Nordic Naturals, the nation’s leading fish oil manufacturer, recently announced an innovative scholarship program that offers new and returning college students the opportunity to win $5,000 toward their tuition.

Entitled “Learn. Inspire. Change. 2013 What’s Essential™ Essay Scholarship,” the program asks students to put down in words—1000-1500 of ’em—what is essential to them, what inspires healthy and positive choices in others, and how they plan to become the new face of change that shapes our world.

Scholarship applicants will be asked to answer the question: What are the essential components of the education that your generation needs to make a positive impact on the world? The applicant who best answers the question will receive $5,000 for college and a year’s supply of Nordic Naturals’ award-winning omega-3 products.

“As today’s young adults become tomorrow’s leaders, we want to be a part of their success,” said Joar Opheim, founder and CEO of Nordic Naturals. “What’s essential to us, as a company, is our commitment to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils so that each generation can live healthier, happier, and pass it on. In addition to making premium quality omega-3s – which are essential for optimal health – this scholarship is one more way for us to achieve that goal.”

Applicants must be US citizens who are new or returning undergraduates enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university, with a minimum high school or college GPA of 3.0. Applicants do not need to demonstrate financial need.

The essay and accompanying application materials will be accepted on Nordic Naturals Facebook page at  from January 1 through March 31, 2013. The winner will be named on Facebook on or around June 1, 2013.

Prior to going live on the company’s Facebook page January 1st, information about the scholarship, its rules and requirements can be found at www.whatsessential.com.