Be A Friend Project Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Be A Friend Project
Submissions are now closed — the deadline was 11:59 PM on August 31, 2025. The submit and upload buttons have been removed. Thank you to everyone who entered; good luck! The winner will be announced on October 1, 2025.
Annual Be A Friend Project Scholarship
Overview
- Who may apply: Any high school student.
- Application window: June 1, 2025 through August 31, 2025.
- Prize: One $500 award. The winner will be announced on October 1, 2025, to coincide with the start of National Bullying Prevention Month.
- Social requirement: Applicants MUST be following at least one of our social media handles (see the scholarship page for the list).
Writing Prompt
Imagine a group of friends gathered at lunch, talking about a classmate who’s being bullied. The twist: the bully is actually one of their own friends — but that friend isn’t at school today. The conversation turns awkward. Some insist the bullying is wrong, others are unsure. Do they speak up? Do they protect or reach out to the person being targeted? Is it “betrayal” to report a friend they hang out with every day?
YOUR TASK: Write a 2–4 page script that dramatizes this lunchtime discussion. Explain why these students should intervene, identify what’s preventing them from acting, and show how they can move past those barriers. Demonstrate how ordinary bystanders can become UPstanders.
Formatting Requirement
To keep judging fair, submit your script in 12‑point Times New Roman with 1‑inch margins.
Judging Criteria
Scripts will be evaluated on:
- Creativity
- Realism and emotional depth
- Understanding of bullying and its consequences
AI Use Policy
We strongly discourage relying on AI to write your submission. AI-generated scripts tend to be similar in tone and structure; entries that depend on AI will receive a zero for creativity. We want your authentic voice, ideas, and heart — that’s what will make your piece stand out.