The Chermol & Fishman Semi-Annual College Scholarship awards $1,000, $750, and $500 to U.S. college, university, and community college students (including grad students) through an essay contest. Submit a 500-800 word essay on law and equality. Deadlines: Dec 31 & July 31.
Scholarship Name | Chermol & Fishman Semi-Annual College Scholarship |
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Award Amount | 1st: $1,000, 2nd: $750, 3rd: $500 |
Eligibility | U.S. college, university, or community college students (including grad students) |
Essay Prompt | Discuss laws failing to promote equality & possible solutions |
Word Count | 500-800 words (MLA format) |
Application Steps | Write essay → Save as .doc/.docx → Email to ford@myseoguru.com |
Deadlines | Spring: December 31, Fall: July 31 |
Judging Criteria | Grammar, citations, relevance, creativity, strength of argument |
How to Apply | Submit essay via email with name, phone, and college details |
Twice a year, Chermol & Fishman offers a scholarship contest that’s not just about good grades but about your ideas, your voice, and your ability to make a strong argument.

This isn’t one of those scholarships that require a never-ending application process or a stack of paperwork. All you need is a well-written, thoughtful essay—and if you can craft a compelling argument, you could win up to $1,000 toward your education.
What’s This Scholarship About?
The Chermol & Fishman Semi-Annual College Scholarship was created to support students like you who are passionate about education and social issues. The law firm runs this essay contest twice a year, giving you two chances annually to win.
How It Works?
- You write an original essay on a thought-provoking topic.
- Judges evaluate submissions based on writing quality, argument strength, creativity, and relevance to the prompt.
- If your essay stands out, you win money for school—no strings attached.
Isn’t that simple.
What You Can Win
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $500
Even if you don’t land first place, placing in the top three still puts money in your pocket for tuition, books, or whatever else you need for school.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is open to anyone currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. college, university, or community college.
Grad students? You’re eligible too.
There are no complicated eligibility hoops to jump through. If you’re in school or about to start, you can apply.
The Essay Prompt (What You’ll Write About)
Here’s where your critical thinking skills come in. This year’s prompt:
“Laws aim to create a structure for society to achieve equality for all its citizens. Sometimes, those laws fail to achieve this goal. Provide contemporary examples and explore the structures, systems, and social practices that exist to handle times when laws fail to promote equality.”
This isn’t just about throwing facts onto a page. It’s about making a compelling argument. Maybe you want to write about voting rights, healthcare access, education disparities, or another area where laws don’t always work as intended.
The key? Make your case, back it up, and keep it engaging.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Write Your Essay
- Keep it between 500-800 words.
- Be original, creative, and clear.
- Use MLA formatting for any citations.
2. Submit Your Essay
- Save it as a .doc or .docx file.
- Email it to ford@myseoguru.com.
- In the email, include:
- Your name
- Phone number
- The college or university you plan to attend
- Use “Scholarship” in the subject line
3. Meet the Deadline
- Spring Deadline: December 31
- Fall Deadline: July 31
Don’t wait until the last minute—give yourself time to write something great.
How Are Essays Judged?
Submissions are scored on a 25-point rubric across five categories:
- Grammar & Style (5 points) – Is your writing polished and professional?
- Proper Citations (5 points) – Did you follow MLA formatting?
- Relevance to the Prompt (5 points) – Did you actually answer the question?
- Creativity (5 points) – Are your ideas fresh and original?
- Strength of Argument (5 points) – Did you make a strong, well-supported case?
The winners are contacted via email and phone, so check your inbox and voicemail—you don’t want to miss out because you forgot to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I’m not in college yet?
Yes! As long as you plan to enroll in a U.S. college, university, or community college, you’re eligible.
2. How often can I apply?
The scholarship runs twice a year—so if you don’t win the first time, you can try again for the next deadline.
3. Does my major matter?
Nope. All majors are welcome. Whether you’re studying law, business, healthcare, or the arts, you’re eligible.
4. What if I go over or under the word count?
Stay within 500-800 words. If you go over or under, your essay may be disqualified—so stick to the guidelines.
5. When will I know if I won?
Winners are notified by email and phone. If you don’t hear back, it’s safe to assume you weren’t selected—but don’t let that stop you from trying again!