Democratic Women’s Council of Horry County

2025 Essay/Video Scholarship Contest Rules and Criteria

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The Democratic Women’s Council of Horry County (DWCHC) is sponsoring an Essay/Video Contest with two $1,500 college scholarships for the winning essays or videos.

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The 2025 scholarship contest topic is: To what extent should our government, a Democratic Republic, be involved in the personal lives of its citizens? Provide specific examples connecting your personal life.

 

1. LENGTH: Essay submissions should be between 1,000 words and 1,500 words. Video submissions should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length (+/- 30 seconds), minimum of 2 minutes.

 

2. Do NOT include a self introduction in the essay or the video.3. Entries must be received by

April 11, 2025.

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4. SUBMIT APPLICATION:

• Online application form (LINK TO APPLICATION FORM)

• Proof of Horry County SC residency, which may include a SC driver’s license, state issued ID orSC voter ID card (free to registered voters at the Horry County Voter Registration and ElectionsOffice)

• Essay as PDF or video file as mp4; each applicant may submit only one essay or video forconsideration.

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5. Applicants will add their guidance counselor’s name to the application.

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6. Qualified applicants must:

• be a graduating public high school senior

• be a registered voter of Horry County or scheduled for High School graduation by June 2025

• provide proof of residency (for applicants under the age of 18) at time of submission

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7. Applicant agrees to allow the publication of the essay, photos and videos of the winners at the discretion of the DWCHC via social media, print and electronic media. 

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8. The essay or video will be judged using a scoring rubric (essay or video) provided for student reference on the DWC website: dwchc.com/scholarships.

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9. The winning essayists or videographers must provide a copy of their college/university acceptanceletter. The scholarship award will be issued to the winning applicant.

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10. The winning essayists or videographers agree to provide an update of their college success to the Democratic Women’s Council after the first semester and at the end of their freshman year.