Public by Default Scholarship

From arrest records to court documents, much of this information is available to the public before a conviction. While transparency is a cornerstone of democracy, this practice raises serious questions about privacy, fairness, and the potential for lasting harm. We encourage applicants to explore the social, professional, and emotional effects of public criminal records, especially for those later found not guilty. We also encourage applicants to propose reforms that balance accountability with protection.

Eligibility

• The scholarship is available to high school seniors, vocational students, college students, or graduate students who are legal residents of the United States and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a vocational program or a two- to four-year post-secondary institution.
• Employees of Problems? Pick Porter., their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, and spouses), and those living in the same household as these individuals, whether related or not, are ineligible to apply.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate good academic standing overall.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt: This essay invites students to examine how Florida’s broad interpretation of its public records law affects individuals facing criminal charges. Because arrest records, court documents, and law enforcement files are generally accessible to the public—even before a conviction—this policy raises questions about the balance between government transparency and personal privacy. Students can explore the social, professional, and emotional impacts of public criminal records, especially for those later found not guilty, and propose reforms that preserve public accountability while protecting individuals from lasting harm. References to specific charges may help illustrate how public access to criminal records affects real lives.
• Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
• The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
• The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
• Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.