Real Voices Essay Coaching Award

The Real Voices Essay Coaching Award provides five hours of free college application essay coaching. The award is open to:

• High school seniors applying to four-year colleges for Fall 2027 admission
• Community college students applying to transfer to a four-year university for Fall 2027 admission

Every student deserves the chance to write a powerful, personal college essay – no matter their background or ability to pay.
That’s why we’re offering the Real Voices Essay Coaching Award: five hours of one-on-one coaching—completely free—for a student applying for admission to a four-year college or university. Each year, we select one student to receive the full five hours of coaching. Whether you already have a draft or don’t know where to start, this award is designed to help you reflect, write, and revise with confidence.

Who Should Apply
We’re looking for a high school senior or community college student who meets the following criteria:

• Is applying to a four-year college or university for Fall 2027 admission
• Has strong potential and motivation
• May not otherwise be able to afford private essay coaching

We especially encourage applications from:

• First-generation college students
• Students from low-income households
• Students with compelling personal stories to tell

How to Apply
To apply, just complete the short form below. You’ll be asked to briefly share the following:

• A few sentences about your background and goals
• A personal statement idea (if you have one)

A short note on why you’re interested in the award

Application Opens: April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Winner Announced: October 1, 2026
Coaching Dates: October 2026 (before November 1 college deadlines)

This award is valued at $1,500 in professional coaching services and is offered at no cost to the student.