Power of Change Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.
About the Power of Change Scholarship
The Power of Change Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in political science and criminal justice who plan to shape public policy, law enforcement, or legal practice. Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. established this scholarship to encourage driven students to pursue careers that influence their communities. The award is intended for current university students and incoming freshmen enrolled at accredited institutions in the United States. This page explains eligibility, application materials, the essay prompt, and the evaluation process.
Description: A merit-based award designed to support undergraduate students studying political science or criminal justice who intend to pursue careers that effect civic or legal change.
- Established to encourage future policy makers, investigators, and legal professionals.
- Targeted at students in political science or criminal justice programs.
- Information here covers eligibility, application materials, and evaluation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for the scholarship. Eligible candidates are those majoring in political science or criminal justice and enrolled or incoming as full-time students at an accredited U.S. university for the Spring 2027 semester. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and U.S. citizens. Meeting all listed criteria is required for consideration.
Eligibility: Major in political science or criminal justice; current full-time student or incoming freshman for Spring 2027 at an accredited U.S. university; age 17 or older; U.S. citizen.
- Major requirement: political science or criminal justice.
- Enrollment: full-time current student or incoming freshman for Spring 2027.
- Age and citizenship: at least 17 years old and U.S. citizen.
Application Requirements
Applications require a focused essay and proof of enrollment. Submit a roughly 500-word essay (accepted range 400–600 words) saved as a .pdf or .docx; essays outside the 400–600 word range will be rejected. Also attach documentation showing enrollment or acceptance at an accredited school, such as an acceptance letter, class schedule, or unofficial transcript. Follow the specified file formats and word limits precisely to ensure your application is accepted for review.
Submission Requirements: One essay submitted as .pdf or .docx and one proof-of-enrollment document (acceptance letter, class schedule, or unofficial transcript).
- Essay must be 400–600 words and uploaded as .pdf or .docx.
- Provide proof of enrollment or acceptance from an accredited institution.
- Applications failing to meet format or word-count rules will be disqualified.
Essay Prompt
The essay should explain your motivation for studying criminal justice or political science and outline the change you intend to make in your community through your career. The response should be clear, well-organized, and focused on an actionable plan or realistic goals. Address both parts of the prompt fully to align with the evaluation criteria. Keep the essay within the required word-count limits and file formats.
Prompt: What motivates you to study criminal justice or political science? What change do you hope to make to your community in your career?
- Answer both questions clearly and directly.
- Describe motivations and a concrete plan for community impact.
- Keep within the 400–600 word limit and required file formats.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are reviewed for relevance to the prompt, clarity of organization, and the presence of an actionable plan for making change in the applicant’s future career. Reviewers assess whether the essay fully addresses the prompt, presents ideas in a logical structure, and outlines specific steps or goals that demonstrate potential impact. The winner will be notified by email approximately one month after the final application deadline. Judges use these criteria to identify the application that best combines motivation, clarity, and feasibility.
Evaluation: Essays are judged on completeness in addressing the prompt, organization and clarity, and articulation of an actionable plan for impact.
- Complete and direct response to the prompt is required.
- Organization and clarity of ideas are critical.
- Preference for essays that describe a realistic, actionable plan.
Award Value and Timeline
The scholarship awards a single $1,000 prize to the selected recipient. The final deadline for applications is November 18, 2026, and the winner will be notified by email approximately one month after the deadline. For questions about eligibility, application materials, or submission, applicants should contact the scholarship team directly. Use the provided email to reach the committee with inquiries or clarification requests.
Award Value: $1,000 single recipient award.
Application Timeline: Final deadline November 18, 2026; winner notified by email roughly one month after the deadline.
- Single award amount: $1,000.
- Application deadline: November 18, 2026.
- Contact for inquiries: [email protected].