Omega Psi Phi International High School Essay Contest
Offered by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
About This Scholarship
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., one of the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities, runs an annual International High School Essay Contest for college-bound seniors. The current prompt asks: how can young people use leadership, service, and innovation to create positive change in their communities? Winning essays earn college scholarship awards of $2,000 for first place and $1,000 each for second and third.
No fraternity connection is required to enter. Contestants submit a 700-to-750-word, type-written, double-spaced essay through the Omega Psi Phi chapter that corresponds to their high school or home address, by postal mail or email. The topic cannot be modified or shortened, and the required application form is available for download on the contest page.
Chapters score entries on a standardized 100-point rubric: topic development (30 points), progression (20), readability (25), grammar (15), spelling (5), and punctuation (5). Because judging starts at the local chapter level, an essay that is technically clean and tightly organized has a real advantage over one that is merely passionate.
Eligibility
- College-bound high school senior
- No Omega Psi Phi membership or family connection required
- Essay of 700-750 words on the official topic, type-written and double-spaced in Microsoft Word
- Submitted through the local Omega Psi Phi chapter serving your high school or home address
How To Apply
- Download the application form from the contest page at oppf.org
- Write a 700-750 word essay on the official prompt about leadership, service, and innovation (do not modify or shorten the topic)
- Locate the Omega Psi Phi chapter corresponding to your high school or home address
- Submit the essay and application form to that chapter by mail or email before 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a connection to the fraternity?
No. The contest welcomes all college-bound high school seniors — you simply submit through the local Omega Psi Phi chapter that serves your school or home address.
How are essays judged?
Chapters use a standardized 100-point rubric: topic development (30), progression (20), readability (25), grammar (15), spelling (5), and punctuation (5). Mechanics count for a quarter of the score, so proofread carefully.
What are the prizes?
The national contest page lists $2,000 for first place and $1,000 each for second and third place, paid as college scholarship awards.