MLK Scholarships & Awards
FIU’s 35th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration: Creative Scholarship
Submission Invitation
We are excited to welcome you to this year’s Creative Scholarship Challenge as part of FIU’s
35th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration. Our theme, Carrying the Torch: 35 Years of Faith, Courage,
and Unity, invites you to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and share your own
voice, vision, and creativity.
This scholarship is an opportunity to express what Dr. King’s values mean to you today.
Whether you create through visual art or video, we encourage you to explore the ideas of justice,
equality, nonviolence, faith, and service in a way that feels authentic to who you are. Your work
should speak to the past, but also to the future you want to help shape.
Students may submit paintings, drawings, photography, collage, digital illustrations, spoken
word, monologues, short films, or other creative pieces that fit the guidelines. Each submission
must be original and accompanied by a brief artist statement that explains your concept and how
it connects to the theme.
Your perspective matters and your creativity can spark conversations, reflection, and real impact.
We look forward to seeing how you carry the torch forward.
A full list of guidelines and the submission link can be found below.
Eligibility
• Open to matriculating undergraduate students (with 12- 75 credits earned at FIU) who are
U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Applicants must be in good academic and conduct standing at Florida International
University.
General Requirements
• Your work must connect to the theme Carrying the Torch: 35 Years of Faith, Courage,
and Unity.
• Submissions must be original and created by you only.
• Include a 100-word artist statement that explains your concept, process, and connection
to Dr. King’s values.
• Title your work and include your full name on all files.
• Submit everything electronically by December 14, 2025.
Visual Art Options
• Accepted formats: painting, drawing, photography, collage, digital illustration.
• Upload high quality JPG or PNG files, up to 10 MB each.
• Include the title, medium, and dimensions.
• Add 1 to 3 photos that show different angles or details.
• You may include a short text description if it supports your message.
Video Options
• Accepted formats: spoken word, monologue, short film, or performance.
• Maximum length: 3 minutes.
• File types: MP4 or MOV.
• Record horizontally with clear lighting and sound.
• Background music or effects are allowed if they help your piece.
• Include a title card with your name and the title of your work.
What You Will Submit
• Completed scholarship application
• Your titled art or video file
• 100-word artist statement
• Confirmation that the work is original
• All files must follow the format guidelines above.
How Entries Will Be Judged
• Connection to the theme
• Creativity and originality
• Understanding of Dr. King’s values
• Technical quality and presentation
• Clarity and insight within your artist statement
- First Place Award: $2,000 toward tuition, a $1,000 meal plan + a $500 book advance
- Second Place Award: $1,500 toward tuition, a $1,000 meal plan + a $500 book advance
- Third Place Award: $1,000 toward tuition, a $1,000 meal plan + a $500 book advance
Winners will be featured in a video and need to sign a Talent Release Waiver.
For more information please call (305) 348-2436.