Del Allen Annual Scholarship Contest
The HGP Del Allen Memorial Scholarship supports students who exemplify humanist values through academic achievement and community engagement.
This scholarship honors longtime HGP member Del Allen, who was deeply committed to education and the principles of secular humanism throughout his life. In addition to being a practicing optometrist, he initiated the HGP Sunday Programs in 1998 and the Scholarship fund by 2011, with first awards in 2012. Del was involved in HGP until his death in 2024. As of 2025 over $80,000 has been awarded.
Purpose
The scholarship supports students in the greater Portland area who demonstrate a commitment to critical thinking, ethical development, community service, and other humanist values.
Eligibility & Application
Essays of 750-1,200 words are requested on specific topics (announced each January) related to Humanism and current issues. These topic prompts, as well as eligibility criteria, application requirements, submission deadlines, and award amounts, are sent to Portland Metropolitan Area public schools in Oregon's Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties as well as Washington's Clark county. Click here for the most recent information package.
Past scholarship winners have been recognized at our Sunday programs. Click here for some of the most recent winning essays.
Contact
For more information about the current year's scholarship contest, email us at info@portlandhumanists.org.
Want to support the next generation of humanist thinkers?
Contribute to the Scholarship Fund →