Writing Contests

Here are some of the most popular writing competitions:

JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) Essay Contest

JASNA conducts an annual student Essay Contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen's work. Every year, the contest topic is different. This contest is open to students worldwide, and it separates the contestants into three divisions (high school, college/university, and graduate school). They award scholarships to winners in each of the three divisions. The first-place winner is awarded $1,000 scholarship, free registration, and two nights’ lodging for JASNA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (transportation to the conference is not provided). The second-place winner is awarded a $500 scholarship, and the third-place winner is awarded a $250 scholarship. Finally, all winners receive a one-year JASNA membership, a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen's novels, and the winning essays are published on JASNA’s website.

Eligibility:

High School, Undergraduate, or Graduate Student

Deadline:

June 1, 2026

Stone Soup Submissions

Stone Soup is a literary magazine and website written and illustrated by kids ages 13 and younger. They welcome submissions from all around the world. Although this is not a contest, this is an opportunity for your work to be published! Entrants whose work is accepted will receive a free copy of Stone Soup Annual for the year their work appears.

Eligibility:

Ages 13 and Younger

Deadline:

No deadline, happens all year long

Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College invites high schoolers from 10th to 12th grade to enter their annual Young Writers Awards contest. Bennington College faculty and students will judge submissions in the categories of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. First-place winners in each category win $500, second-place winners win $250, and third-place winners win $125.

Eligibility:

9th-12th Grader

Deadline:

The competition runs annually from September 1st to November 1st

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers is a non-profit organization that holds this annual contest to recognize students with remarkable artistic and literary talent. Students in all states may submit their work in several different categories for a chance to win scholarships.

Eligibility:

7th-12th Grader

Deadline:

Submissions for the 2027 Scholastic Awards will open on September 1, 2026. Deadlines differ depending on the region.

Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

For this contest, participating schools may submit a total of three entries from three individual students in the following categories: art, film, poetry, and/or prose. First-prize winners in each category will be awarded $400. Educators and schools will also be eligible to win a first prize of $200 each. First-place student winners in the United States, their parents/guardians, and teachers will be invited to participate in an expense-paid study trip in March 2026, to visit the Museum of Tolerance and other sites in Los Angeles, as well as to meet with members of The 1939 Society, a community of Holocaust survivors, descendants, and friends. In addition, first-place student entries will be posted on Chapman University’s contest website. Students awarded second prize in each category will receive $200, and their sponsoring educator and school will each receive $100. Second-place student entries will also be posted on Chapman University’s contest website.

Eligibility:

Any student going to a registered school

Deadline:

Deadline (Postmarked entries): February 2, 2026

Deadline (Digital submissions): February 4, 2026

JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to America's 35th president, and welcomes students and scholars to conduct research using their collection of historical materials. The Museum also holds many programs, including the annual JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest. Based on JFK's Profiles in Courage, the contest challenges students to write about an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year JFK was born. First-place winners receive $10,000, second-place winners receive $3,000, the five finalists win $1,000 each, and eight semi-finalists win$100 each.

Prizes:

First Place: $10,000

Second Place: $3,000

Finalists: $1,000 (5 winners)

Semi-Finalists: $100 (8 winners)

Eligibility:

9th-12th Grader

Deadline:

January 12, 2026

Bill of Rights Institute - MyImpact Challenge: Civic Engagement Contest

The Bill of Rights Institute is a non-profit organization that creates many educational resources and programs. Applicants are required to submit an essay (up to 1,200 words) that expresses how the project furthers at least one civic virtue and one founding principle, a report (up to 2,000 words) that describes the completed or in-progress civic engagement project, and visual documentation. Judges will review the entries and select finalists and winners of generous scholarship prizes. Student service projects can win up to $10,000, with a total of $40,000 in prizes available to students and teachers. Every project that meets the entry guidelines will be rewarded with a digital Civic Achievement badge.

Eligibility:

8th-12th Grader (Ages 14-19)

Deadline:

May 17, 2026

Ayn Rand Essay Contests

Ayn Rand’s Institute offers an array of educational programs to enable students at all levels of knowledge to learn about Ayn Rand’s philosophy and novels. There are three contests based on each of Ayn Rand’s thought-provoking novels.

Anthem Contest

Eligibility:

8th-12th Grader

Deadline:

The Ayn Rand Essay Contests run on a quarterly basis. The next deadline is April 30, 2026.

Awards:

First Place: $2,000 (1 winner)

Second Place: $500 (3 winners) 

Third Place: $100 (5 winners)

Finalist: $50 (25 winners)

Semi-Finalist: $25 (50 winners)

The Fountainhead Contest

Eligibility:

11th-12th Grader

Deadline:

The Ayn Rand Essay Contests run on a quarterly basis. The next deadline is April 30, 2026.

Awards:

First Place: $5,000 (1 winner) 

Second Place: $1,250 (3 winners) 

Third Place: $250 (5 winners)

Finalist: $100 (25 winners)

Semi-Finalist: $25 (50 winners)   

Atlas Shrugged Contest

Eligibility:

12th Grade, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students

Deadline:

The Ayn Rand Essay Contests run on a quarterly basis. The next deadline is April 30, 2026.

Awards:

First Place: $10,000 (1 winner)

Second Place: $2,500 (3 winners) 

Third Place: $500 (5 winners)      

Polyphony Lit - Claudia Ann Seaman Awards

Polyphony Lit is an international magazine run by high school writers and editors. Each year, they hold the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for high school students anywhere in the world to submit poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.

Eligibility:

High School Student

Annual Deadline:

Summer 2026

The New York Times Learning Network Contests

Podcast Challenge

Make an original podcast of five minutes or less to inform and entertain listeners.

Eligibility:

Middle School and High School Students

Start Date:

April 8, 2026

Due Date:

May 13, 2026

Summer Reading Contest

The NYT asks, “What interested you most in The Times this week?” each Friday for 10 weeks. In a short comment of no more than 300 words, you can provide your answer for anything published in the print paper or on their official website.

Eligibility:

Middle School and High School Students

Start Date:

June 5, 2026

Due Date:

August 14, 2026

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association aim to increase high school students’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of independent media to our lives. National winners of this essay contest receive scholarship awards. First-place winners will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship, second-place winners will be awarded a $500 scholarship, and third-place winners will be awarded a $300 scholarship.

Eligibility:

9th-12th Grader

Deadline:

February 22, 2026

NCTE Student Writing Awards

Promising Young Writers

This school-based writing program stimulates and recognizes students’ writing talents and emphasizes the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students. Results are announced in May. Students judged for superior writing are awarded a Certificate of Recognition, which is provided to the nominating teacher to present to the student. In addition, their name and the school’s name appear on the NCTE website. All nominated students receive a Certificate of Participation, which is provided to the nominating teacher to present to the student.

Eligibility:

8th Grader

Deadline:

March 1st, 2026

Achievement Awards in Writing

This school-based writing program encourages high school students in their writing and publicly recognizes some of the best student writers in the nation. Results are announced in May. Students judged for superior writing are awarded a superior writing certificate and letter, which are provided to the nominating teacher to present to the winning student. In addition, their name and the school’s name appear on the NCTE website. All nominated students receive a recognition certificate and a letter, which are provided to the nominating teacher to present to the student.

Eligibility:

10th-11th Grader

Deadline:

March 1, 2026

World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international competition open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs. Membership in the World History Association is not a requirement for submission. The World History Association established this $500 prize to recognize young scholars. A one-year membership in the WHA will also be included with each prize. 

Eligibility:

Grades K–12

Deadline:

Annual deadline of May 1st

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers recognizes outstanding young poets and is open to high school sophomores and juniors throughout the world. The contest winner receives a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop. In addition, the winning poem and the poems of the two runners-up will be published in the Kenyon Review, one of the country’s most widely read literary magazines.

Eligibility:

High School Juniors or Sophomores

Annual Deadline:

Submissions are accepted electronically from November 1 to November 30

The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose 

The Adroit Prizes are awarded annually to two students of secondary or undergraduate status. Winners will be awarded $200, and their work—along with the work of runners-up—will be featured in the Adroit Journal. Runners-up and finalists will receive a copy of their judges’ latest book.

Eligibility:

Secondary and Undergraduate Students

Deadline:

Open April - May 2026

Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Awards 

The Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Awards are an annual series of awards to encourage poets to explore and illuminate positive visions of peace and the human spirit. Adult winners receive $1,000, and youth winners in each category receive $200. Honorable Mentions in each category may be awarded. All entries must be postmarked or emailed by the due date. There is a $5 fee for the Youth (13-18) category and no fee for the Youth (12 and under) category.

Eligibility:

Adult, Youth 13-18, and Youth 12 & Under

Deadline:

July 1, 2026

Ocean Awareness Contest 

The 2026 Ocean Awareness Contest is a call for young artists, conservationists, makers, thinkers, and activists who are concerned about the future of our blue planet. Join thousands of youth around the world in our annual program that raises awareness about the climate crisis and potential solutions, uplifts youth voices for ocean conservation, and inspires hope and action through art, creative media, and storytelling. Submissions are accepted in the form of Visual Art, Film, Music, Poetry, Prose, and Interactive & Multimedia. Winners may receive prizes of up to a $1,500 scholarship, depending on which division they fall into and what prize they win.

2026 Theme: Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us—encourages you to explore the many ways our ocean sustains, protects, and inspires us. We invite you to think about your personal connection to the ocean – whether you’re coastal or landlocked – through the value it brings to your life. The benefits of the ocean are widespread and multifaceted, from food production to climate regulation to artistic inspiration. Go through the sub-themes and explore the topics that resonate with you. Share how the ocean has shaped your story through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. How does the ocean sustain, protect, and inspire you?

Eligibility:

Ages 11-18

Deadline:

June 8, 2026

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. Winners are announced in the spring. First-place winners will be awarded $500. Second-place entries will be awarded $250. Third-place entries will be awarded $100.

Eligibility:

Elementary to High School Students

Deadline:

February 1, 2026

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The Annual Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest provides scholarships, prizes, and recognition for the best poems submitted by high-school-aged women. First-place winners receive $350 cash prize, a renewable scholarship up to $5,000, and recognition for their work. Second-place winners receive a renewable scholarship up to $1,000, a $500 scholarship to apply toward the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program (for rising 9-12th-grade students), and recognition for their work.

Eligibility:

High School to Aged Women

Deadline:

Not yet opened for 2026 submissions

Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest

High school students from across the Washington Metropolitan Area are invited to submit poems to the Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest. Poems must be on the topic: Civic Duty. Each entry must be no longer than one page, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman. Up to 12 poems will be selected as finalists. The finalists will have their poems posted on the Gaithersburg Book Festival website prior to the Book Festival. They will also be asked to record a video of themselves reading their poem for publication on the website (which also requires a signed waiver). The top three poems will be announced at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2020. First, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive $250, $100, and $50 gift certificates, respectively, provided by the Johns Hopkins Montgomery County Campus. A fan favorite poem, selected by voting on the website, will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Eligibility:

9th-12th graders, students living in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. (Employees of the City of Gaithersburg, City Council Members, and all volunteers associated with the Gaithersburg Book Festival are not eligible to participate)

Deadline:

February 20, 2026

Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) supports National DNA Day through the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953. This contest asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. Essays are expected to be well-reasoned arguments that indicate a deep understanding of scientific concepts related to the essay question. The first-place winners receive $1,000, second-place winners $600, and third-place winners receive $400. The 10 students who will receive an honorable mention will also get $100 each.

Eligibility:

9th-12 Graders

Deadline:

March 4, 2026

John Locke Institute Essay Competition

The John Locke Institute encourages young people to cultivate the characteristics that turn good students into great writers: independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis, and persuasive style. The Essay Competition invites students to explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum. The judges will choose their favourite essay from each subject category and an overall 'best essay' across seven subjects: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law. Each subject prize is worth £100, and the essays will be published (with the authors' permission) on the Institute website. The prize-giving ceremony will take place in Oxford, at which winners and runners-up will be able to meet the judges and other faculty members of the John Locke Institute. The candidate who submits the best essay overall will be awarded an honorary John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship, worth £500. 

Eligibility:

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Candidates must be eighteen years old or younger on the date of the submission deadline. (Candidates for the Junior Prize must be fourteen years old or younger on the date of the submission deadline.)

Deadline:

May 31, 2026

The Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku and Senryu Competition for Grades 7-12

Each student may submit up to three haiku. All haiku or senryu must be previously unpublished, original work, and not entered in any other contest or submitted elsewhere for publication. Six poems will be selected, and each will be awarded a scholarship prize of $100.

Eligibility:

7th-12th Graders

Deadline:

March 20, 2026

A Voice for Animals Contest

Sixteen through Eighteen-Year-Old Essay Submissions

Entrants in the 16-18 year old essay section are invited to write an essay that addresses either the mistreatment of one animal species or one cause of animal suffering; or the preservation of one endangered species, occurring anywhere in the world, and potential solutions to alleviate animal suffering; or that addresses the history of the animal welfare movement over the last 30 years. Additional points will be given for essays that demonstrate the author’s active involvement in projects or activities that benefit animals.

Prizes:

$400 First Prize (Essay by 16-18 year old)

$300 Second Prize (Essay by 16-18 year old)

$200 Third Prize (Essay by 16-18 year old)

$500 First Prize (30 Years, 16-18 year old)

$300 Second Prize (30 Years, 16-18 year old)

$200 Third Prize (30 Years, 16-18 year old)

Deadline:

May 25, 2026

Fourteen and Fifteen-Year-Old Essay Submissions

Entrants in the 14-15-year-old section are invited to either write an essay that addresses one of the following: the mistreatment of one animal species or one cause of animal suffering, and present ideas to raise awareness of this species and what can be done to protect it. Or write an essay that addresses the history of the animal welfare movement over the last 30 years.

Prizes:

$400 First Prize (Essay by 14-15 year old)

$300 Second Prize (Essay by 14-15 year old)

$200 Third Prize (Essay by 14-15 year old)

$500 First Prize (30 Years, 14-15 year old)

$300 Second Prize (30 Years, 14-15 year old)

$200 Third Prize (30 Years, 14-15 year old)

Deadline:

May 25, 2026

Sixteen through Eighteen Year Old Essay with Photos Submissions

Entrants in the 16-18 year old Essay with Photos section must become involved in a project (new or pre-existing) that addresses either the mistreatment of one animal species or one cause of animal suffering; or the preservation of one endangered species, occurring anywhere in the world; or that addresses the history of the animal welfare movement over the last 30 years.

Projects should be worked on for at least three to four months, and the project should have a direct impact on animals by means of either direct or indirect intervention. Your submission will document your project and your contribution to that project and, where possible, show how your project/involvement could alleviate animal suffering.

Prizes:

$450 First Prize (Essay/Photographs by 16-18 year old)

$350 Second Prize (Essay/Photographs by 16-18 year old)

$250 Third Prize (Essay/Photographs by 16-18 year old)

$250 Active Involvement Prize (Video by 16-18 year old)

Deadline:

May 25, 2026

Sixteen through Eighteen-Year-Old Video

Entrants in the 16-18 year Video section must become involved in a project (new or pre-existing) that addresses either the mistreatment of one animal species or one cause of animal suffering; or the preservation of one endangered species, occurring anywhere in the world; or that addresses the history of the animal welfare movement over the last 30 years.

Projects should be worked on for at least three to four months, and the project should have a direct impact on animals by means of either direct or indirect intervention. Your submission will document your project and your contribution to that project and, where possible, show how your project/involvement could alleviate animal suffering.

Prizes:

$500 First Prize (Video by 16-18 year old)

$300 Second Prize (Video by 16-18 year old)

$200 Third Prize (Video by 16-18 year old)

$250 Active Involvement Prize (Video by 16-18 year old)

Deadline:

May 25, 2026

New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights is designed to encourage young writers to create new works for the stage. Plays must be unpublished, non-musical one-acts between 10-40 minutes in length (10-page minimum, not counting the Title Page or Cast of Characters page). While there are no limitations as to genre or subject matter, plays should be suitable for school production and feature one or more youth characters in prominent, age-appropriate roles. Plays must have two or more characters, and large and/or flexible casts (with relatively more female roles) are encouraged. Plays must be the original work of a single author, and each author may submit one play only. The winner receives $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS, while the runner-up will receive $100.

Eligibility:

19 Years Old or Younger

Submissions will open on January 1, 2026

Deadline:

May 1, 2026

Geek Partnership Writing Contest

This contest provides a forum for new talent of any age and gives them a chance to learn about the publication process and its requirements. Entries must be science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural, and alternate history in short fiction, poetry, or comics.

Divisions:

Open:
Short fiction only. Open to writers of any age. There will be TWO (2) winners chosen from this category. The Open Division winner will be chosen from all entries. The general winner of the Open Division will receive a $75 Amazon gift certificate.

Poetry:
Poems only. Open to writers of any age. The Poetry Division winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift certificate.

Youth 1:
Short fiction only. Open to writers 13 years of age or younger as of May 1, 2020.

Youth 2:
Short fiction only. Open to writers 14-16 years of age as of May 1, 2020. The winner of each Youth Division will receive a $50 Amazon gift certificate, with a second $50 gift certificate being awarded to the winner’s school.

Graphic Novel (Comics):
Short comics only. Open to writers of any age. The Graphic Novel (Comics) Division winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift certificate.

Submissions will open in January 2026

Deadline:

March 31, 2026 ‍ ‍

Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest 2026

Your team must choose one of these two themes: 1) “Sense of Wonder” or 2) “Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild.” The contestants can choose to write either a poem or an essay of no more than 500 words for either theme, and they may also choose to include a photograph. Here are the themes’ descriptions:

The Sense of Wonder Theme: This theme appears in Rachel Carson’s book, The Sense of Wonder (1965). It describes having an appreciation for a positive, outdoor, nature-centered experience. The book focuses on an intergenerational sharing of these experiences. Those interested in this contest are strongly encouraged to read The Sense of Wonder. It is available in paperback. The Contest encourages teams to share “Sense of Wonder” experiences and to describe them in words (either through poetry or an essay), with the option of an accompanying photograph.

The Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Theme: This theme combines a Sense of Wonder experience with awareness of the benefits provided to us by wild plants and animals living in their natural habitats.

Eligibility:

Entries must be submitted by a team, consisting of at least two people, representing different generations (for example, a teacher and a student). They can be relatives or not.

Deadline:

November 16, 2026

One Teen Story Teen Writing Contest

Writers ages 13-19 should enter the contest and submit their original, unpublished fiction. We are interested in great short stories of any genre about the teen experience — literary, fantasy, sci-fi, love stories, horror, etc. What’s in a great short story? Interesting teen characters, strong writing, and a beginning, middle, and end. The winning stories will be published in forthcoming issues of One Teen Story, which will reach over ten thousand readers. The contest winners will receive $500 upon publication and 25 copies of the magazine featuring their work. The contest winners will also have the opportunity to work with a One Teen Story editor prior to publication. Honorable mentions will be chosen in three age categories: 13-15, 16-17, and 18-19, and each will be announced on our website, by email announcement, and on social media.

Eligibility:

Ages 13-19

Deadline:

The 2027 One Teen Story Teen Writing Contest will open late summer 2026

“If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest

The annual “If I Were Mayor Contest” invites seventh graders from throughout Virginia to submit essays describing what they would do if they were mayor of their hometown. Entries are due around December 1 each year. The essay contest is a key component of VML’s civic education programming, which seeks to teach schoolchildren and adults how local government works and how they can become involved in making their communities better places to live, work, and play.

In addition to a framed certificate, each regional winner will receive a check for $150. The statewide winner will receive a certificate and a check for $250. All winning essays will be featured in the VTC magazine.

Eligibility:

7th-8th Graders

Deadline:

March 23, 2026

National PTA’s Reflections

National PTA's Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This year’s theme is “I Belong!”

Eligibility:

Pre-K through Grade 12

Deadline:

Vary by state; visit the state PTA website for more info

Americanism Essay Contest For Grades 7–12

FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home-schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline.  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level, and regional winners compete for national prizes.

The grand national winner will receive $5,000, with additional prizes for the top three essays in each grade category ($2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place). Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Additional prizes may be awarded to students who win at local and regional levels of competition.

Eligibility:

7th-12th Grader

Deadline:

December 1, 2026

American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

2026 Essay Contest Topic

The United States Foreign Service celebrated its 100th birthday in 2024. Foreign Service diplomats have been involved in significant historical events, including decisions on war and peace, responding to natural disasters and pandemics, and facilitating major treaties, among other notable contributions. In your essay, explore a topic that touches upon this important history and sheds light on how vital it is for America to have a robust professional corps focused on diplomacy, development, and peace in the national interest.

Successful essays will identify a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in no more than 1,500 words, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

Prizes:

$2,500 to the writer of the winning essay, in addition to an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and his or her parents, and an all-expense paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. Runner-up receives $1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program. Due to COVID-19, some prizes may not be claimable immediately.

Eligibility:

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school. Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted. Previous first-place winners and immediate relatives of directors or staff of the AFSA, the U.S. Institute of Peace, Semester at Sea, and National Student Leadership Conference are not eligible to participate. Previous honorable mention designees are eligible to enter.

Deadline:

March 1, 2026

I Matter Poetry Contest

The poem submitted must be on the topic of Black Lives Matter and an original student creation. The contest is open to residents of the United States, and only one entry per person is allowed.

Eligibility:

Grades K to 12

Deadline:

July 23, 2026

Princeton Lewis Center for the Arts Ten-Minute Play Contest

Eligibility for this annual playwriting contest is limited to students in the eleventh grade in the U.S. (or international equivalent of the eleventh grade). Each year, the jury consists of members of the Princeton University Program in Theater faculty. Applicants may submit only one play – 10 pages maximum/1 page equals 1 minute. Due to the volume of entries, only the winners will be notified.

There will be three winners and two honorable mentions:

1st Place- $500

2nd Place- $250

3rd Place- $100

Eligibility:

11th Grader

Deadline:

March 31, 2026

Writopia Lab Worldwide Plays Festival Competition

Writopia Lab’s playwriting competition invites young playwrights to explore various cultural, social, and philosophical themes each year. Guidelines and themes vary annually. The competition is open to 1st to 12th-grade students around the world. Students may submit more than one play. Winning plays will be produced and performed by New York theater professionals during Writopia’s annual off-Broadway Worldwide Plays Festival in the spring.

Eligibility:

1st-12th Grader, US & International

Deadline:

March 13th, 2026

Norm Strung Youth Writing Contest

The Outdoor Writers Association of America’s (OWAA) annual Norm Strung Youth Writing Contest invites high school and undergraduate students to submit a 500 - 1,000-word piece of writing that explores an outdoors theme. Any prose form is accepted. By entering the competition, each entrant grants the OWAA the use of their name, headshot, and limited biographical information for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes. For entrants under 18 years old, the parents or guardians must grant this permission. Winners will receive a yearlong OWAA student membership ($25 value) and be displayed on the OWAA website, in the Outdoors Unlimited Magazine, and in other publications and social media.

Prizes:

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $100

3rd Place: $50

Eligibility:

11th-12th Grader; US & International

Deadline:

January 31, 2026

Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest

A cancer diagnosis, whether of your own or a loved one, can stir up intense emotions. This contest invites 9th-12th graders in the US to share their experiences with cancer in a 500-1,000-word essay. Each winner will be awarded $1,000.

Eligibility:

9th-12th Grader

Deadline:

February 28, 2026

Sarah Mook Memorial Poetry Contest

Sarah Mook was a gifted young poet who died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm in third grade. To honor her memory, this contest invites young poets in kindergarten through 12th grade to submit poems on any subject. Poems can be any length and style, and each student may submit two poems. Winners will be awarded cash prizes in each of four categories: kindergarten through 2nd grade, 3rd grade through 5th grade, 6th grade through 8th grade, and 9th grade through 12th grade.

Mail entries to:

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize, 896 Ferncliff Road, Poultney, VT 05764

Prizes:

1st Prize: $100

2nd Prize: $50

3rd Prize: $25

Eligibility:

Grades K-12

Deadline:

March 31, 2026

Naval Horizons Essay Contest 

Naval Horizons introduces high school students to STEM topics that directly impact the US Navy and Marine Corps. Students learn about Naval STEM Challenges and the people working on them through Naval Horizon’s video series. After viewing the video series, students are invited to write an essay explaining how Naval Horizon’s research and people inspire them. The Naval Horizons essay contest challenges students to imagine themselves as scientist or engineer and design the US Navy and Marine Corps of the future.

Students may choose to write about any video from the video series. Judges will select up to 5,000 winners, and winning essays may be published on the Naval Horizons website.

Word Count:

500-1,500 words

Eligibility:

9th-12th Grader; US Students Only

Deadline:

Opens in April 2026

Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry

Inspired by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry invites high school seniors in the U.S to submit an original poem in English. The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship.

Eligibility:

Current high school senior attending a public U.S.

Deadline:

February 1, 2026, by 3 PM CT, or when 1,000 applications have been received

Sejong Writing Competition

The Sejong Writing Competition is a chance to learn more about Korean culture and history. The competition is separated into junior and senior divisions. For the junior division, writers are to submit an interpretation of their chosen Korean folktale. For the senior division, writers are to submit a response to the short story “The Girl in the Cylinder.” Winners will be awarded between $100 and $500.

Eligibility:

8th Grader and Younger

9th-12th Grader

Deadline:

February 28, 2026