John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Overview and Requirements

The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits an O’Connor Institute Ambassador high school senior who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills, and civics knowledge. Established in memory of a late O’Connor Institute colleague, the Fetzer scholarship is bestowed to an exemplary member of the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club who personify the core values of the Institute, such as civility and inclusivity.

2025 scholarship applications will be accepted from January 15 to April 4, 2025.

Finalists will be notified within one (1) week of the submission deadline for additional material verification.

The 2025 John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship winner will be announced May 1, 2025.

Award Amount:  $5,000 (one scholarship awarded annually)

Application Requirements:

Student Eligibility:

  • 12th-grade student currently enrolled as an O'Connor Institute Ambassador who has participated in the 2024-2025 program and attended a minimum of two meetings.
  • Set to graduate in spring 2025
  • United States Citizen

Essay Submission:

A written essay, no more than 1000 words on the topic:

Data show that a significant portion of American youth feel disconnected from traditional civics education and skeptical about its relevance to their lives. Why is this so, and how should the situation be addressed? (High-quality responses will make arguments interweaving personal experience with broader data and trends.)

Community Service:   

Student participates in one or more extracurricular activity at their school or in the community (e.g. Scouts). Students will be required to provide details of their service and if selected as a finalist, provide contact information to confirm their hours/participation.