Scholarships

American Atheists celebrates student activism by awarding scholarships to students who demonstrate atheist activism in their communities and schools.

What are the Founders' Scholarships?

The Founders' Scholarships grant a first-place award of $2,000 and runner-up award of $1,000 to atheist students attending college or university. The awards are given every year at the American Atheists National Convention. The Founders' Scholarship program was founded by Life Members Barbara J. Baldock, Dr. Phillip Butler, Rice O'Dell, Lillian B. Ramsden, and Irving Yablon.

American Atheists is proud to also award a $1,000 scholarship for LGBT atheist activism.

Who can enter?

The scholarships can be used by current college students or by high school students entering college the upcoming year. Additionally, full-time graduate students are eligible for the scholarship--and any student otherwise meeting the criteria who is attending an "accredited institute of higher learning in the United States." Applicants must be atheists and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (in academic subjects) or better. Race, gender, sexual orientation, political views, etc., are never taken into consideration. Applicants are judged based on their actions as atheists.

You do not have to be a member of American Atheists to apply for a scholarship, but you do have to be a member to accept a scholarship if you win. All applicants are offered a free one year membership to American Atheists.