High School, Undergraduate, Masters United States

Sttark “You Can’t Label People, but You Can Label Products” Essay & Label Design Scholarship (Spring 2026) - $3000, U.S Citizens Only

Deadline: April 30, 2026
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About the Scholarship

Sttark is offering a $3,000 scholarship to a U.S. high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who can creatively explore the idea that human beings cannot and should not be labeled the way products are. The company encourages applicants to set aside any limiting labels they’ve been given and instead express their authentic creativity through a written essay and an original label design.

This annual award celebrates students who think differently those who understand that while products can carry labels, people should not be boxed in by assumptions or stereotypes.

“You can’t label people, but you can label products.”

Applicants are asked to submit a 1,000word creative essay that reflects their personal connection to this idea. Sttark provides optional guiding questions to help spark inspiration, such as:

  • How does consumer culture shape the way we view people?
  • Do individuals “market” themselves to gain acceptance?
  • How do labels influence creativity in people versus products?
  • Can labels ever be helpful or are they always limiting?

Alongside the essay, students must also design a product label that ties into their written theme. This label should be something that belongs on a product not a person.

Both components are required for the application to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

This scholarship is open to:

  • Current U.S. high school seniors
  • Undergraduate students
  • Graduate students
  • U.S. citizens only 

Applicants must include:

  • A short biography (up to 250 words) stating their intended field of study and current academic level
  • A valid U.S. mailing address as proof of citizenship
  • A 1,000word original essay
  • A unique label design created by the applicant
  • If selected as the winner, proof of education (such as a transcript, student ID with current year, or acceptance letter)

Sttark recommends free online design tools like Canva for creating the label.

How Submissions Are Judged

Entries will be evaluated based on five key criteria:

  • Originality – Fresh, distinctive ideas
  • Creativity – Imaginative thinking and strong conceptual development
  • Quality – Clear writing and polished design
  • Competency – Demonstrated skill in communication and visual design
  • Connectedness – Strong alignment between the essay and the label design

Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. If applicants reference another creator’s work, proper citation is required.

Application Timeline

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)
  • Winner Announced: May 18, 2026

The selected student will be notified by email and featured on Sttark’s scholarship page. Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the winner’s college or university after proof of enrollment is provided.

To Apply

https://www.sttark.com/scholarship/labels-scholarship?srsltid=AfmBOookn9QU7Q3UT2L07m-KUQSSPmeiEz8LFp_zZp6pGUrc8WRR1sAj