The Spirit of Anne Frank Award is administered by the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect and recognizes high school students who exemplify Anne Frank's values: courage, character, and commitment to social justice. In 2026, the award includes a $2,500 scholarship + a public ceremony in New York City + access to the Anne Frank Center alumni network. The program selects approximately 5 honorees annually from a pool of ~150-300 nominations.
Nominations open October 2026 and close February 2027. Eligibility requires (1) U.S. high school grade 11 or 12, (2) demonstrated exceptional commitment to combating antisemitism, racism, or other forms of discrimination through a substantive personal initiative. Unlike most scholarships, this award is NOMINATION-based: a teacher, mentor, or advocate must submit the candidate. The selection rubric prioritizes (a) sustained 1+ year commitment to a specific social justice cause, (b) measurable impact (people reached, policies influenced, communities organized), (c) personal courage demonstrated in the face of opposition.
The financial award is modest, but the recognition value is significant: honorees receive a public ceremony at the Anne Frank Center in NYC, are featured in the Anne Frank Center's national press release (often picked up by NYT, The Forward, Washington Post), and gain access to the Center's alumni network of social justice advocates. Past honorees have included founders of major youth-led civil rights organizations, student journalists who exposed institutional discrimination, and artists whose work has driven policy change. As of 2026, the Spirit of Anne Frank Award has been given annually since 1991. For socially-engaged high school students with substantive impact, this is one of the highest-prestige recognitions available.
Explore the full TCM Scholarships database with thousands of awards searchable by major, state, and student demographic. If you are also weighing financial aid options, see our Student Loans hub and our 2026 guide on private student loans - including which lenders to compare and how to qualify for the lowest rates. For families just starting the financial aid process, the FAFSA application guide walks you through every step.
The Spirit of Anne Frank Award - Eligibility, Award & 2026 awards $7,500 per recipient to approximately 2 recipients each cycle.
The Spirit of Anne Frank Award - Eligibility, Award & 2026 deadline is January 31, 2027. Applicants should submit materials at least one week before the deadline to allow time for verification and any required follow-up.
This award is for U.S. students. Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be a graduating high school senior who has been accepted to a four-year college or university. For full and current eligibility criteria, applicants should always verify directly on the official scholarship website before applying.
Apply directly through the official Spirit of Anne Frank Award - Eligibility, Award & 2026 application page at https://annefrankcenter.submittable.com/submit. Prepare required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, essays where applicable) before starting the application.
Related Scholarships
Related Guides
Need Expert College Admissions Guidance?
Our admissions consultants — HEC Paris & UCL alumni — have helped students get into top universities worldwide. Free initial consultation.
Get Free Consultation →Powered by YourDreamSchool.com
Join 25,000+ students. Get weekly scholarship deadlines, application tips, and free admissions guidance from our expert consultants.
Powered by YourDreamSchool.com · Unsubscribe anytime