AI has advanced significantly over the past two years. Do you think we will achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and reach the technical singularity within the next decade? Or do you believe we are still far from that milestone? Why?
* If you use an AI app to help you write the essay, it is acceptable so long as you append notes that describe your process, e.g. which AI app(s) did you use? what prompts did you provide it? etc.
How to Apply
1
Write your essay
Essay must be between 800 - 1,250 words.
2
Submit your application
Send an email with the subject line “Application for Fall 2025 Scholarship” to scholarships@spokeo.com and be sure to include:
Essay
A photo of yourself
Separately, provide at least two recommendation letters via Google Forms. To ensure that each recommendation letter is linked to your essay and photo, make sure the same email address you use to send in your essay is listed as the “Student's Email Address” on the recommendation letter form.
3
Proof of enrollment will be required
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to provide proof of enrollment for scholarship consideration prior to award disbursement.
Spokeo reserves the right to publish all essays submitted. Additional application requirements may be found in the Official Contest Rules.
Winning Entries
Winning entries will be published on our website and also in our respective social media spaces. By submitting your essay, you agree that Spokeo may publish your essay, name, and photo on spokeo.com.
School: DePaul University - Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
Adrianna received her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Cyber Security from DePaul University. After a close family friend was affected by human trafficking, she turned her passion for AI and social impact into founding Flock, a startup focused on improving campus safety. Adrianna plans to focus her life’s work on harnessing AI to help combat human trafficking.
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Fall 2022 Winner
Dominic Boever
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
School: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dominic is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who plans to use the $5,000 scholarship funds to further his education by attending optician school after graduating, following in his father’s footsteps and joining the family optician business.
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Fall 2017 Winner
Karenina Thomas
Hometown: Brasilia, Brazil
School: Elmhurst College
Karenina is a Junior at Elmhurst College and a member of the Women's Chorus. After graduating she plans to work as a special education teacher and researcher. She hopes to promote education for children with special needs in third world countries.
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Spring 2017 Winner
Dan Krajewski
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
School: Arizona State University
Dan is a Junior at Arizona State University and is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He enjoys fiction writing, baking and music. Upon graduating, Dan hopes to work in healthcare and / or neuropsychological research.
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Fall 2016 Winner
Shashank Rao
Hometown: Canton, MI
School: University of Michigan
Shashank is a Sophomore at the University of Michigan with a double major in English and Creative Writing, and a minor in Japanese. He enjoys reading, writing, bike rides and long nature walks. After graduation, Shashank plans on teaching English abroad and getting involved with organizations related to social justice and politics. His ultimate goal is to become a novelist.
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Spring 2016 Winner
Mark Hewertson
Hometown: Wescosville, PA
School: Pennsylvania State University
Mark is a scholar of the Pennsylvania State Schreyer Honors College at University Park with a major in Honors Computer Engineering. He enjoys playing intramural soccer, spending time with friends and has a strong interest in finance. After graduation, Mark’s goal is to work for a large banking organization building financial market tracking technologies.
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Fall 2015 Winner
Bradley Lewis
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
School: Marymount Manhattan College
Bradley is transferring to Marymount Manhattan College to study theatre and musical theatre after a rigorous audition process. Bradley has volunteered annually with Bike First - the program showcased in his winning entry - which helps kids with mental and physical disabilities learn to ride bikes. In his spare time he loves to sing and act.
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Spring 2015 Winner
Emma Browning
Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
School: Georgia Institute of Technology
Emma currently attends North Forsyth High School and is both the president of the academic team and the captain of the debate team. She is on the leadership team of Simple Charity - the subject of her winning entry. She plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall of 2015 with her a focus on International Relations.
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Spring 2014 Winner
Ashley S. Dillon
Hometown: Port St. John, Florida
School: University of Central Florida
Ashley attends University of of Central Florida with a major in psychology and a minor in cognitive sciences. Her involvement with Out of the Life, an organization committed to assisting individuals exit the sex traffic industry, demonstrates her passion for helping those in need. She plans on attending graduate school for a Ph.D in clinical psychology.