2025 Scholarship Applications Closed, Re-Open for 2026 in September

The scholarship contest period for the 2025 William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship and Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship has now closed. All 2025 submissions are currently under review, and no additional entries can be accepted at this time.​

For the 2025 cycle, the Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship received 468 applicants, reflecting strong interest from aspiring educators who support worker freedom. The William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship received 103 applications from students committed to advancing the understanding of individual rights in the workplace under Right to Work freedoms.​

The next scholarship contest cycle will open in Fall 2026, when NILRR will again invite students to submit essays for both scholarships. Updated guidelines, eligibility details, deadlines, and application links will be posted on NILRR.org closer to the opening of the 2026 contest period.

We look forward to awarding the winners of our 2025 William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship and Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship soon, following our April 2025 Board meeting.