SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Force For Good High School Essay Contest
The 2023 contest is now closed. Use the form at the bottom of the page if you wish to be notified when the 2024 scholarship is announced.
Who can apply to the scholarship?
- Eligible students must currently be sophomores or juniors in high school in the United States and identify as a member of one or more underrepresented population based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, country of origin, culture, language, religion, spiritual beliefs, health history, disability, financial hardship, and/or others. Students must submit their essay online in English.
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards of $2500, $1000 and $500, respectively, to go to the winning essays which are picked by our diverse essay review committee made up of both clinical genetic and genomic healthcare providers and non clinical employees of Genome Medical. Monetary prizes to be awarded in addition to a public congratulations and post of the winning essays/students on our social media. Finalists will be contacted and their personal and school information will be confirmed. In addition, a photo will be requested (optional) for the purposes of announcing the winners.
What are the essay criteria?
- Essay Question: Genetic counseling is a specialized healthcare field that focuses on the communication of genetic information to individuals and families who may be at risk for inherited genetic disorders. Genetic counselors work with patients to help them understand the potential risks and benefits of genetic testing, select and interpret their genetic test results, and provide guidance on incorporating this information into their care. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion within the field of genetic counseling. This is because individuals from diverse backgrounds may have unique healthcare needs and experiences that can impact their ability to access and benefit from genetic counseling services. In this essay, we would like you to tell us: What qualities and skills do genetic counselors possess that would help to promote diversity and inclusion in the field and what impact would this have on patient care?
- Word Limit: 1,000 word limit for submitted essays. Essays submitted via PDF below.
- Deadline: Submissions deadline as been extended until May 26th, 2023. Winners will be announced June 7th, 2023.
- Rubric: The essay submissions will be reviewed by a diverse committee and evaluated across the following three areas:
1. Content—Essay captures the audience’s attention immediately, focuses on the assigned question with fully developed reasoning with specific details, provides a learning experience and includes a conclusion that connects the topic and all included concepts together.
2. Flow—Essay is smooth, coherent and transitions effectively, directing readers from one idea/concept to the next.
3. Grammar/Spelling—Essay should be entirely free of grammatical errors. No spelling or punctuation errors.
