Applications Open August 2026

Cato Courses
Scholarship Program

Win up to $10,000 by mastering the ideas that shape a free society.
Complete courses. Create your video. Share your voice.

$15,000

Total Prize Pool

5

Courses Required

16-25

Age Range

$15,000 in Total Prizes

Your ideas have value. We're investing in the next generation of thinkers who can articulate the principles of a free society.

Scholarship Awards

🏆
1st Place
$10,000
Grand Prize Winner
🥈
2nd Place
$2,000
Finalist Runner-up
🥉
3rd–5th Place
$1,000
Honorable Mention
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More Than a Scholarship

The Cato Courses Scholarship is an investment in your intellectual growth and your future as a thoughtful advocate for freedom.

Why Apply

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Develop Critical Thinking

Engage with foundational ideas in economics, philosophy, and policy that sharpen your analytical skills.

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Join a Community

Connect with like-minded students passionate about liberty, individual rights, and free markets.

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Boost Your Resume

Stand out to colleges and employers with a prestigious scholarship from a leading policy institute.

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Make Your Voice Heard

Create a persuasive video that showcases your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

How to Qualify for Eligibility

Three straightforward steps to compete for up to $10,000 in scholarship funding.

Process

Step 01

Complete 5 Cato Courses

Explore free online courses covering economics, philosophy, history, and public policy. Each course deepens your understanding of the principles of a free society.

01
02
Step 02

Create Your Video

Produce a persuasive 2–3 minute video discussing a concept from a Cato Course or making a case for libertarianism. Show us your unique perspective.

Step 03

Submit Your Application

Complete the application form with your course completion certificates and video submission. Our panel will review all entries.

03
Eligibility

Are You Eligible?

We're looking for curious, motivated students who are passionate about ideas and ready to engage with the foundations of a free society.

U.S. Residents Open to students and young adults currently residing in the United States.
Ages 16–25 You must be between 16 and 25 years old at the time of application.
5 Completed Courses Successfully complete at least 5 Cato Courses before submitting.
Original Video Submit an original 2–3 minute persuasive video as part of your application.

Quick Eligibility Check

Make sure you meet all requirements before applying.

✨ If you checked all boxes, you're eligible to apply when applications open in August 2026!

Explore the remarkable pace of the world’s progress and the key drivers of success.

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Learn how immigrants have long advanced America’s freedom and prosperity.

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Journey through the evolution of the U.S. criminal justice system and learn how to create a more just society.

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Dive into the extraordinary pace of global progress propelling human advancement worldwide.

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Examine the current state of education and innovative solutions.

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Discover the system that has lifted billions out of poverty and expanded freedom across the globe.

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Start Your Cato Courses Today

Complete at least 5 courses to qualify for the scholarship. Each course is free and self-paced, covering essential topics in liberty and free society.

Courses