Student OpEd Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure

Overview

The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is running a year‑round 2026 scholarship contest open to enrolled college students across the United States. Participants write a well‑reasoned opinion column (OpEd) of up to 900 words that cites Aii research and attempt to place it in a local, state, or national publication. Entrants must upload a hyperlink to the published article or provide proof of a good‑faith submission effort for consideration.

Description: Aii’s contest challenges students to research, synthesize, and communicate original ideas on infrastructure and innovation by publishing an OpEd that cites Aii materials.

• Open‑entry OpEd contest for current college students.
• Submissions must cite Aii and aim for placement in a real publication.
• Contest runs year‑round with rolling evaluation.

Who is Aii?

The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is an independent national research and educational organization focused on infrastructure policy and innovation. It is the only nationwide public policy think tank dedicated specifically to infrastructure, exploring intersections of economics, law, and public policy. Aii’s work covers topics including climate, damage prevention, eminent domain, energy, innovation, technology, and transportation.

Description: Aii produces research and analysis to inform policymakers, industry, and the public on infrastructure and cross‑sector innovations.

• National think tank focused on infrastructure policy.
• Research spans law, economics, and technology.
• Resources are intended for policymakers, industry, and public audiences.

The OpEd Prompt

Entrants should read Aii reference material from the listed sources and incorporate relevant information into an original OpEd written in English and no longer than 900 words. The tone should suit the general public or a specific regional audience of the target publication. Final submissions must cite Aii (in text or via hyperlink) as part of a well‑researched argument.

Submission Requirements: Write a concise OpEd (≤900 words), cite Aii, submit to a publication, and provide either a published link or proof of submission.

• Articles must be original, well‑sourced, and clearly address the prompt.
• Citations to Aii research are required within the article.
• Target your piece to the readership of the publication you submit to.

Prompt 1 — Making Connections

This prompt asks students to propose how innovation across at least two otherwise unrelated industries can solve infrastructure challenges. Examples include linking broadband with transportation or energy with construction to improve resilience, safety, or efficiency. Responses should focus on practical, cross‑sector partnerships and address obstacles to integration while remaining accessible to a general or regional readership.

Description: Explore cross‑sector collaboration and practical solutions that leverage innovation to address infrastructure problems.

• Focus on at least two distinct industries and their intersection.
• Provide practical, actionable ideas and discuss barriers to implementation.
• Keep language and examples relevant to the publication’s audience.

How to Enter

Prepare an original OpEd that cites Aii research, submit it to a chosen local, state, or national publication, and then upload a live link to the published piece or submit proof of a good‑faith attempt to place the article. You may pitch the piece as an OpEd and may inform editors that it is an essay contest or present it simply as an opinion submission. For pitching advice or clarifications, contact the provided Aii representative.

Submission Steps: Draft, cite Aii, pitch or submit to a publication, then provide a published link or proof of submission to Aii for review.

• One entry per student; include Aii citations.
• Accepted proof includes published links or submission emails plus a draft.
• Follow the publication’s submission requirements (format, word count, links).

Eligibility

The contest is open to all currently enrolled college students in the United States, including graduate students. Each student may submit one entry per contest cycle. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and evaluated monthly for scholarship awards.

Eligibility: Open to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S.; one entry per student; rolling submissions evaluated monthly.

• Includes undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled.
• One submission allowed per student.
• Rolling evaluation with monthly consideration for awards.

Rules

Articles must address the assigned prompt without restating it verbatim for editors, include citations or hyperlinks to Aii work, and be pitched to an external publication. Qualifying submissions must provide either a live publication link or an email with proof of submission plus a draft. Entrants must also comply with any specific submission requirements of the target publication.

Rules: Address the prompt, cite Aii, attempt publication, and submit either a published link or proof of submission and draft.

• Do not simply restate the prompt in the article text sent to editors.
• Cite Aii in the article text or via hyperlink.
• Obey the target publication’s submission format and guidelines.

Awards & Promotion

The contest provides scholarship funds to selected winners and opportunities for promotion. Potential finalists may be named throughout the year, and top prizes can total up to $5,000. Select featured submissions may also be highlighted to Aii’s national audience of industry leaders and policymakers.

Award Value: Top prize funds of up to $5,000, with additional promotion and finalist recognition throughout the year.

• Monthly evaluations produce potential finalists and winners.
• Top prize amounts may reach $5,000.
• Selected work may be promoted or published by Aii.

Judging & Timeline

Submissions are reviewed monthly by a judging committee assembled by Aii. Judges evaluate originality of argument, incorporation of innovation, and effective use of existing infrastructure in the proposed solution. There is no fixed deadline; the contest remains open year‑round with rolling evaluations.

Application Timeline: Year‑round contest with rolling submissions and monthly evaluation for qualification and awards.

• No single deadline; submit any time during the year.
• Monthly review cycles determine finalists and awards.
• Judging criteria include originality, innovation, and infrastructure leverage.

Contact

For pitching advice or contest clarifications, contact Benjamin Dierker at [email protected]. Selected articles and winning submissions may be promoted or published at Aii.org. Review Aii’s selected sources before drafting your OpEd to ensure proper citation and alignment with the research.

Contact: Reach out by email for help with pitching, questions about rules, or contest clarifications.

• Email for clarifications and pitching assistance: [email protected].
• See Aii.org for potential publication and promotion of selected work.
• Consult Aii references to support your submission.