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Reflection. Leadership. Opportunity.
Students respond to a thought-provoking essay question designed to inspire intentional thinking.
What to Expect:
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Annual scholarship opportunity
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Essay submission
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Over 65 scholarships awarded to date
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Recognition of academic excellence
Because every move — on and off the board — matters.
AIM & PURPOSE
The Think Before You Move Scholarship will honor four exceptional high school students from the Athens-Clarke County area. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship for showcasing outstanding persuasive writing skills in response to the chosen essay topic. Applicants must also meet specific academic and community service criteria. This scholarship aims to inspire and support future journalists, scholars, and community leaders by promoting strong writing and public speaking on key issues like education reform and community awareness.
EXTRA DETAILS
Scholarship Award
Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Requirements for Scholarship Eligibility
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Candidates must have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
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Candidates must be currently enrolled as a senior in high school.
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Candidates must be actively involved in a local community club or organization.
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Candidates must demonstrate that they are engaged in community service.
Scholarship Expectation
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Candidates must write an original essay of at least 1600 words on the selected topic.
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Selected scholarship recipients must present their essay at the Chess and Community Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Selected scholarship recipients must dress in appropriate professional attire for a public presentation at the conference.
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All application and essay submissions are due by Friday, March 6, 2026.
ESSAY QUESTION FOR 2026
Theme: Connecting Futures: Youth Power in a digital age
What does “youth power” mean in a digital age, and how can young leaders ensure that technology creates opportunities to strengthen communities rather than divide them? How can these same skills help young people navigate and lead in a technology-driven future?
Note: Student essays will be critiqued on subject matter, organization, grammar, and mechanics. Please have entries reviewed by a teacher, parent, mentor, etc. prior to submission. Any submissions suspected of plagiarism or artificial intelligence will be disqualified.
HOW TO SUBMIT
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Turn in to school counselor or graduation coach
Email to: Scholarship@chessandcommunity.org
Subject: Think Before You Move Scholarship
Mail in application to:
Chess and Community
PO BOX 48911
Athens GA, 30604