American University Challenge Prize: Overcoming Adversity 2025

The Center for Environmental Filmmaking Challenge Prize is an annual competition open to School of Communication.

Each awardee will be expected to give an inspirational five-minute presentation at a Center for Environmental Filmmaking event reflecting on how they will use media to change the world. The presentations will be videotaped and posted on the Center's website. Awardees can work with Professor Chris Palmer to develop their presentation-the goal is to practice effective public speaking and inspire other students.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 1, 2025
• Value$3,000
• Study LevelMasters , PhD
• SponsorAmerican University
• City to studyWashington
• School to studyAmerican University

Benefits

Challenge prize amount: $3,000

Requirements

Prize is available to:

• Second-year graduate students. 
• Those who have overcome (or are overcoming) challenges and adversity in their lives such as poverty, marginalization, racism, or personal tragedy, and who plan to use environmental and wildlife media to influence personal behavior or public policy and make the world a better place.

You must be in good academic standing in a School of Communication graduate program, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

1. Submit a resume
2. Provide a personal statement of no more than two pages double-spaced that addresses the adversities you have overcome or are currently facing
3. Provide a synopsis of no more than 300 words of your envisioned media project
4. E-mail application materials to Professor Maggie Stogner

For more details, visit American University Challenge Prize webpage