2012 Melnick Scholars

Arizona high school seniors (Class of 2012)

How would you solve Arizona's greatest challenges?

Do have a creative solution to a complex public-policy problem that would inspire and change Arizona for the better?

Arizona needs your ideas and input, and you could earn a college scholarship in return. 

The 2012 Melnick Scholars Award invites high school seniors to express their ideas and concerns about public policy issues and offer solutions to Arizona's greatest challenges.

Submit a 1,200-word, public-policy essay for an opportunity or a multimedia presentation (video, website, social media, etc.) to earn one of two Arizona State University scholarships. Winning essays will be featured on this Web site and offered to the state’s largest newspaper, The Arizona Republic, for possible publication.

Turning creative ideas into real-life policy solutions drives what we do at Morrison Institute for Public Policy, an independent and nonpartisan center for research, analysis and public outreach on key issues facing Arizona.

The Melnick Scholars Award seeks high school seniors who are committed to public service and passionate about working for the benefit of their community.

• DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: May 7, 2012

ABOUT THE MELNICK SCHOLARS AWARDS

• Elaine and Richard Morrison established the Young Stewards of Public Policy in 2003. 
• The awards program was renamed after Rob Melnick (pictured) in 2009 in recognition of his dedicated work and leadership as director of Morrison Institute the prior 20 years. Melnick is presently executive dean of the Global Institute for Sustainability at Arizona State University.
•  The Melnick Scholars Award, in partnership with ASU's Center for Civic Education and Leadership, supports high school students and teachers who are committed to public service and civic education for Arizona's future.

2011 MELNICK SCHOLARS

▪     First place – Christopher Rasmussen, Alhambra High School, Phoenix. He will receive a $1,500 Arizona State University scholarship for his essay, Civic Affairs in the State of Arizona.

▪     Second place –Yessica Del Rincon, Westview High School, Avondale. She will receive a $1,000 ASU scholarship for her essay, Ethnic Studies Don't Dull History’s Vibrancy.

With the latest selections, there have been 19 recipients of the honor.

The public policy essay contest is aligned with concepts embedded in the Arizona K-12 Academic Standards for Civics and Language Arts. 

For Civics, students are required to:

• examine the basic political, social responsibilities of citizenship

• analyze public issues and policy making

• demonstrate the skills and knowledge (e.g., group problem solving, public speaking, petitioning and protesting) needed to accomplish public purposes

For Language Arts, students are required to:

• write a multi-paragraph essay with analysis, deduction/induction, problem/solution and, extended definition