To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time and in good standing at any accredited, 4-year, degree-granting institution in the U.S. or its territories. Applicants apply for a scholarship during their sophomore year. Winners receive the award for their junior year and may apply for renewal for their senior year. First-time applicants who are juniors may apply for a one-time scholarship awarded for the senior year.

Applicants must submit an essay of 500 to 750 words describing their backgrounds, career objectives, and scope of participation in leadership activities promoting freedom, American values, and Constitutional principles. The essay should also speak to the ideological climate at the applicant’s school and how he or she is addressing it. In addition, supporting documentation and at least two letters of recommendation are required. The program is merit-based, although evidence of financial need is taken into account.

Applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2013. Phillips Foundation trustees will serve as judges of the applications. The winners will be selected in early April 2013.

Applications and further information are available at www.thephillipsfoundation.org. All necessary materials can be downloaded from the site and prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the complete program information online before contacting The Phillips Foundation. Applicants or others without Internet access may request an identical printed copy of the materials by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to The Phillips Foundation, 1 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC 20001, Attention: Jeff Hollingsworth. Phone: 202-250-3887 ext. 628. E-mail: jhollingsworth@thephillipsfoundation.org.