Students have navigated immense change during the past year. Many work hard to stay on top of their studies in school and those who unexpectedly shifted to online learning may find it more challenging. These ethical behaviors often go unnoticed, but should be recognized to inspire others to do the right thing. The Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship does just that.

Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) encourages integrity and ethical behavior in the community, and the BBB Ethical Torch Essay helps students recognize these actions at an early age. This scholarship honors students who have chosen ethics and integrity when faced with a dilemma.

“Ethics is doing the right thing even though no one is looking or if there are consequences for speaking up. By promoting trust and ethical conduct with students, they will be able to model that behavior when they enter the workforce,” shared Faustine Chan, Director of Business and Community Programs. The program aligns with BBB’s Annual Torch Awards for Ethics which celebrates companies for upholding outstanding integrity throughout their business operations.

Students are invited to write a 400 word essay on “The Importance of Ethics and Integrity in our Community”. The essay challenges students to dive into inner-conflict while describing resolution tactics for their unique encounters with ethics and integrity. High school students in Greater AZ are eligible to apply and five winners will each be awarded $500-$1,500 in scholarships to be used for college tuition and expenses.

To submit an application or to learn more, visit http://www.torchessay.bbbcommunity.org. Submissions are accepted now through October 10, 2021; winners will be announced at BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics celebration in the fall and on the website.

BBB encourages businesses to operate with integrity, and helps consumers make wise marketplace decisions. Our innovative approach to business growth provides the tools that companies and entrepreneurs need to build better businesses. Become BBB Accredited and join our mission to create a community of trust.


Provided by Kryistyna Hook, Better Business Bureau