2012 Melnick Scholars: How to apply, possible topics
HOW TO APPLY TO BE A MELNICK SCHOLAR
- Write a cover letter about who yourself and why you should be considered as a Melnick Scholar.
- Craft a compelling essay, video or video link addressing a public issue of critical importance in Arizona as the state prepares to enter its second century.
- Send above items to via e-mail in Microsoft Word to Eli Smith elisabeth.s.smith@asu.edu
Or send via U.S. Postal Service to:
Morrison Institute for Public Policy
Arizona State University
Attn: Melnick Young Scholars
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 900
Phoenix, AZ 85004
ESSAY FORMAT
1,000 to 1,200 words
12-point type
One-inch margins
Double-spaced
- VIDEO FORMAT
CD and link (if applicable) to video
- BLOG/WEBSITE FORMAT
Link to blog or website format
- ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE:
• Name
• Mailing address
• Phone
• E-mail
• High school
• Home city
• Intention to attend ASU
DEADLINE: All essays must be submitted by May 7, 2012
ESSAY TOPICS
Come up with a topic of your choosing, or you can select from a set of questions in one of the four topics areas below. Use your essay to create a response to the question suggested, or develop and respond to a question of your own. Keep in mind the centennial theme of Arizona entering its second century. Be forward thinking.
I. Prosperous Arizona
Arizona wants to create rewarding, high-paying jobs for its residents by persuading new businesses to move here and encouraging them to prosper as the economy improves. If you were governor, how would you do this? What needs to be done in terms of research and development? What are Arizona's strengths and weaknesses? What should Arizona do to become more globally competitive?
II. Changing Arizona
Arizona’s future depends on persuading its young people to pursue their careers here rather than moving to other states after high school or college. What steps could the state’s public officials take to help keep more young people here? What role and responsibility will young people have in shaping Arizona in the next century? What about the generation after the next generation? How will they shape social policy, as well as public policy?
Arizona’s population is about 6.5 million and could reach in the neighborhood of 10 million in a couple of decades, well into Arizona's second century, as the economy recovers. What will be the major challenges raised by this growth, and how can Arizona best prepare to meet them? How can Arizona avoid its traditional boom-and-bust cycle? Is there enough infrastructure and water to provide for millions of more citizens?
IV. Governing Arizona
Some people say that Arizonans must become more active in civic affairs — from voting and volunteering, to attending public meetings, etc. Do you agree? If so, why, and what are ways that civic activity can best be promoted? If not, why not, and what other things are more important for Arizona’s future? What are some ways Arizona can better engage in civil dialogue and avoid polarizing politics? What needs to change in government?
