviewed this listing on November 1, 2026. Details can change, so check the provider's page before you apply.
Where can I find similar scholarships?
Browse Skilled trades scholarships, scholarships for high school students, and scholarships for trade school students.
More questions? Read the student FAQ.
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