Nomination Criteria

Personal Essay

Applicants are required to write a 1000 word essay describing contribution(s) they have made to their community and how their goals are inspired by Anne Frank. The essay should relate a single personal experience that demonstrates a commitment to social justice through peace initiatives, by taking a stand against discrimination of any type, reaching out to underserved community members, or working to bring diverse people together. We strongly recommend that applicants read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and include in their essay themes from the diary relate to their own life experience.

We hope to discourage applicants from sending a list of clubs they have joined, volunteer hours they have worked, or recycled college essays. Recent winners have started nonprofits, helped change federal law, turned their life around through a commitment to education, written a book about a social issue, and challenged prejudice as a community leader.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are also required to provide two letters of recommendation on letterhead from supporting sponsors who are personally familiar with the applicant’s contributions. Applicants may not be sponsored by parents or family members.

Supporting Material

Acceptable supporting materials include photocopies of photographs, newspapers, magazine or online articles, awards and letters of recognition. DO NOT SEND high school transcripts, CDs, DVDs. The Anne Frank Center USA will not return any supporting materials.

• PRIVACY POLICY •

AFC USA does not collect information from site visitors. Students are not automatically enrolled in solicitations, nor will receive extraneous emails. No applicant information is collected via this website. Submissions cannot be sent electronically. All applications must be submitted in hard copy by mail. If you are interested in receiving additional information regarding Anne Frank Center programming please send a separate email to info@annefrank.com.