2026 Scholarship Contest Application Open to Graduate Students
At Least Nine Awards from $2,000 to $5,000!
NPG, a national membership organization devoted to population issues, invites graduate students to compete in our annual Scholarship Contest.
Entries must be in MS WORD and between 500 and 750 words and must be received by 11:59 PM EST on APRIL 13, 2026. Those received after the deadline will NOT be accepted. Entries must be submitted via the form below. Entrants must read the Official Rules and Release Agreement. Winners will be announced online at www.NPG.org by July 13, 2026.
CONTEST TOPIC:
On July 4, 2026, America will turn 250 years old. Happy Birthday, America!
Our country's population is now more than 87 times larger than it was at the first official census in 1790, growing from 3.9 million at that time to over 324.7 million today – and every day we add more people.
Negative Population Growth, Inc., the nation’s premier organization exclusively devoted to the study of U.S. population size and growth, has identified several reasons why population growth negatively impacts the United States.
We want to know what you think!
In 500-750 words, identify three aspects of American life that are negatively affected by population growth. Explain why these factors would be easier to manage with fewer people.
In your opinion, what is an ideal population size for the United States and why?
Use hard data to support your positions. At least three properly cited sources must be included in your essay, using books, magazines, academic journals, organizational websites, and news outlets. Do not use blogs or social media posts.