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If you're a writer—fiction, non-fiction, or fanfiction—you can put those skills to work for you. There are tons of writing contests for high school students, which can award everything from medals to cash prizes to scholarships if you win .

Not only will a little extra money, whether cash or scholarships, help you when it comes time to pay for college, but the prestige of a respected reward is also a great thing to include on your college application.

Read on to learn more about what writing contests for high school students there are, how to apply, and what you could win !

Writing Contests With Multiple Categories

Some high school contests accept entries in a variety of formats, including the standard fiction and non-fiction, but also things like screenwriting or visual art. Check out these contests with multiple categories:

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

  • Award Amount: $1,000 to $12,500 scholarships
  • Deadline: Varies between December and January, depending on your region
  • Fee: $10 for single entry, $30 for portfolio

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate art by students in grades seven through twelve (age 13 or older) on a regional and national scale. These awards have a huge number of categories and styles, including cash prizes or scholarships for some distinguished award winners . Categories include science-fiction and fantasy writing, humor, critical essays, and dramatic scripts, among others.

Deadlines vary by region (but are mostly in December and January), so use Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search to find out when projects are due for your area.

Scholastic partners with other organizations to provide prizes to winners, so what you can win depends on what you enter and what competition level you reach. Gold medal portfolio winners can earn a $12,500 scholarship, and silver medal winners with distinction can earn a $2,000 scholarship , as well as many other options in different categories.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are open to private, public, or home-schooled students attending school in the US, Canada, or American schools in other countries. Students must be in grades seven through twelve to participate. Eligibility varies between regions, so consult Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search tool to figure out what applies to you .

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have a $10 entry fee for individual submissions and $30 for portfolio submissions, which may be waived for students in need . These fees may vary depending on location, so be sure to check your local guidelines .

Ocean Awareness Contest

  • Award Amount: Scholarships up to $1,500
  • Deadline: June 13, 2023 (submissions open in September)

The Ocean Awareness Contest asks students to consider the future of a coastal or marine species that is under threat from climate change. Submissions are accepted in a variety of art forms, but all must consider the way that climate change impacts ocean life .

Submissions for all categories, including art, creative writing, film, interactive and multimedia, music and dance, and poetry and spoken word are due in June, although the exact date varies slightly each year.

Winners may receive prizes of up to a $1,500 scholarship , depending on which division they fall into and what prize they win.

The contest is open to all international and US students between the ages of 11 and 18.

River of Words

  • Award: Publication in the River of Words anthology
  • Deadline: January 31, 2023

The River of Words contest asks students to consider watersheds—an area that drains into the same body of water—and how they connect with their local community. Students can explore this concept in art or poetry, with winners being published in the annual River of Words anthology .

Entries in all categories must be submitted by January 31, 2023. 

The River of Words contest is primarily for recognition and publication, as the website doesn't list any prize money . The contest includes specific awards for certain forms, such as poetry, some of which may have additional prizes .

The contest is open to International and US students from kindergarten to grade 12 (ages 5 through 19). Students who have graduated from high school but are not yet in college are also eligible.

Adroit Prizes

  • Award Amount: $200 cash award
  • Deadline: Typically April of each year

Sponsored by the Adroit Journal, the Adroit Prizes reward high school students and undergraduate students for producing exemplary fiction and poetry. Students may submit up to six poems or three works of prose (totaling 3,500 words) for consideration. Submissions typically open in spring .

Winners receive $200 and (along with runners-up) have their works published in the Adroit Journal . Finalists and runners-up receive a copy of their judge's latest published work.

The contest is open to secondary and undergraduate students, including international students and those who have graduated early . The Adroit Prizes has a non-refundable fee of $15, which can be waived.

YoungArts Competition

  • Award Amount: Up to $10,000 cash awards
  • Deadline: October 15, 2022; application for 2024 opens June 2023

Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work. Additional requirements may apply depending on what artistic discipline you're in .

Winners can receive up to $10,000 in cash as well as professional development help, mentorship, and other educational rewards.

Applicants must be 15- to 18-year-old US citizens or permanent residents (including green card holders) or in grades 10 through 12 at the time of submission . There is a $35 submission fee, which can be waived.

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Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students

Many contests with multiple categories accept fiction submissions, so also check out the above contests if you're looking for places to submit original prose.

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

  • Award Amount: $100 - $500 cash prize
  • Deadline: February 1, 2023

This year's EngineerGirl Writing Contest asks students (though the name of the organization is "EngineerGirl," students of any gender may participate) to submit a piece of writing that shows how female and/or non-white engineers have contributed to or can enhance engineering’s great achievements. Word counts vary depending on grade level.

At every grade level, first-place winners will receive $500, second-place winners will receive $250, and third-place winners will receive $100 . Winning entries and honorable mentions will also be published on the EngineerGirl website.

Students of any gender from third to 12th grade may submit to this contest. Home-schooled and international students are also eligible.

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Nonfiction Contests for High School Students

Like fiction, non-fiction is often also accepted in contests with multiple categories. However, there are quite a few contests accepting only non-fiction essays as well.

The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest

  • Award Amount: $1,250 to $2,500
  • Deadline: April 3, 2023

The American Foreign Services Association sponsors a high school essay contest tasking students with selecting a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years .

One winner will receive $2,500 as well as a Washington D.C. trip and a scholarship to attend Semester at Sea . One runner-up receives $1,250 and a scholarship to attend the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference.

Entries must be from US students in grade nine through 12, including students in the District of Columbia, US territories, or US citizens attending school abroad, including home-schooled students.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

  • Award Amount: $100 - $10,000
  • Deadline: January 13, 2023

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage contest tasks students with writing an essay between 700 and 1,000 words on an act of political courage by a US elected official serving during or after 1917 , inspired by John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage . Each essay should cover the act itself as well as any obstacles or risks the subject faced in achieving their act of courage. Essays must not cover figures previously covered in the contest, and should also not cover John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, or Edward M. Kennedy.

One first-place winner will receive $10,000, one second-place winner will receive $3,000, five finalists will receive $1,000 each, and eight semi-finalists will win $100 each.

The contest is open to students in grades nine through 12 who are residents of the United States attending public, private, parochial, or home schools . Students under the age of 20 in correspondence high school programs or GED programs, as well as students in US territories, Washington D.C., and students studying abroad, are also eligible.

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

  • Award Amount: $300 - $1,000 scholarships
  • Deadline: February 19, 2023 (submissions open in November)

The SPJ/JEA high school essay contest , organized by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association, asks students to  analyze the importance of independent media to our lives (as of now, the official essay topic for spring 2023 is TBD) . Essays should be from 300 to 500 words.

A $1,000 scholarship is given to a first-place winner, $500 to second-place, and $300 to third-place.

The contest is open to public, private, and home-schooled students of the United States in grades 9-12 .

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Playwriting Contests for High School Students

For those who love the stage, playwriting contests are a great option. An original play can earn you great rewards thanks to any of these contests!

VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition

  • Award: Participation in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center
  • Deadline: January 4, 2023 (Application opens in October)

The VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition asks students with disabilities to submit a ten-minute script exploring their personal experiences, including the disability experience . Scripts may be realistic, fictional, or abstract, and may include plays, screenplays, or musical theater.

All entries are due in January. Scripts may be collaborative or written by individuals, but must include at least one person with a disability as part of the group .

One winner or group of winners will be selected as participants in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Winners will have access to professional assistance in developing their script as well as workshops and networking opportunities.

This contest is open to US and international students in ages 14 to 18 . Groups of up to five members may collaborate on an essay, but at least one of those students must have a disability.

Worldwide Plays Festival Competition

  • Award: Professional production in New York
  • Deadline: March (official 2023 deadline TBD)

In the Worldwide Plays Festival Competition , students from around the world can submit an eight-minute script for a play set in a part of a neighborhood —specifically, at a convenience store, outside a character's front door, or at a place where people convene. Each play must have roles for three actors, should not have a narrator who isn't also a character, and should not contain set changes.

Entries are due in February. Winners will have their play produced by professionals at an off-Broadway New York theater . Scholarships are also available for winners.

Any student, including US and international, in first through 12th grade may submit work for consideration.

  • Award Amount: $50 - $200 cash prize
  • Deadline: 2023 deadline TBD (application opens January 2023)

Students may submit a one-act, non-musical play of at least ten pages to YouthPLAYS for consideration . Plays should be appropriate for high school audiences and contain at least two characters, with one or more of those characters being youths in age-appropriate roles. Large casts with multiple female roles are encouraged.

One winner will receive $250, have their play published by YouthPLAYS, and receive a copy of Great Dialog , a program for writing dialog. One runner up will receive $100 and a copy of Great Dialog.

Students must be under the age of 19, and plays must be the work of a single author.

The Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest

  • Deadline: Spring of each year

Students in grade 11 may submit a ten-minute play for consideration for the Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest . Plays should be 10 pages long, equivalent to 10 minutes.

One first-prize winner will receive $500, one second-prize winner will receive $250, and one third-prize will receive $100.

All entries must be from students in the 11th grade .

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Poetry Writing Contests for High School Students

For those who prefer a little free verse or the constraints of a haiku, there are plenty of poetry-specific contests, too.

Creative Communications Poetry Contest

  • Award Amount: $25
  • Deadline: December

Students in ninth grade or below may submit any poem of 21 lines or less (not counting spaces between stanzas) for consideration in the Creative Communications Poetry Contest .

Students may win $25, a free book, and school supplies for their teacher .

Public, private, or home-schooled US students (including those in detention centers) in kindergarten through ninth grade may enter.

Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize

  • Award Amount: $500-$1500
  • Deadline: November 

Students in 11th grade may submit up to three poems for consideration in the Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize . Submissions are due in November .

One first-prize winner will receive $1500, one second-prize winner will receive $750, and a third-prize winner will receive $500. Poems may be published on arts.princeton.edu. All entrants must be in the 11th grade.

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

  • Award Amount: $500 - $5,000 renewable scholarship, $350 cash prize
  • Deadline: October 31, 2022

Women poets who are sophomores or juniors in high school may submit two poems for consideration for the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest .

One first-place winner will receive a $350 cash prize, publication in and ten copies of Cargoes , Hollins' student magazine, as well as a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 for Hollins and free tuition and housing for the Hollinsummer creative writing program. One second-place winner will receive publication in and two copies of Cargoes, a renewable scholarship to Hollins of up to $1,000, and a $500 scholarship to attend Hollinsummer.

Applicants must be female students in their sophomore or junior year of high school .

What's Next?

If you're looking for more money opportunities for college , there are plenty of scholarships out there— including some pretty weird ones .

For those who've been buffing up their test scores , there are tons of scholarships , some in the thousands of dollars.

If you're tired of writing essays and applying for scholarships, consider some of these colleges that offer complete financial aid packages .

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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23 Writing Competitions for High School Students

What’s covered:, why should you enter a writing competition, writing competitions for high school students, how do writing competitions affect my admissions chances.

Do you dream of writing the next great American novel? Are you passionate about poetry? Do you aspire to become a screenwriter? No matter what genre of writing you’re interested in—whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or something else entirely—there’s a writing competition focused on it.

Writing competitions provide great motivation to put pen to paper (or finger to key). Moreover, they’re an excellent step toward getting published, and can ultimately start you on the path to becoming a professional writer.

One of the best ways to improve your writing is simply to write—and competitions provide an excellent impetus to do so. Writing competitions also serve as an introduction to what life is like for many writers; participants entering writing competitions will receive a prompt or must think of an original idea, compose a piece of work, and submit it for review.

Another benefit of entering a writing competition for high schoolers is that many offer cash awards and scholarships, which can be used to help with the costs of college.

Additionally, many writing competitions are run by colleges and universities, so submitting them is a great way to introduce faculty to yourself and your work. If you win an award—especially a prestigious award—it can significantly improve your odds of college acceptance.

1. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Type: Poetry and Prose

Submission Fee: $15

Prize: $200

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Eligibility:

  • All secondary and undergraduate students

Guidelines:

  • Each student may send up to five total submissions across the genres of poetry and prose
  • Each poetry submission may include up to six poems (maximum of ten pages single-spaced). Each prose submission may include up to three works of fiction or creative nonfiction (combined word limit of 3,500 words; excerpts are acceptable).

Adroit Prizes are awarded to emerging high school and college writers in two categories: poetry and prose. Winning pieces are considered for publication in the Adroit Journal and winners receive an award of $200. The 2023 judges are Natalie Diaz and Ocean Vuong.

2. Ten-Minute Play Contest

Type: Plays

Submission Fee: N/A

Deadline: Passed, but the contest will reopen in 2024

Eligibility: Students in the eleventh grade in the U.S. (or international equivalent of the eleventh grade)

Guidelines: Applicants may submit only one play (10 pages maximum)

The Ten-Minute Play Contest is put on by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Applicants are allowed to submit one play that is no longer than 10 pages. Their submissions are judged by members of Princeton University’s Theater Program faculty.

3. Ayn Rand Anthem and The Fountainhead Essay Contests

Type: Essays

  • Anthem: $2,000
  • The Fountainhead : $5,000
  • Anthem: Grades 8-12
  • The Fountainhead : Grades 11-12
  • Anthem: Essays must be written in English only and between 600 and 1,200 words in length, double-spaced
  • The Fountainhead: Essays must be written in English only and between 800 and 1,600 words in length, double-spaced

In this essay competition, students pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s books and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

4. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Type: Poetry

Prize: $500-$1,500

Eligibility: Students must be in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad

Guidelines: Applicants may submit up to 3 poems

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is another contest run by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Winners are chosen by judges who are both poets and members of Princeton University’s creative writing faculty. Three monetary awards are available.

5. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Prize: $500

Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs

Guidelines: Essays should be approximately 1,000 words

Winners of this competition receive a $500 prize along with a free yearlong membership to the World History Association . To apply, you must submit an approximately 1,000-word essay responding to the following prompt:

  • Submit an essay that addresses the following topic and discusses how it relates to you personally and to World History: Your view of a family story related to a historical event or your personal family cultural background, or an issue of personal relevance or specific regional history/knowledge.

6. Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

Prize: $250-$1,000

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students

  • Must be submitted by the student through the official Essay Contest Submission website
  • Entries may include a statement about the student’s mentor; however, a mentor statement is not required
  • The essay must be 6-8 pages in length, not including the Works Cited page
  • The essay must use MLA documentation, including a Works Cited page and parenthetical citations in the body of the text. Use endnotes only for substantive notes. Source material that is directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized must be cited. Quotations from the Jane Austen work under discussion should be cited as well.

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest is an annual writing competition aimed at fostering an appreciation for its namesake’s work. The contest is broken down into three divisions—high school, college/university, and graduate school.

First-place winners are awarded a $1,000 prize along with free registration and lodging for two nights at JASNA’s Annual General Meeting—smaller monetary awards are also given to second- and third-place essayists.

This year’s essay topic:

  • In Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen’s other novels, we see proposals and marriages that are motivated by love, as well as those that are better described as arranged marriages or marriages of convenience. Many cultures today also expect arranged marriages (not the same as forced). In your essay, compare and discuss the different types of marriages or courtships found in the novels, whether those relationships are new or longstanding.

7. Bennington College Young Writers Awards

Type: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction

Deadline: November 1, 2023

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

  • Poetry: A group of three poems
  • Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play (run no more than 30 minutes of playing time)
  • Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

Bennington College has a strong history of developing writers—it’s produced twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, and countless New York Times bestsellers—and the Bennington College Young Writers Awards celebrate this legacy.

In addition to offering cash awards to winners and finalists in all three categories, winners and finalists who apply and are accepted to Bennington College are also eligible for substantial scholarships.

8. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest

Type: Poetry and Essays

Deadline: November 16, 2023

  • You are required to have a team of 2 or more people
  • The team must be intergenerational

Guidelines: Maximum length of 500 words (approximately 2 pages)

This unique writing competition requires that entries must be submitted by a team of two people from different generations—for example, a high school student and a teacher. Contestants can compete in a number of categories and themes, each with unique submission requirements.

9. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

Type: Fiction and Poetry

Prize: $2,000

Deadline: October 2, 2023

Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and recently graduated 2023 seniors

  • Poetry: Students may submit their original poetry in any style, from formal verse to free verse to experimental. The poem should be formatted as you wish it to appear in the publication.
  • Fiction: Students may submit a piece of short fiction, which must be no more than 5,000 words and should not be single-spaced. The entry may be any genre of the student’s choice, including graphic novel or story.
  • Must submit educator recommendation, academic resume, and current transcript with application

Winning works for this competition are chosen based on their creativity, technique, expression, and originality. Three winners are chosen in each category and each winner receives a $2,000 prize.

10. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

Prize: $100-$10,000

Eligibility: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12, U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program,  and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

  • Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
  • Essays must have a minimum of five sources.

The prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest is one of the most recognizable and prestigious writing competitions for high schoolers in the nation. Essays for the contest are required to describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. The first-place winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest takes home a $10,000 award and second place receives a $3,000 prize.

11. YoungArts National Writing Competition

Deadline: Opens June 2023

Eligibility: 15- to 18-year-old visual, literary, or performing artist based in the United States

Guidelines: To be released

YoungArts supports talented young artists between the ages of 15 and 18 (or grades 10-12) in 10 disciplines, including writing. Applicants can submit entries in six genres—creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word.

12. SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

Submission Fee: $5

Prize: $300-$1,000

Eligibility: All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States

  • The essay should be 300-500 words
  • Entries may be typed or handwritten but must be double-spaced

This high school writing contest is presented by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) to increase awareness of the importance of independent media.

Last year’s prompt was:

  • While consumers are drawn toward tweets and sound bites, how can journalists tell more of the story without losing readers’ interest?

13. VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competitions

Eligibility: High school students with disabilities

  • 10-minute script
  • Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration between two students that includes at least one student with a disability

This writing competition, presented by the Kennedy Center, is open to students ages 15-18 (or enrolled in high school) with disabilities. Writers may submit a “ten-minute” script in any genre, including plays, musicals, multimedia, video, film, TV, and podcasts.

Entries can be the work of an individual or the product of collaboration—provided that at least one of the collaborators has a disability. Multiple winners are chosen and given the chance to work with industry professionals, attend Kennedy Center professional development activities, and participate in networking opportunities.

14. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Prize: $350

Eligibility: Women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school

Guidelines: No more than two poems by any one student may be submitted

For almost six decades, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest has provided recognition, scholarships, and awards to the best female high school sophomore and junior poets. Submissions are reviewed by faculty members of Hollins University’s creative writing program and students enrolled in its M.F.A. in creative writing.

The first-place winner receives a $350 cash prize, a renewable $5,000 scholarship to Hollins University if they choose to enroll there, as well as free tuition and housing at the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program. Their winning work is also published in Cargoes , the university’s student literary magazine.

15. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Type: Various

Submission Fee: $10 for individual entry, $30 for portfolio (can use Fee Waiver Form)

Prize: Varies

Deadline: Opens in September

Eligibility: Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)

Guidelines: Varies by category

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They offer 28 submission categories, including writing, critical essay, dramatic scripts, flash fiction, journalism, humor, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, and short story.

Works are judged by famous jurors who look for works that show originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Students can earn a variety of scholarships through success in these competitions.

Works that celebrate individual differences or personal grief, loss, and bereavement are eligible for $1,000 scholarships. High school seniors submitting winning portfolios of six works are eligible for up to $12,500 in scholarships.

16. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Type: Creative Writing and Poetry

Prize: $100-$1,500

Deadline: June 13, 2023

  • Students ages 11-18 from around the world
  • Students can participate as an individual or as a club, class, or group of any size
  • All students must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
  • Creative Writing: no more than 5 pages (approximately 1,250 words)
  • Poetry: no more than 2 pages
  • A written reflection is required to accompany your submission, regardless of category. It is like the introduction to a book or an artist’s statement in a museum.

The 12th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students can participate in six different categories, including poetry and spoken word, and creative writing.

This year’s prompt centers around climate issues:

  • Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a piece of art, writing, or media that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. We are familiar with the amazing work of environmental giants like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough. We challenge you to introduce the Bow Seat community to a Climate Hero whose work we may not know about yet – but should.

17. John Locke Global Essay Competition

Submission Fee: N/A (unless late entry)

Prize: $2,000-$10,000 toward attending any John Locke Institute program

Deadline: June 30, 2023 (must register by May 31, 2023)

Eligibility: Candidates must be no older than 18 years old on June 30, 2023 (Candidates for the Junior Prize must be no older than 14 on the same date)

Guidelines: Each essay must address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must not exceed 2,000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, footnotes, bibliography, or authorship declaration)

Students competing in this competition have the opportunity to write an essay in one of seven categories—philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Each category has three prompts, from which students choose and respond to one.

Essays are judged on knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, the competent use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive force.

If you miss the deadline, you can submit a late entry up until July 10. Late entries will be charged a $20 late fee.

18. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

Prize: $2,500

  • Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate.
  • Students must be in grades 9-12 in any of the 50 states, Washington, D.C, the U.S. territories, or—if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents —attending high school overseas.

Guidelines: Your essay should be at least 1,000 words but should not exceed 1,500 words (word count does not apply to the list of sources)

The AFSA Essay Contest focuses on knowledge of foreign policy and the American Foreign Service. Last year’s prompt was:

  • In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, 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.

The first-place winner receives $2,500, a paid trip to the nation’s capital with their parents from anywhere in the U.S., and an all-expenses-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. The runner-up wins $1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

19. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Prize: $100-$500

  • The contest is open to individual students in the following three competition categories—Elementary School Students (grades 3-5), Middle School Students (grades 6-8), or High School Students (grades 9-12).
  • You can also qualify with corresponding homeschool or international grade levels.
  • High school student essays must be no more than 750 words
  • You must also include a reference list of 3-10 resources

In this competition, students choose one of four prompts related to the 20 Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century and explore the technologies that have been developed in the last century and technologies that are being developed today. Students are judged based on their presentation and examples of engineering (~35%), their celebration of diversity (~50%), and their quality of writing (~15%).

20. The Blank Theatre Young Playwright’s Festival

Prize: Play is produced

Eligibility: Playwrights must be 19 years old or younger as of March 15, 2023; co-authored plays are welcome, provided all authors are 19 or younger

  • Original plays or musicals of any length or genre and on any subject
  • Up to three plays per playwright or team

While winners of this theater competition do not receive a cash prize, they have the unique opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the field, then will have their play directed and performed by professional artists during the following summer. The 12 best submissions are produced and professionally performed.

21. Saint Mary’s College of California River of Words Contest

Type: Poetry and Arts

  • The contest is open to K-12 students, ages 5-19
  • Students must be enrolled in school to be eligible
  • Participants may submit up to 5 entries for poetry and 5 entries for art (total of up to 10 entries)
  • Poems should not exceed 32 lines in length (written) or 3 minutes (signed)
  • Collaborative poems and artwork are accepted, but only one student (chosen as the group representative) will be eligible for any prizes awarded

The River of Words contest aims to promote environmental literacy through the exchange of arts and culture. River of Words has been inspiring educators and students through this competition for over 25 years.

The goal of River of Words is to connect youth with their watersheds—the environments they live in—through engagement with art and poetry related to the idea of “place.” They look for art and poetry that shows the connection between students and the worlds around them.

22. Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Prize: $10,000

Deadline: November 6, 2023

Eligibility: Open to all 12th grade, college, and graduate students worldwide

Guidelines: Essays must be between 800 and 1,600 words in length

In this essay competition, high school seniors pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

23. Writopia Lab’s Worldwide Plays Festival

Prize: Play produced

Eligibility: Playwrights ages 6 to 18

  • 8 minutes maximum
  • Any genre or style
  • Plays should have no more than three characters
  • There can be no narrator of the play who is not emotionally invested in the story
  • Students must incorporate at least one of the following props or costumes —blue plates, a yellow blouse, a Valentine’s heart with the word “Love,” a flower crown, a plush hotdog, a Mardi Gras bead with jester heads, a pack of clothespins, Russian nesting dolls, a set of miniature cymbals, a lavender blouse, a lei, or a roll of aluminum foil

Since 2010, Writopia Lab has been producing, designing, and directing one-act plays submitted by young playwrights. These winning plays are then performed by New York City theater professionals. The contest looks for playwrights who embody fearlessness and imagination. Writopia Lab says, “Write deeply! Write fiercely! Write politically and personally! And don’t be afraid to write with a sense of play – they are called plays, after all.”

While we can’t know exactly how activities outside of the classroom will affect your college admissions odds, the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities provide a helpful framework for understanding how colleges view your extracurriculars.

Extracurricular activities in Tiers 1 and 2 are reserved for the most exclusive and acclaimed awards, and can significantly improve your odds of college admission. By contrast, Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurriculars, and have less of an impact on your chances of college admission.

For example, if you place in a nationally renowned writing competition—a Tier 2 activity—this will positively affect your admissions chances. On the other hand, if you receive an honorable mention in your high school’s poetry contest—a Tier 4 activity—your admissions chances will not be significantly affected.

That said, if you are applying to an English Literature or Creative Writing program with a well-developed essay and recommendations that emphasize your commitment to language, participation in Tier 3 and 4 writing competitions could help admissions officers conceptualize your passion for your future career.

Curious how the writing competition you participated in will affect your college admission chances? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors—including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars—to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities, while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.

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The Best Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

Help your students take their writing to the next level.

We Are Teachers logo and text that says Guide to Student Writing Contests on dark background

When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are a challenging and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience— a real panel of judges —and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of the best student writing contests, and there’s something for everyone. Prepare highly motivated kids in need of an authentic writing mentor, and watch the words flow.

1.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

With a wide range of categories—from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy—The Scholastic Awards are a mainstay of student contests. Each category has its own rules and word counts, so be sure to check out the options  before you decide which one is best for your students.

How To Enter

Students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, may begin submitting work in September by uploading to an online account at Scholastic and connecting to their local region. There are entry fees, but those can be waived for students in need.

2.  YoungArts National Arts Competition

This ends soon, but if you have students who are ready to submit, it’s worth it. YoungArts offers a national competition in the categories of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Student winners may receive awards of up to $10,000 as well as the chance to participate in artistic development with leaders in their fields.

YoungArts accepts submissions in each category through October 13. Students submit their work online and pay a $35 fee (there is a fee waiver option).

3. National Youth Foundation Programs

Each year, awards are given for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. This is a great chance for kids to express themselves with joy and strength.

The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes.

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

If you like this list of student writing contests and want more articles like it, subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted!

Plus, check out our favorite anchor charts for teaching writing..

Are you looking for student writing contests to share in your classroom? This list will give students plenty of opportunities.

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creative writing awards for high school students

The 35 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

creative writing awards for high school students

Writing Contests With Multiple Categories

Participating in writing contests can be a great way for aspiring writers to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and even win prizes or scholarships. Writing contests with multiple categories offer a broader scope for creativity and allow writers to choose from a variety of themes or genres. Below is a list of writing contests with multiple categories that cater to different interests and writing styles:

1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: This prestigious contest offers multiple categories, including short stories, poetry, personal essays, journalism, science fiction, and more. It is open to students in grades 7-12 and awards scholarships to winners.

Website: https://www.artandwriting.org/

2. Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition: With multiple categories like poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and screenplay, this contest attracts writers of all levels. Participants have the chance to win cash prizes and get their work published in Writer's Digest magazine.

Website: https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions

3. The Bridport Prize: This UK-based contest includes categories for short stories, poetry, flash fiction, and first novels. It attracts international writers and offers significant cash prizes to winners.

Website: https://www.bridportprize.org.uk/

4. New Voices Award: Sponsored by Lee & Low Books, this contest is specifically for children's picture books written by unpublished authors of color. It has multiple categories for different age groups.

Website: https://www.leeandlow.com/writers-illustrators/new-voices-award

5. Narrative Magazine's Annual Contest: Narrative Magazine offers various categories like fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and micro-fiction. It is open to all writers and provides cash prizes and publication opportunities.

Website: https://www.narrativemagazine.com/winter-spring-2023-story-contest

6. Glimmer Train Family Matters Contest: This contest focuses on family-themed short stories and essays. It offers separate categories for fiction and non-fiction and provides cash prizes and publication in Glimmer Train.

Website: https://www.glimmertrain.com/pages/guidelines/short_story_award_for_new_writers_guidelines.php

7. The Writer's Loft Flash Fiction Contest: This contest is dedicated to flash fiction and includes multiple categories based on word count. It is open to all writers and provides cash prizes to winners.

Website: https://writersloft.submittable.com/submit

8. The Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards: For self-published authors, this contest offers various categories, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. Winners receive cash prizes and exposure to potential readers.

Website: https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/self-published-book-awards

9. Sequestrum Editor's Reprint Award: This contest accepts previously published works in various categories, such as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. It provides cash prizes and publication in Sequestrum.

Website: https://www.sequestrum.org/editors-reprint-award

10. The Moth Short Story Prize: This international contest offers multiple categories for short stories, and winners receive cash prizes and have their work published in The Moth magazine.

Website: https://themothmagazine.com/a1-page.asp?ID=6516&page=6

When participating in writing contests, make sure to carefully review the guidelines and submission requirements for each category. Writing contests with multiple categories offer writers diverse opportunities to showcase their skills and explore various genres, making it a rewarding experience for all participants.

Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students

Participating in fiction writing contests can be an excellent opportunity for high school students to showcase their creative talents, gain recognition, and even win prizes or scholarships. Below is a list of fiction writing contests specifically designed for high school students:

1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: One of the most prestigious contests for young writers, the Scholastic Awards offer multiple categories, including short stories, flash fiction, and science fiction. It is open to students in grades 7-12 and awards scholarships to winners.

2. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose: This contest is exclusively for high school students and includes categories for fiction, flash fiction, and poetry. Winners receive cash prizes and publication in Adroit Journal.

Website: https://www.theadroitjournal.org/

3. YoungArts Competition: While primarily focused on the arts, YoungArts also offers a writing category, including fiction and creative non-fiction. It accepts submissions from students in grades 10-12 and provides financial awards and mentorship opportunities.

Website: https://youngarts.org/

4. Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards: This contest encourages young writers to explore themes of multiculturalism, environmental stewardship, and social justice through fiction. It is open to students aged 7-17, and winners receive a subscription to Skipping Stones magazine.

Website: https://www.skippingstones.org/

5. The Claremont Review: Specifically for young writers aged 13-19, The Claremont Review accepts submissions of fiction, poetry, and art. Winners are featured in the magazine and receive cash prizes.

Website: https://www.theclaremontreview.ca/

6. Justis International Writing Competition: This global contest accepts fiction submissions from high school students worldwide. It provides an excellent platform for young writers to share their work on an international stage.

Website: https://www.justiswritingcompetition.com/

7. The Blank Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival: Although primarily focused on playwriting, this festival also accepts submissions of original short stories and monologues. It is open to students aged 19 and under.

Website: https://www.theblank.com/young-playwrights/

8. The Bennington Young Writers Awards: High school students in grades 10-12 can submit their fiction and poetry to this contest. Winners receive cash prizes and have the opportunity to attend a summer writing workshop at Bennington College.

Website: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards

9. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students: This annual contest is open to high school students across the globe and includes a category for fiction. Winners receive cash prizes and have their work published in Princeton's journal, "The Princeton Tiger."

Website: https://www.princetontigerpoetry.com/

10. River of Words Youth Poetry and Art Contest: While primarily focused on poetry and art, this contest also accepts illustrated short stories. It is open to students aged 5-19, and winners receive cash prizes and have their work published in the River of Words anthology.

Website: https://www.riverofwords.org/

When entering fiction writing contests, students should carefully read the guidelines and submission requirements for each contest. These contests offer a platform for young writers to express their creativity and passion for storytelling, making it a valuable experience on their writing journey.

Nonfiction Contests for High School Students

Participating in nonfiction writing contests can be a rewarding experience for high school students who are interested in expressing their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives through essays, memoirs, and other forms of nonfiction writing. Below is a list of nonfiction writing contests specifically designed for high school students:

1. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: This contest is open to U.S. high school students in grades 9-12. Participants are required to submit an original essay of 700-1,000 words, focusing on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official. Winners receive cash prizes and scholarships.

Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest

2. The New York Times Learning Network Student Contests: The New York Times offers various nonfiction writing contests for high school students throughout the year. These contests may focus on topics like current events, personal reflections, or even social issues. Winning entries may be published on The New York Times website.

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning/contest

3. The Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest: Although primarily focused on playwriting, this contest also accepts nonfiction submissions in the form of monologues or dialogues. It is open to high school students in the United States, and winners receive cash prizes.

Website: https://arts.princeton.edu/academics/lewis-center-writing/ten-minute-play-contest/

4. The Fleet Reserve Association Essay Contest: This national contest is open to U.S. students in grades 7-12. It invites students to write essays on patriotic themes related to American history and values. Winners receive cash prizes and have the chance to compete at the national level.

Website: https://www.fra.org/fra/Web/Events_and_Programs/7_12th_Grade_Essay_Contest/Web/Content/7-12th_Grade_Essay_Contest.aspx

5. The World History Association Student Essay Contest: High school students from around the world can participate in this contest, which focuses on historical nonfiction essays. Winners receive cash prizes and have their work published in The World History Bulletin.

Website: https://www.thewha.org/student-essay-contest

6. The John Locke Institute Essay Competition: This international contest invites high school students to submit nonfiction essays on various philosophical topics. Winners receive cash prizes and have their essays published on the institute's website.

Website: https://www.johnlocke.ac.uk/essay-competition

7. The EngineerGirl Essay Contest: Organized by the National Academy of Engineering, this contest is open to both boys and girls in grades 3-12. It encourages students to explore engineering and technology through nonfiction essays. Winners receive cash prizes.

Website: https://www.engineergirl.org/108804/2022-essay-contest

8. The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests: Ayn Rand's novels serve as the inspiration for these contests, which include categories for high school students. Participants are required to write essays based on the themes presented in Rand's works. Cash prizes and scholarships are awarded to winners.

Website: https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests

When participating in nonfiction writing contests, students should carefully review the guidelines and submission requirements for each contest. These contests offer students a platform to share their unique perspectives and insights, and winning entries can lead to recognition and valuable writing experience.

Playwriting Contests for High School Students

Participating in playwriting contests can be a great opportunity for high school students with a passion for theater and storytelling. These contests provide a platform to showcase their creativity and talent in playwriting. Below is a list of playwriting contests specifically designed for high school students:

1. The Young Playwrights Inc. National Playwriting Competition: This contest is open to high school students in the United States. Participants are invited to submit original plays of any genre, with a running time of 1 to 45 minutes. Winners receive cash prizes and have their plays performed by professional actors.

Website: https://youngplaywrights.org/programs/national-playwriting-competition/

2. The Blank Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival: Open to U.S. high school students, this contest seeks original plays with a running time of 12 to 25 minutes. Selected winners have their plays produced and performed by industry professionals in a theater festival in Los Angeles.

Website: https://www.theblank.com/programs/young-playwrights/

3. The British Theatre Challenge: While primarily an international contest, this playwriting competition accepts submissions from high school students worldwide. Participants are asked to submit short plays with a running time of 10 to 30 minutes. Winners have the chance to see their plays performed in London.

Website: https://www.skylightrain.com/britishtheatrechallenge/

4. The Young Voices Foundation Playwriting Competition: This contest is open to high school students in the United States and Canada. Participants are encouraged to submit plays that explore social issues and relevant themes. Selected winners have their plays performed by professional actors in New York City.

Website: https://youngvoicesfoundation.org/playwriting-competition/

5. The Boston University Playwriting Competition: This contest is open to U.S. high school students. Participants are invited to submit original one-act plays with a running time of 30 to 45 minutes. Winners receive cash prizes and have their plays performed at Boston University.

Website: https://www.bu.edu/cfa/academics/theatre/fall-theatre/playwriting-competition/

6. The Writers & Illustrators of the Future Contest: Although primarily focused on science fiction and fantasy, this contest also accepts submissions of one-act plays from high school students. Winners receive cash prizes and have their plays published in an anthology.

Website: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

7. The Georgia High School Playwriting Competition: Open to high school students in Georgia, this contest invites original plays in any genre. Winners receive cash prizes and have their plays performed by professional actors.

Website: https://www.georgiastateschooloftheatre.com/high-school-playwriting-competition

Participating in playwriting contests allows high school students to showcase their creativity, hone their writing skills, and gain recognition for their work. Before submitting their plays, students should carefully review the guidelines and requirements of each contest. Winning entries can lead to exciting opportunities, such as having their plays performed on stage or published in anthologies.

Participating in writing contests can be an excellent way for high school students to showcase their creativity, hone their writing skills, and gain recognition for their talent. These contests provide a platform for young writers to express themselves, explore different genres, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Winning or being recognized in these contests can boost confidence, open doors to future opportunities, and even lead to scholarships or publication opportunities. Overall, these writing contests offer valuable experiences that can inspire and encourage the next generation of writers to continue pursuing their passion for literature and storytelling.

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Top 20 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

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By Jin Chow

Co-founder of Polygence, Forbes 30 Under 30 for Education

13 minute read

person wearing a sweater, writing with a pencil

Writing contests are a great way to focus on a topic that excites you, organize your thoughts, showcase your research and/or creativity, join a community, gain recognition, and even win cash, scholarships, and all-expenses-paid travel. The other nice thing about writing is that you can do it on your own time, and it doesn’t cost a dime. You can fit it around other summer activities or on weekends. You don’t need to win first place in these competitions to reap the benefits either. Many competitions offer all sorts of prizes at various levels, and you may get invaluable feedback from expert judges that will help you in your future writing projects–and, yes, winning looks great on college applications too!

We’ve organized this list of teenage writing contests alphabetically, by the hosting institution. It covers a broad swath of subjects, including: scientific research; persuasive essays; poetry; comics; and philosophical arguments.

Pro tip : Most of these competitions publish past winners on their websites. Read these winning entries to get inspired and to get a sense of the format, length, tone, and subject matter that’s considered winning material. It’s also just fascinating to read this great writing.

Want to work on a writing project but want feedback? Check out our Polygence mentors . Most of these competitions don’t mind if you polish your work with a mentor if the work and ideas behind your entry are your own.

Writing Contests for High School Students

As entry requirements, writing prompt availability (if applicable), application and submission deadlines, and judging criteria may change year to year, be sure to refer to the specific contest websites for those that catch your attention.

1. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Hosting institution: The Adroit Journal

Awards: $200

Writing prompt availability: n/a

Submission deadline: Mid-May

The submission guidelines for this writing contest are very nuanced; in short, you can send up to 5 “packets” of writing. Each “packet” can consist of either 6 poems or 3 prose pieces (fiction or creative nonfiction, and a total of 3,500 words combined). Winners and runners-up will be published in The Adroit Journal .

This contest is open to students internationally and winners are announced in mid-October. Each year, the contest features a different set of esteemed judges. Judges in 2023 were Natalie Diaz (poetry) and Ocean Vuong (prose). 

Note: this writing contest has a non-refundable $15 submission fee; students can apply for financial assistance if needed

2. National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Hosting institution: Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

Awards: Scholarships of up to $12,500

Submission deadline: December or January, depending on your region

The prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards has been around since 1923 and has an impressive list of past winners including Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, John Updike, and Sylvia Plath. There are 11 writing categories including humor, flash fiction, poetry, short stories, journalism, and more.

You may win at the regional level and then be automatically entered into the national contest. Winners at the national level are invited to attend a star-studded ceremony in New York City and your writing will be published in the annual anthology Best Teen Writing.

As timelines will vary based on your specific region and which writing contest you enter, the calendar on the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers site is a great resource for students to refer to for information about important dates and deadlines.

Learn more about Why You Should Apply for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards !

3. National High School Essay Contest

Hosting institutions: American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

1st: $2,500 and a paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and his or her parents, plus an all-expense paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea

2nd: $1,250 and full tuition to National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy summer program

Writing prompt availability: Fall

Submission deadline: April 1, 2024

Every year, this essay contest invites high school students  to explore a topic that touches upon issues of peace building and the protection of national security. Your response to this prompt should be an essay of 1,000-1,500 words. Winning essays are also published on the website so you can see past topics and research.

You must be a U.S. high school student to participate and meet all eligibility requirements (e.g., your parents cannot be in the Foreign Service). It’s best to refer to AFSA’s site for the most up-to-date information about very specific writing contest rules and guidelines. The judging criteria include the quality of analysis, quality of research, form, style, and mechanics.

4. Young Writers Awards

Hosting institution: Bennington College

Awards: $500 (1st in each category), $250 (2nd in each category)

YWA winners who enroll at Bennington receive a $15,000 scholarship each year -  for a total of $60,000 

Submission deadline: Early November

Bennington College has quite a literary pedigree, with alumni that have garnered twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, countless New York Times bestsellers, and two of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. In honor of its legacy, Bennington College started this contest to celebrate great writing by high school students.

You’re invited to submit writing in one of the following categories: poetry (3 poems), fiction (up to 1500 words), or nonfiction (up to 1500 words). All work must be reviewed, approved, and sponsored by a teacher. Homeschool students may use a mentor.

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5. My Impact Challenge

Hosting institution: Bill of Rights Institute

Awards: Up to $10,000, with $40,000 in total prizes 

Writing prompt availability: n/a

Submission deadline: May 19, 2024

In this contest, a 1,200-word essay is part of a larger project that also includes a service project that you’ve completed along with a 2,000-word report detailing your inspiration, project plan, details of how you executed the plan, and how your understanding of civic virtue and your community grew as a result. Visual documentation of your project is also required. You’ll be judged on the impact your project had on the community, knowledge gained, originality, mechanics, and your understanding of civic virtue.

Get more information about the submission guidelines and judging rubric for My Impact Challenge on the Bill of Rights Institute website.

6. Ocean Awareness Contest

Hosting institution: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Awards: Up to $1,000

Writing prompt availability: Early September

Submission deadline: June 10, 2024

This international writing contest was created to raise awareness about environmental issues through creative communication. Students aged 11 through 18 are eligible to participate.

The prompt for 2023 involved thinking about climate change and posing possible solutions for the climate crisis. The idea is to move beyond the bad news and celebrate the work that is being done by countless “climate heroes”—the scientists, activists, artists, and educators striving to make our world more habitable.

The writing prompt for the 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest is Tell Your Climate Story . Your submission can take the form of creative writing, film, interactive and multimedia, poetry, and spoken word.

The Ocean Awareness Contest FAQs on the Bow Seat site are an excellent resource to find out more specific information about how to participate in this writing competition.

7. Essay Contest

Hosting institution: Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)

Awards: $1,000 scholarship + free trip to conference (1st), $500 scholarship (2nd), $250 scholarship (3rd)

Writing prompt availability:  Currently Available

Submission deadline: June 1, 2024

If you love Jane Austen novels, you must enter this contest! Each year, JASNA asks students from all around the world to think about a topic inspired by a work by Jane Austen and how this topic reflects on our culture today. The 2023 JASNA Essay Contest topic was about marriages and proposals , as inspired by the theme in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The 2024 JASNA Essay Contest topic will be announced in November 2023. Your original insights and clear, correct writing should then take the form of a 6-8 page essay written in English. Past essay winners are published on the website.

8. Profile in Courage Essay Contest by JFK Presidential Library

Hosting institution: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Awards: $10,000 (1st), $3,000 (2nd), $1,000 (five other finalists), $100 (eight semifinalists)

Writing prompt availability: Available Now

Submission deadline: January 12, 2024

Inspired by JFK's book, Profiles in Courage, this writing contest invites you to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official serving after JFK was born (1917). Essays must be between 700 and 1,000 words and include a minimum of five sources. Judges are looking for originality, supporting evidence, source material, high-quality writing, and organization. They also want to see evidence that you understand the meaning of political courage.

Note: students must provide the name of a nominating teacher on their registration form, so make sure you coordinate with an educator who can serve in that capacity. Refer to the Profile in Courage Essay Contest eligibility requirements for more information.

9. John Locke Essay Competition

Hosting institution: John Locke Institute

Awards: Awards: $2,000 scholarship (for 1st in each of the 8 categories)

Application deadline: Late May

Submission deadline: Late June

Ready to think deep thoughts? This contest gives you the chance to refine your skills in argumentation (e.g,, independent insights, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis, and rhetoric) and have your work assessed by experts. You can choose from 1 of 3 challenging questions posed in 7 different categories (Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law) in the form of a 2,000-word (max) essay. There’s also a junior category for students who are under age 15 (i.e., 14 or younger).

Your entry will be judged by a panel of Oxford and Princeton faculty. Winning essays are posted on the John Locke Institute website , and you can check out the fascinating archive.

Read our blog post, Everything You Should Know about the John Locke Institute Essay Competition to learn more about this writing contest!

10. High School Poetry Prize and Ten-Minute Play Contest

Hosting institution: Lewis Center for the Arts - Princeton University

Poetry: $1,500 (1st), $750 (2nd), $500 (3rd)

Play: $500 (1st), $250 (2nd), $100 (3rd)

Writing prompt availability: Late October (Poetry)

Submission deadlines:

Poetry: Late November

Play: April 1, 2024

Princeton University has two writing contests that are open to 11th grade students and it is possible to enter both of them:

Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize : students may submit up to three poems and it is okay if they have also been submitted to other writing contests

Ten-Minute Play Contest : submissions are limited to one play per student

Entries for both contests are judged by Princeton faculty.

11. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Hosting institution: National Academy of Engineering

Awards: $500 (1st), $250 (2nd), $100 (3rd)

Writing prompt availability: September

Submission deadline: Early February

This essay contest features a new writing prompt every year dealing with engineering’s impact on the world. The 2023 contest focused on diversity in engineering and how that might future design solutions . The prompt for the 2024 EngineerGirl Writing Contest is The Secret Life of Everyday Items . High school students are limited to 750 words and must cite anywhere from 3-10 resources. Winning and honorable mention entries are published on the website.

12. Achievement Awards in Writing

Hosting institution: National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

Awards: First-class awards will be published on the NCTE website

Writing prompt availability: August

Submission deadline: February 15, 2024

Each year, the National Council of Teachers of English posts a thought-provoking prompt and participants in 10th and 11th grades are welcome to respond in up to 10 pages. 

The writing prompt for the 2023 contest was based on Malala Yousafzai’s address to the United Nations; the prompt for 2024 comes from Michele Obama’s book, Becoming:

“If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you'll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.”

Writing contest entries are not limited to informative or persuasive essays. They can also take the form of a research report, a personal narrative, a fictional story, a series of poems, a photo essay, or a comic or graphic narrative.

Other NCTE Writing Contests for Students

Promising Young Writers

Open to 8th graders

Submission deadline is mid-February

National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow - in partnership with the National Humanities Alliance

Open to 11th and 12th graders

Submission deadline is late October

13. YoungArts Writing Competition

Hosting institution: The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists

Awards: Prizes up to $10,000, Entry to National YoungArtsWeek, Presidential Scholar In the Arts designation, grants and funding, residency opportunities

Writing prompt availability: June 2024

Submission deadline: Mid-October

This multidisciplinary competition has entry categories across 10 disciplines. Writing is one of them, and you may submit your writing in the form of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, or spoken word. To be eligible to apply you must be a U.S. sophomore, junior, or senior. The website features a great section with tips and testimonials from past winners and guest artists. Awards are not simply cash-based. Entry into this organization connects you to a lifelong network and access to master artists.

14. Creative Writing Scholarship

Hosting institution: National Society of High School Scholars

Awards: $2,000 prize (3 given out for fiction and 3 given out for poetry)

Writing prompt availability: Early May

Submission deadline: Early October

You can enter this contest in the fiction or poetry category, or both. Fiction must be no more than 5,000 words. Your poem must appear as you would like for it to be published. Judging criteria include creativity, technique, expression, and originality. In addition to your writing, you’ll need to submit a recommendation from a teacher, a school transcript, an academic resume, and a photo of yourself.

15. Young Lions Fiction Award

Hosting institution: New York Public Library

Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Fiction category

Three (3) $2,000 awards for the Poetry category

Submission deadline: Early September

The Young Lions Fiction Award was started by Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, Rick Moody, and Hannah McFarland as a safety net and support system for young writers. You must be 35 or younger to submit your work for consideration. The catch with this particular contest is that your submission must be in the form of a published novel or collection of short stories that was published within the year of the contest– galley proof is an acceptable format.

As most high school students won’t have a published book to submit, this contest is a bit of a stretch–it’s generally geared toward young writers in their 20s and 30s. That said, if you have published a book, this is an amazing opportunity and it is a very prestigious distinction to be among the five finalists.

16. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of the Wild Contest

Hosting institution: Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance

Awards: Publication on the contest website

Submission deadline: Mid-November

Unlike the other writing contests listed here, this writing submission is meant to be co authored by you and at least one older adult. This could be your parent, grandparent, teacher, neighbor, mentor, etc. The idea is that you and your coauthor are from two different generations and that will inspire both of you to look at nature differently. You can choose to write about 1 of 2 themes and you can also choose to write it as an essay or as a poem. (Either can have up to 500 words). You may also include an original photograph with your entry.

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17. High School Essay Contest

Hosting institutions: The Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association

Awards: $1,000 scholarship (1st), $500 scholarship (2nd), $300 scholarship (3rd)

Submission deadline: Feb. 19, 2024

Raising awareness of the importance of independent media in our lives is the key goal of this contest. The topic for 2023 was “While consumers are drawn toward tweets and sound bites, how can journalists tell more of the story without losing readers’ interest?” U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to respond to this prompt with an essay of 300-500 words.

The judging criteria include: adherence to the topic and a logical interpretation of the subject (40 pts); vocabulary and style (30 pts); grammar (20 points); neatness (5 pts); and proper format (5 pts).

18. Voice of Democracy

Hosting institution: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Awards: $35,000 college scholarship (grand prize); $1,000-$21,000 (other national scholarships); $1,000 (each state winner)

Submission deadline: Late October

This audio-essay contest was created in 1947 to promote patriotism for our U.S. democracy. High school students are invited to express their patriotism via a recorded speech. Each year students win $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives from this VFW contest. The 2023-24 prompt is: “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?”

Students will write and record their essay response. (The audio file should be 3-5 minutes long.) The judging criteria include originality (30 pts), organization and flow (35 pts), and speech delivery (35 pts). You submit your audio file and written essay to your local VFW Post, which you can find on the VFW site we link to above.

Patriot’s Pen

VFW has a writing contest for students in sixth through eighth grade, called Patriot’s Pen . The 2023-24 prompt for this contest is: “How are you inspired by America?”

19. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Hosting institution: World History Organization

Awards: $500

Writing prompt availability: n/a 

Submission deadline: May 1st, 2024

Open to all students internationally (grades K-12), this contest provides a prompt based on world history education and how it impacts you. The prompt for 2023 asks you to think about a family story related to a historical event or your family’s cultural background. Your response must be an essay of approximately 1,000 words. Judging criteria include a clear thesis, concrete supporting examples, evidence of synthesis and evaluation, and organization. They are also looking at your overall ability to communicate how a better understanding of world history has changed you.

20. New Voices One-Act Competition

Hosting institution: YouthPLAYS

Awards: $250 and publication in YouthPLAYS (1st), $100 (runner-up)

Writing prompt availability: Early January

Submission deadline: May 1, 2024

This contest accepts any unpublished, non-musical one-act play from anyone under age 19. Your play must be between 10-14 minutes in length (a read-through before you submit is recommended) and at least 10 pages long. The play should be suitable for a school production and should ideally feature youth characters in age-appropriate roles. Your cast must also have two or more characters and more female roles are encouraged.

How Students Can Benefit From Participating in Writing Competitions

Writing competitions offer high school students a unique opportunity to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and enhance their college admissions prospects. Here are 10 ways writing contests can make a positive impact and be beneficial for student participants:

1. Demonstrating your commitment to writing

When you actively engage in writing competitions, you demonstrate your passion and commitment to the craft. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who have pursued their interests with dedication.

2. Showcasing your skills

Writing contests allow you to showcase your writing skills , whether it's in the form of essays, poetry, or other creative works. High-quality submissions can impress admissions committees.

3. Building a strong portfolio

Over time, your participation in various writing competitions can help you build a diverse and impressive writing portfolio. This portfolio can be submitted as part of your college application to highlight your talents .

4. Gaining recognition

Winning or even being recognized as a finalist in a prestigious writing contest can significantly boost your application. Admissions officers are more likely to take notice of applicants with such accomplishments.

5. Differentiating yourself

In a competitive admissions landscape, it's essential to stand out from the crowd. Participation in writing competitions sets you apart and adds a unique dimension to your application.

6. Highlighting your interests

Writing competitions can be a reflection of your academic and personal interests. They show that you are intellectually curious and proactive in pursuing your passions .

7. Earning scholarships and awards

Many writing contests offer cash prizes or scholarships as rewards. These can help offset the cost of your education, making you a more attractive candidate to colleges.

8. Receiving Expert Feedback

Writing competitions often involve evaluation by expert judges. Constructive feedback from these judges can help you improve your writing skills, which is valuable both academically and in your application essays .

9. Enhancing Your Writing Abilities

Regularly participating in writing contests hones your writing abilities, making you a more effective communicator. This skill is beneficial for college coursework and beyond.

10. Reflecting On Personal Growth

As you participate in writing competitions, you may explore new topics and perspectives. This growth as a writer and thinker is something you can discuss in your application essays.

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25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teens

Portrait of Emilio Terry ( showing hands writing )

NYPL Digital Collections, Image ID: 1564999

Are you an aspiring writer, creative artist, scientist or a future scholar? The following list of twenty-five publishing platforms provides teens with opportunities for recognition in those fields. Submitting your work for review and publication can channel your creative energy into a meaningful and rewarding project. Additionally, working on your writing will improve your research and organizational skills. Participating in a contest, or having your work published, is also a factor in college admissions decisions.

In estimating the amount of work each submission requires, be mindful of all provided deadlines. Notice that most essay submissions require a bibliography. If you are tackling an essay with an assigned topic, take advantage of the Library's Research resources. This guide to Remote Research Resources will provide you with guidance on how to use the Library's electronic resources from home. If you are working on composing an oratory, or any other piece of polemical writing, take a look at How to Research for a Debate Using Library Resources . Aspiring poets can consult Columbia Granger's World of Poetr y, a premier poetry online resource. Young artists can draw inspiration from the wealth of imagery in our Digital Collections . The Library encourages everyone to get creative with our public domain collection of digital images. If you are inserting a quotation into your text, learn How to Research a Quotation . Don't forget to attend the Library's events , as they frequently include writing workshops and book discussions . If you have any additional reference questions ,or want to see the full extent of remote research opportunities, take a look at our guide to Remote Collections and Services.

For additional guidance and inspiration, please see the short list of books provided below.

The Writer's Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing by John Warner

Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron

Singing School: Learning to Write (and Read) Poetry with the Masters by Robert Pisnky

Writers's Idea Book by Jack Heffron

Barron's Painless Writing by Jeffrey Strausser

How to Write Better Essays by Bryan Greetham

You Can Write a Play! by Milton E. Polsky

The Artist's Way: a Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

Apprentice Writer

Susquehanna University and the Writers Institute initiative invite high school students to submit fiction, memoir, personal essay , poetry and photography for the thirty-ninth volume of Apprentice Writer , which will be published in the fall of 2021 

Deadline:  submissions are accepted from September 15 , 2020 to March 15 2021

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest 

The Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest provides scholarship, prizes, and recognition for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. No more than two poems per student. For details and prizes please see the contest webpage . 

Deadline: October 31, 2020 

Leonard l. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in the eigth grade in the U.S. or abroad. Contest judges are poets on the Princeton University Creative Writing faculty, which includes Michael Dickman, Paul Muldoon, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, James Richardson, Tracy K. Smith, Susan Wheeler, Jenny Xie, and Monica Youn.

Deadline: to be announced. For the latest information and updates, you can subscribe to a newsletter . 

Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Young Poets Anthology is looking for poem submissions from authors that are 15, and younger. Poets can use their whole name, first name or a pseudonym. Poems could be submitted by students that are younger than 18, teachers, parents and guardians. 

Deadline:  Submission for 2020 accepted until November 16, 2020.

Society of Classical Poets High School Poetry Competition

Invites classic poetry lovers ages 13 to 19 to submit up to 3 metered poems, limited to 108 lines.  Poems must contain meter. Counting the number of syllables and ensuring there are a similar number in each line is sufficient. Society offers a very useful tutorial on  writing poetry with a meter. To learn how to write poetry with a meter, see a brief beginner’s guide on common iambic meter here or a more elaborate beginner’s guide to many kinds of meter here .

Deadline: December 31, 2020

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.

Deadline : Submissions accepted between November 1 and November 30

Bennington College Young Writers Awards 

Students in 9th-12th grades, residing anywhere in the world, are invited to submit original works in three categories. Poetry requires a submission of three poems. Category of Fiction accepts short stories or a one-act play. There is a separate nonfiction essay category. Please notice that only original writing is accepted, and all  work has to be sponsored by a high school teacher. For further details, carefully read the submission rules.  

Deadline: Submissions for 2020 are accepted from September 3 to November 1 

Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers 

High School students from anywhere in the world are eligible to submit original work written in English. Creative writing that was not previously published, can be submitted in the categories of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. For further detail and submissions guidelines read the rules of the context. In addition to creative writing, you can submit cover art for Polyphony magazine. 

Deadline: Check the website for the latest writing deadlines. Deadline for cover art submission is April 30th.   

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest 

In order to increase high school students' knowledge and understanding of the importance of independent media in our lives, Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalist and the Journalism Education Association invites students enrolled in grades 9-12 in US public, private and home schools , to submit an essay on a given topic.  National winners of this essay contest will receive a scholarship award. Topic for 2020 will be released in November. 

Deadline : February 22 

Achievement Award in Writing 

National Council of Teachers of English is offering an Achievement Award in Writing to High School Juniors in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands, and accredited American Schools abroad. Students must be nominated by their school's English department and should submit one themed essay and a sample of their best writing. 

Deadline:  Submissions for 2021 are open from November 15 to February 15. Theme for the essay is available at the time of publication ( October 2020) 

Teen Ink Magazine 

A national teen magazine devoted to teenage writing, art, photos and forums, offers an opportunity to publish creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives of teens. Hundreds of thousands of students aged 13-19, have submitted their work. Teen Ink magazine has published the creative output of over 55,000 teens. Teens can submit an article, poetry, book, novel, photo or a video though this link.

Deadline: none

Princeton University Ten Minute Play Contest 

Eligibility for the annual playwriting contest is limited to students in the 11th grade in the U.S , or an international equivalent of the 11th grade. Jury consists of members of the Princeton University Program in Theater faculty. 

Deadline: Information regarding submission will be provided in late Fall of 2020.

Youth Plays 

Unpublished one-act plays from authors younger than 19 years of age are accepted for submission. Plays should feature youth characters and be suitable for school production. For detailed submission guidelines and helpful advice visit Youth Plays website. 

Deadline: Next opportunity for submission will open up in early 2021.

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards has the largest selection of opportunities for creative self-expression. With twenty eight categories, ranging from poetry to the entire writing portfolio, young artists and writers can choose from a plethora of opportunities. For the latest updates, rules , and information on how to enter, register with Scholastic. Don't forget to view the Gallery of Winning Entries . To participate in the Awards, you must be a student in grades 7–12, age 13 years or older, residing in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada.

Deadlines vary by category, with submissions windows between September to December. 

National Young Arts Foundation Competition

Young Arts' signature program is an application-based award for emerging artists ages 15-18, or in grades 10-12. Open to students in a variety of different disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, National Young Arts Foundation  Competition  asks students to submit a portfolio of work.

Deadline: October 16 , 2020

World Historian Student Essay Competition  

World History Association invites international students enrolled in grades K-12 in public, private and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs to participate in a writing competition that celebrates the study of history. Each competitor will submit an essay that addresses the issue: In what way has the study of world history affected my understanding of the world in which we live ? For further details on submission guidelines, visit World History Association.  

Deadline: May 1

The Concord Review

This unique publication is the only quarterly journal in the world to publish academic history papers of secondary students. The Concord Review accepts history research papers (about 8,500 words with endnotes and bibliography ) of high school students from anywhere in the world. There is no theme, and papers on every period of history anywhere in the world are accepted. For specific rules and regulators, see the submission guidelines. 

Deadline: essay are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.

George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. To participate, students must submit an original 800 to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. 

Deadline: December 31 

JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Contest 

The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools. In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.

Deadline: January 15 

Write the World Competition

Write the World is a global community of young writers, ages 13-18. Write the World offers a rotating list of themed competitions. Current competition ( October 2020) is for a Speech Writing Oration. The list of past competitions includes Historical Fiction ( short story), Food Writing, Album Review, Environmental Journalism, Songwriting and Book Review. 

Deadline: a new competition every month

Lloyd Davies Philosophy Prize

Established in 2006, the Lloyd Davies Philosophy Prize is an essay competition open in year 12 or the equivalent. Students can submit essays on three given topics in Philosophy. The judges will look for originality of thought, a clear grasp of the issues, clarity in presentation and a critical approach to what has been read. They will also look for a clear structure to the essay. Please read the submission guidelines carefully .

Deadline: June 22 , 2021

The American Foreign Service Association’s National High School Essay Contest

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate in the contest, if they reside in the U.S., U.S territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. In addition to the winner, there is the one runner-up and eight honorable mentions. For further details, please read Rules and Guidelines 

Deadline: The new prompt and deadlines for 2021 will be announced in the fall of 2020

International Essay Contest for Young People

This annual themed essay contest is organized by the Goi Peace Foundation in an effort to harness the energy, creativity and initiative of the world's youth in promoting a culture of peace and sustainable development. Essays can be submitted in two age categories, by anyone younger than 25. In addition to English, essays can be submitted in French, Spanish, German and Japanese. Please note that essays must be mailed, as no email submissions are accepted.

Deadline: Consult the Goi Peace Foundation website for the 2021 theme .

Engineer Girl Essay Writing Competition

This competition is  open to individual girls and boys in the following three age categories: elementary, middle, and high school students. This year's theme  relates to the COVID-19 virus.

Deadline: The contest will close at 11:59 PM, February 1, 2021, U.S. Eastern Standard Tim e

Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship Program

Established in 1947 by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship program requires a submission of a themed recorded essay. Students attending any type of school in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate. Essays are judged on content and on delivery technique.

Deadline: October 31

Creative Writing Prompts

Rising Stars: Creative Writing Contests for High School Students

Photo of author

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Rising Stars: Creative Writing Contests for High School Students

Choosing the Right Creative Writing Contest: A Guide for High School Students

Exploring the benefits of participating in creative writing contests, unleashing your writing potential: how creative writing contests foster growth, key criteria to consider before submitting your work to a writing contest, unveiling the top creative writing contests for high school students, maximizing your chances of success in creative writing contests, the impact of creative writing contests on college admissions, bridging the gap: resources and support for high school writers, frequently asked questions, in retrospect.

Participating in creative writing contests is a great opportunity for high school students to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and even win impressive prizes. However, with so many contests out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fear not, as this guide has got you covered! Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect creative writing contest:

  • Eligibility: Ensure that the contest is open to high school students, as some may have age or grade restrictions.
  • Genre: Determine whether the contest focuses on a specific genre such as poetry, short stories, or essays. Selecting a contest that aligns with your writing strengths and preferences will increase your chances of success.
  • Judging Criteria: Look for contests that provide clear information about their judging criteria. Understanding how your work will be evaluated allows you to tailor your submission accordingly.
  • Prizes and Recognition: Evaluate the prizes offered, such as scholarships, publication opportunities, or mentorship programs. Consider whether the rewards align with your goals and aspirations.

Besides the aforementioned factors, gathering insights from previous participants can be invaluable. Consider researching reviews or testimonials to gauge the contest’s reputation and credibility. Additionally, don’t forget to carefully review the submission guidelines, ensuring your work meets all requirements regarding word count, formatting, and submission deadlines. Remember, entering writing contests is not only about winning but also about growth and building confidence in your craft. So, embrace the opportunity, aim for contests that resonate with you, and let your unique voice and creativity shine!

Exploring the Benefits of Participating in Creative Writing Contests

Participating in creative writing contests is an incredible way to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and push the boundaries of your writing abilities. But the benefits extend far beyond mere accolades! Here are some captivating advantages you can reap by entering these thrilling literary competitions:

  • Inspiration: Engaging in contest prompts and themes can spark your creativity and ignite new ideas. The challenge of writing within a specific framework can push you to explore uncharted territories, stimulating innovation and harnessing your imaginative prowess.
  • Feedback: Receiving feedback from judges and fellow writers can be invaluable in your growth as a wordsmith. Constructive criticism helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to refine your writing style and improve with each submission. This valuable insight from industry professionals can be an exceptional tool for honing your craft.
  • Networking: Participating in creative writing contests opens doors to connect with like-minded individuals in the literary community. Engage in conversations with fellow contestants, judges, and organizers, building relationships that can offer opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and exposure to new perspectives. These connections can be instrumental in your writing journey, providing support and a sense of camaraderie.

Furthermore, winning or being recognized in a creative writing contest can enhance your writing credentials, boosting your reputation as an established writer. This recognition can catch the attention of publishers, agents, and literary magazines, opening doors for future publication opportunities. Beyond the tangible rewards, participating in creative writing contests can be a fulfilling and enriching experience that nurtures your passion for storytelling while embracing the thrill of competition.

Unleashing Your Writing Potential: How Creative Writing Contests Foster Growth

Participating in creative writing contests can be a transformative experience for aspiring writers. These contests provide a unique platform for individuals to unleash their writing potential, push their creative boundaries, and foster personal growth. Whether you are an experienced writer looking to challenge yourself or a beginner seeking validation, creative writing contests offer a plethora of benefits to nurture your skills and enhance your artistic journey.

One of the most significant advantages of participating in creative writing contests is the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from industry professionals. Judged by experienced writers, editors, and literary agents, these contests allow participants to have their work assessed by those with expertise in the field. The feedback received helps writers gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to refine their craft and improve their writing skills. Receiving recognition, even in the form of feedback, inspires writers to keep honing their skills and continue on their writing journey.

  • Unleash your creativity: Creative writing contests provide a platform to explore your imagination and indulge in unrestricted creativity. By participating in these contests, writers can break free from conventional boundaries and experiment with various writing styles and genres.
  • Boost your confidence: Winning a creative writing contest or receiving honorable mentions can significantly boost a writer’s confidence. It validates their talent and encourages them to pursue their writing career with newfound self-assurance.
  • Expand your network: Participating in creative writing contests allows you to connect with fellow writers, published authors, and industry professionals. Building these connections can be invaluable for obtaining mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and even potential publishing deals.

Embracing the world of creative writing contests can truly unlock your writing potential in ways you never imagined. So, why wait? Step out of your comfort zone, take the plunge, and let these contests be the catalyst for your growth as a writer.

When it comes to entering your writing into a contest, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your work against some key criteria. After all, you want to give yourself the best possible chance of standing out among the competition and securing the recognition you deserve. Here are a few important factors to consider before hitting that submission button:

1. Originality: Ensure that your piece brings a fresh perspective or a unique voice to the table. Judges are seeking entries that display creative thinking and original ideas. Avoid clichés and copycat themes, and instead strive to present fresh concepts that leave a lasting impression.

2. Adherence to Guidelines: Take the time to thoroughly read and understand the contest guidelines. Judges often have specific requirements for word count, formatting, and theme. Failing to adhere to these instructions may result in automatic disqualification, so pay careful attention to these details to ensure your entry meets all the necessary criteria.

Unveiling the Top Creative Writing Contests for High School Students

Are you a high school student with a passion for writing? Look no further! We have curated a list of the most prestigious and exciting creative writing contests just for you. These competitions provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and even win amazing prizes. So, hone your writing abilities, unleash your imagination, and get ready to embark on a literary adventure!

1. The National High School Essay Contest: Organized by the United States Institute of Peace, this annual contest invites high school students to tackle thought-provoking topics related to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The winners not only receive generous cash awards but also get the opportunity to participate in a special awards program in Washington, D.C.

2. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: With a rich history spanning nearly a century, this prestigious contest offers aspiring writers a chance to submit their best works across various genres, including poetry, short stories, and dramatic scripts. Not only will winners be awarded with scholarships and cash prizes, but they can also have their work showcased in exhibitions and published in renowned literary magazines.

3. The YoungArts Competition: Recognized as one of the most esteemed contests for emerging young artists, this contest encompasses creative writing, among other artistic disciplines. Winners of this highly competitive program receive mentorship opportunities, cash awards, and the chance to participate in a week-long intensive program in Miami. Furthermore, they may even be nominated to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts!

Maximizing Your Chances of Success in Creative Writing Contests

Participating in creative writing contests can be an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and gain recognition for your work. In order to maximize your chances of success, it’s important to approach these contests strategically and follow some key guidelines:

  • Research and Select the Right Contests: Before entering any contest, take the time to research various options and choose ones that align with your writing style and genre. Look for contests that are reputable and have a solid track record of fairness and transparency.
  • Read and Understand the Guidelines: Carefully review the contest guidelines to ensure that your submission adheres to all the requirements. Pay attention to the theme, word count limits, formatting specifications, and submission deadlines. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disqualification.
  • Polish Your Writing: Dedicate time to revise, edit, and refine your work. Make sure your prose is engaging, concise, and coherent. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from trusted fellow writers or editors to enhance the quality of your piece.

Additionally, it’s essential to have confidence in your abilities and not be discouraged by rejection. Remember that every submission is an opportunity for growth and learning. So, keep honing your craft, exploring new writing techniques, and submitting your work to creative writing contests. With perseverance and a touch of luck, success may just be around the corner!

Creative writing contests can have a significant impact on college admissions, allowing students to showcase their unique abilities and stand out from the crowd. These contests provide a platform for students to not only demonstrate their writing skills but also their creativity, originality, and passion for storytelling. By participating in these competitions, students can catch the attention of college admission officers and create a lasting impression.

For aspiring writers, creative writing contests offer a golden opportunity to receive recognition for their talent and accomplishments. Winning or even being recognized in such contests can serve as a validation of their skills and dedication to writing. This acknowledgment can boost confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can be invaluable when applying to colleges. In addition, students who have successfully participated in and excelled in creative writing contests can showcase their awards and achievements on their college applications, making them stand out among a sea of applicants.

Bridging the Gap: Resources and Support for High School Writers

Are you a high school student exploring the world of writing? Look no further! We understand that writing can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you bridge the gap and become a confident writer. Our comprehensive resources and support will equip you with the tools you need to thrive in your writing journey.

1. Writing Workshops: Join our interactive workshops designed specifically for high school writers. These workshops will cover a wide range of topics including brainstorming techniques, crafting engaging narratives, and perfecting your grammar and syntax. Our experienced instructors will provide valuable feedback and guide you towards improving your writing skills.

2. Online Writing Communities: Take your writing to the next level by connecting with like-minded individuals in our vibrant online writing communities . Share your work, receive constructive feedback, and participate in writing challenges. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community will inspire you to explore new genres, experiment with different writing styles, and learn from others.

Q: What are some creative writing contests available for high school students? A: There are several creative writing contests specifically designed for high school students. Some notable ones include the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Young Writers of Canada Contest, and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Contest. These contests provide an excellent opportunity for young writers to showcase their talents and gain recognition for their creative work.

Q: What is the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards? A: The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious and well-known creative writing contests for high school students. It has been running for nearly a century and offers scholarships, recognition, and exhibition opportunities to talented young writers across the United States. This contest showcases a wide range of writing genres, including fiction, poetry, personal essay, and journalism.

Q: Can you provide information about the Young Writers of Canada Contest? A: The Young Writers of Canada Contest is another exciting opportunity for high school students who are passionate about creative writing. This contest is open to students from across Canada and accepts submissions in various writing forms, such as poetry, short stories, and plays. Winners receive recognition, publication, and the chance to attend writing workshops facilitated by established authors.

Q: Tell us about the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Contest. A: The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Contest is a prestigious contest that recognizes talented high school students for their creative writing skills. It offers various categories for submissions, including short stories, poetry, humor writing, and dramatic scripts. Apart from recognition, winners receive substantial cash prizes and scholarships, and their works are published in an anthology.

Q: Is there a specific age requirement to participate in these contests? A: Yes, each contest has its own age requirements, but most contests are open to high school students aged 13 to 18. It’s essential to review the specific guidelines for each contest to ensure eligibility.

Q: Are there any criteria that judges consider when evaluating the submissions? A: Yes, judges typically evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, technical skill, and emotional impact. They are looking for unique and well-crafted pieces that reflect the writer’s voice and demonstrate a mastery of the chosen genre. It’s important for students to submit their best work and follow the specific guidelines provided by each contest.

Q: How can participation in these creative writing contests benefit high school students? A: Participating in creative writing contests provides numerous benefits to high school students. It allows them to gain recognition for their writing skills, enhances their confidence and self-esteem, and provides a platform to share their voice and perspective. Additionally, winning or receiving recognition in these contests can open doors for scholarships, mentorships, and future writing opportunities.

Q: Are there any fees associated with entering these contests? A: Some contests may have entry fees, while others are free to enter. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, for example, charges a nominal entry fee, while the Young Writers of Canada Contest and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Contest do not. It’s essential to check the specific guidelines and entry requirements for each contest to understand any associated fees.

Q: How can students prepare for these creative writing contests? A: To prepare, students should dedicate time to hone their writing skills, read widely in different genres, and experiment with their own writing style. They can also seek feedback from teachers, peers, or writing mentors to improve their work. It’s crucial to carefully review the guidelines for each contest and ensure that the submission meets the specific requirements before entering.

In conclusion, creative writing contests for high school students provide a platform for young talents to shine and be recognized. These competitions nurture creativity, encourage expression, and offer valuable opportunities for personal growth. Don’t miss the chance to participate and unleash your potential!

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YoungArts Writing Award

About the scholarship.

The YoungArts Writing Award is open to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or 15- to 18-year-olds by December 1 of the year of application. Students participating in writing, such as creative nonfiction, novels, plays, scripts, or poetry, are eligible to apply.

  • Essay Required : No
  • Need-Based : No
  • Merit-Based : No
  • Resident of the U.S.
  • High school sophomore, junior, or senior
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or demonstrate that the student is legally entitled to receive taxable income in the United States
  • Participate in play/script, poetry, novel, nonfiction, short story writing or spoken word
  • Aged 15 to 18
  • Country : US

11 Writing Contests for High School Students with Cash Awards

Calling All High School Student Writers! If you’re searching for scholarships or finding ways to fund your future education, look no further than these wonderful writing contests. 

If you are a talented young writer , you can find plenty of contests that will allow you to submit your writing for consideration. Many of them offer cash prizes and/or scholarships. 

Below are 11 writing contests for high school students, but you can find plenty of other niche and general contests by searching online.

1. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate art created by students aged 13 and older in grades 7 to 12 on a regional and national scale. You are allowed to submit in various categories and styles, with the chance to win awards with cash prizes or scholarships. Types include science fiction and fantasy writing, critical essays, humor, dramatic scripts, and more.

Prizes may vary. Gold medal portfolio winners can earn a $10,000 scholarship, and silver medal winners with distinction can earn a $1,000 scholarship. There are more options for various categories. Fees to apply vary by region, but the cost is generally $7 for a single entry and $25 for a portfolio entry.

Since these contests vary, you can use Scholastic’s Affiliate Partner search to determine when projects are due for your specific category.

2. Young Lions Fiction Award

Are you 35 years old or under? This prestigious opportunity is right for you. The incredible and historic New York Public Library sponsors this award. Writers are welcome to submit a novel or collection of short stories. Each year, a reading committee of Young Lions members, writers, editors, and librarians selects five finalists. It then moves on to a panel of judges who will choose the winner.

The winner of this award will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

The deadline to apply is usually in September of the scholarship year. And, even better, it is entirely free to apply! 

3. Ocean Awareness Contest

All students ranging from age 11 to age 18 from around the world are encouraged to participate in the Ocean Awareness Contest by submitting an original piece of artistic work. These submissions can be in visual art, creative writing, film, interactive/ multimedia, performing arts, poetry, or spoken word.

The Junior Division is for students ages 11 to 14, and the Senior Division is for students ages 15 to 18.

In the Junior Division, the Gold Award is $1,000, Silver $750, Bronze $250, and Honorable Mention $50. In the Senior Division, the Gold Award is $1,500, Silver $1,000, Bronze $500, and Honorable Mention $100.

Students can choose from five different prompts and respond through their choice of submission.

4. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Are you a Senior in high school or at the undergraduate level? Are you obsessed with words stories, and driven to write? Then the Adroit Prize for Poetry and Prose might be yours. The Adroit Prizes awards two students with talent and aptitude in poetry or prose each year. 

Submissions may include up to six poems (maximum of ten pages single-spaced) and/or up to three works of prose (combined word limit of 3,500 words). Students may submit excerpts of longer pieces if they choose. 

Simultaneous submissions are also accepted as long as students acknowledge in their cover letter that the work has been submitted elsewhere. Students may only submit one work per genre, per year, but they can submit entries to the poetry and prose categories in a given year. The submission fee is $13, but students can fill out a form if they need financial assistance.

All submissions will be considered for publication in the Adroit Journal, and winners will be awarded $200. 

The deadline for this prize is typically in April of every year.

5. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

High school students interested in creative writing are encouraged to submit their work for this fantastic scholarship. Sponsored by the National Society of High School Scholars, this scholarship is for those students with a passion for the written word and a story to tell. Students can submit any work of their choosing as long as the work itself has yet to be previously published. These works can be in either poetry, fiction, or both. 

In the poetry category, students may submit their original poetry in any style, from formal verse to free verse, and experiment. Please note: the poem should be formatted as you wish it to appear in publication.

In the fiction category, students may submit a piece of short fiction, at most 5,000 words, double-spaced. The student may choose any genre, including graphic novels or short stories.

A prize of $2,000 will be awarded to one student winner in each category.

6. YoungArts Competition

Emerging artists ages 15 through 18—or grades 10 through 12—are encouraged to apply for this award in various disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music. Each student must submit a portfolio of their work. The winner is selected through a blind adjudication process by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists. 

There is a $35 application fee, but it can be waived based on financial restraints.

Winners of the YoungArts Competition receive monetary awards up to $10,000. But the money is just one part of this award. The selected students will also receive creative and professional development experiences with renowned guest artists and be eligible for a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the arts nomination! 

You can sign up for application news and updates by visiting the website.

7. The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest

US students grades 9 through 12, as well as students in the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, or U.S. citizens attending school abroad or at home, are welcome to submit an essay identifying the United States’ strengths and weaknesses in establishing peace in foreign countries. Essays must be between 1,000 and 1,250 words and answer three questions about US foreign policy and national security.

The winner will receive not only a $2,500 cash prize but they will also win a Washington D.C. trip and a scholarship to attend Semester at Sea. A runner-up will receive $1,250 and a scholarship to attend the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference.

There is no application fee.

8. The Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest

If you love plays and think you have something to say, feel free to apply and see if it makes your day. Students in the eleventh grade (or international equivalent) are eligible for the annual Lewis Center Ten-Minute Playwriting Contest. Each year’s jury consists of members from the Princeton University Program in Theater faculty.

Applicants may submit only one play of 10 pages maximum. 

The award for first prize is $500, second prize is $250, and third prize is $100.

9. We the Students Essay Contest

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in modern-day America? Then this contest might be just for you. Run by the Bill of Rights Institute, the contest asks students to answer, “What are the essential qualities of a citizen in your community in 21st-century America?” This essay must land somewhere between 500 and 800 words. 

To apply, students must be US citizens or legal residents between 14 and 19 attending public, private, charter, or religious schools in the U.S., U.S. territories or districts, or Armed Forces schools abroad. Home-schooled students and those enrolled in correspondence or GED programs can also apply.

One national winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a scholarship to the Constitutional Academy. Six runners-up will receive $1,250 each, and eight honorable mentions will receive $500 each. 

10. Young Writers Awards

There is something special about promoting students to write to express themselves in a healthy, controlled manner that may further their education beyond the classroom. And it does not hurt to start young. To promote this cause, Bennington College invites submissions from grades 9 through 12 for this annual award.

Students may submit work in three different categories:

  • Poetry: a group of three poems
  • Fiction: a short story (1,500 words or fewer) or a one-act play (no more than 30 minutes of playing time)
  • Nonfiction: a personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

A first-, second-, and third-place winner is selected in each category. First-place winners receive $500, second place receives $250, and third place receives $125.

The competition typically runs from September 3 to November 1 each year, with winners posted on the website in mid-April. And the best part? There is no fee to enter!

11. YouthPLAYS

Playwriting is an art form; the only way to improve is to start as soon as possible. That is why students under 19 are highly encouraged to submit a one-act, non-musical play of at least ten pages for consideration. The play presented should be the work of a single author, appropriate for high school audiences, and contain at least two characters, with one or more of those characters being youths in age-appropriate roles. The contest encourages large casts with multiple female roles.

One winner will receive $200, have their play published by YouthPLAYS, and receive a copy of Great Dialog, a program for writing dialog. One runner-up will receive $50 and a copy of Great Dialog.

These writing contests are a fantastic way to expand your portfolio, improve your writing, and connect with fellow writers. While each contest offers a unique experience, the experience of writing, submitting, collaborating, and sharing your work will bolster your confidence moving forward into wherever you take your career moving forward.

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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

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  • G&A: The Contest Blog

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Persea Books

Lexi rudnitsky editor’s choice award.

A prize of $2,000 and publication by Persea Books is given annually for a poetry collection by a poet who is a U.S. citizen or resides in the U.S. and who has published at...

TulipTree Publishing

Wild women story contest.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in TulipTree Review is given annually for a single poem, a short story, or an essay “whose main characters embody the wild woman spirit...

Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation

Literary awards.

Two prizes of $10,000 each are given annually for a book of fiction and a book of nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) published in the previous year that “foster peace,...

National Endowment for the Arts

Creative writing fellowships.

Approximately 35 grants of $25,000 each are given annually in alternating years to poets and prose writers to “enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research,...

Bellingham Review

Three prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Bellingham Review ...

Trio House Press

Trio award for first or second book.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Trio House Press, and 20 author copies is given annually for a first or second poetry collection by a poet living in the United States....

Louise Bogan Award

A prize of $1,000, publication by Trio House Press, and 20 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection by a poet living in the United States. Oliver de la Paz will...

James Jones Literary Society

First novel fellowship.

A prize of $10,000 is given annually for a novel-in-progress by a U.S. writer who has not published a novel. The first runner-up receives $3,000 and the second runner-up...

Tomaž Šalamun Prize

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Factory Hollow Press is given annually for a poetry chapbook. The winner also receives a monthlong residency in a private apartment at the...

Broadside Lotus Press

Naomi long madgett poetry award.

A prize of $500 and publication by Broadside Lotus Press is given annually for a poetry collection by an African American poet. Submit two copies of a manuscript of...

National Poetry Series

Open competition.

Five prizes of $10,000 each and publication by participating trade, university, or small press publishers are given annually for poetry collections by U.S. poets. Using only...

The Center for Fiction

First novel prize.

A prize of $15,000 is given annually for a debut novel by an American citizen published in the United States during the current year. Six finalists receive $1,000 each. Self-...

The Word Works

Washington prize.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by the Word Works is given annually to a U.S. or Canadian poet for a poetry collection. Using only the online submission system, submit a...

Indiana Review

Poetry and creative nonfiction prizes.

Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Indiana Review are given annually for a single poem and an essay. Submit up to three poems of any length or a work of prose...

Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation

Poetry prize.

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a single poem. Sun Yung Shin will judge. Submit up to three poems of no more than three pages each with a $10 entry fee by March 15....

Fourth Genre

Steinberg memorial essay prize.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Fourth Genre ...

Prairie Schooner

Raz-shumaker book prizes.

Two prizes of $3,000 each and publication by University of Nebraska Press are given annually for a poetry collection and a story collection. Kwame Dawes will judge. Submit a...

American Literary Translators Association

Spain-usa foundation translation award.

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a book of fiction or nonfiction written by an author of Spanish nationality and published in the previous year. Publishers or...

Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize

A prize of $6,000 is given annually for a book of poetry or a text from Zen Buddhism translated from an Asian language into English and published in the previous year....

Italian Prose in Translation Award

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a book of fiction or nonfiction translated from Italian into English and published in the previous year. Publishers or translators may...

National Translation Awards

Two prizes of $4,000 each are given annually for a book of poetry and a book of prose translated from any language into English and published in the previous year. For the...

Winter Story Contest

A prize of $2,500 and publication in Narrative is given annually for a short story, a short short story, an essay, a memoir, or an excerpt from a longer work of fiction...

Four Way Books

Levis prize in poetry.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Four Way Books is given annually for a poetry collection. The winner is also invited to participate in readings either virtually or in...

Lascaux Review

Lascaux prize in poetry.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Lascaux Review is given annually for a single poem. Previously published and unpublished poems are accepted. Using only the online...

Fish Publishing

A prize of €1,000 (approximately $1,085) and publication in the Fish Publishing anthology is given annually for a single poem. The winner is also invited to read at the...

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Best Academic Essay: OxBright Essay Competition 2024

The OxBright Essay Competition is the perfect opportunity for high school students to nurture their academic writing skills while honing long-term thinking and critical discourse skills. 

The competition runs annually, and will focus on a different theme and question each year. However, entries will generally be accepted from the following subject categories:

  • Architecture
  • Computer Science and Coding 
  • Creative Writing 
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics 
  • Philosophy 

How do I enter?

To enter the competition, submit an essay of up to 3,800 characters responding to the relevant year’s question.

Make sure to check the deadline for the year you’re looking to enter – this usually falls in September or October.

Once you’ve submitted your entry, we’ll be in touch within two weeks to let you know if you’ve been shortlisted.

What are the prizes?

In 2023, the first 1,000 shortlisted students received a complimentary ticket to attend one of OxBright’s online conferences ! All shortlisted entrants, along with their parents and teachers, were invited to attend our Awards Ceremony on 28th October 2023, where the winners were announced!

All participants had the chance to win over £100,000 worth of academic prizes including:

  • A place on our sister organisation, the Oxford Scholastica Academy’s residential Oxford summer school (worth £6,495)
  • A place on an OxBright online course or internship (worth £995)
  • A certificate of achievement for the top 20% of entries

Best Fantasy

Best Fantasy: L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest

For those enchanted by the realms of fantasy, the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest offers a rare opportunity for aspiring fantasy writers to have their work judged by masters in the field. 

The contest fosters the creation of magical worlds and epic adventures giving entrants the creative freedom to create their most imaginative tales!

To enter the contest, submit a piece of prose up to 17,000 words that fits the genre of fantasy, dark fantasy or science fiction. 

The contest starts on 1st October 2023 and the deadline is at 11:59pm (PST) on 31st December 2023 .

Prizes are awarded every quarter and include:

  • $1000, $750 and $500 cash prizes
  • $5000 cash prize
  • The L. Ron Hubbard Golden Pen Award

Best Historical Fiction

Best Historical Fiction: Young Walter Scott Prize

Step into your passion for History through the Young Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction . This competition breathes life into historical eras, characters and narratives. It’s an excellent opportunity for budding historical fiction writers to explore bygone worlds, cultures and moments, all while honing their storytelling craft. 

To enter the contest, submit your historical fiction story ( between 800 and 2,000 words ) set in a time before you were born. 

This year’s closing date is 31st October 2023 .

Participants in the Young Walter Scott Prize can win:

  • A £500 travel grant
  • Tickets to one of the UK’s best book festivals
  • The chance to see their own work in print in a special anthology

Best Journalism

Best Journalism: Young Reporters for the Environment Competition

For those with a passion for environmental advocacy, the Young Reporters for the Environment Competition is the ideal chance to shed light on pressing ecological issues. Through their journalistic skills, young reporters can raise awareness, inspire change and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Each entrant can submit up to three articles (no more than 1,000 words each) for their age group category. 

Check out the winning articles for the 2023 contest to start preparing for your 2024 entry!

Prizes for the YRE competition include:

  • Diplomas for the winning entries
  • The chance to be published internationally on online platforms
  • The chance to be published on the YRE International website

Best Playwriting

Best Playwriting and Screenwriting: BBC Young Writers’ Award

For those with a dramatic flair, the BBC Young Writers’ Award offers a spotlight to playwrights and screenwriters. Nurturing compelling dialogues and captivating narratives, this competition is for the storytellers of the future!

To enter the competition, participants submit a story of up to 1,000 words on any theme.

The contest reopens for submissions in 2024, so keep an eye out!

The winner of the BBC Young Writers’ Award will receive a personalised mentoring session with an author to further enhance their writing skills!

Best Poetry

Best Poetry: Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is an incredible opportunity for those with a passion for verse to hone their skills and boost their professional careers! 

Through evocative imagery, lyrical cadence and heartfelt expressions, young poets can explore a world of emotions, themes and perspectives.

To enter the competition, participants can submit a selection of poems – or just one! – of any length and on any theme.

The contest reopens for submissions in 2024, so do keep checking back!

Each year, the judges select 100 winners to receive a variety of prizes, including:

  • An invite to a prestigious awards ceremony in London
  • The chance to have their poems published in a print anthology
  • The chance to have their poems published in an online anthology 
  • A place on a residential writing course
  • Mentoring from a professional poet
  • A year’s membership to the Poetry Society
  • A goody bag full of books and treats
  • Ongoing support via publication, performance and an internship programme

Best Commentary

Best Political and Social Commentary: John Locke Institute Essay Competition

The John Locke Institute Essay Competition invites young minds to delve into the complex fabric of Politics and social commentary. By offering fresh perspectives on global issues, participants contribute to meaningful discussions, shape public discourse and advocate for change. 

To enter, essay submissions must be no longer than 2,000 words and must address one of the questions in one of the following subject categories:

Registration for next year’s competition opens April 2024 .

A winner is chosen for the best essay in each category and will receive:

  • A scholarship worth $2000 towards any John Locke Institute programme
  • Publication of their essay on the Institute’s website

The candidate who submits the best essay overall will receive:

  • An honorary John Locke Institute Junior Fellowship
  • A $10,000 scholarship to attend one or more of the Institute’s summer schools or gap year courses

Best Short Story

Best Short Story: Scholastic Art and Writing Awards – Short Story Category

For those who thrive in the realm of brevity, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards’ Short Story Category offers a canvas for character development, creativity and narrative finesse within a limited word count. With the potential for entrants to receive national recognition, scholarships and the chance to have their work published, it’s a rare chance to gain valuable experience at a young age!

To enter the contest, participants submit a fictional narrative between 500 and 3,000 words to the Short Story category. 

Entries open in September, and deadlines vary between December and January depending on region.

Prizes for the different awards include:

  • The chance to be published in an anthology
  • Eligibility for a scholarship up to $12,500
  • A star-studded ceremony at Carnegie Hall
  • The chance to be showcased at regional, national and travelling exhibitions

The range of writing competitions for high school students is vast. Spanning different genres, themes and creative paths, they offer a multitude of opportunities for young writers to flourish.

Participating in a writing contest allows students to hone their skills, amplify their voices, and practise personal development. 

As you embark on your literary voyage, remember to explore a spectrum of literary realms, express your uniqueness, and seize all opportunities!

Emily

Emily is an undergraduate student at the University of Bristol reading English Literature, specialising in Modernist writers. In her free time, Emily enjoys running and hopes to complete her first half-marathon next year. She also loves photography and videography.

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creative writing awards for high school students

  • Scholarships

The 10 Best Writing Scholarships for High School Students

Some of the best and most rewarding scholarships require applicants to write a personal essay, poem, or other written work. 

Are you interested in a certain genre, like sci-fi or young adult literature? There’s a scholarship for people who like to write those kinds of books!

Do you have a portfolio of written work from your high school career? Many scholarships seek extensive portfolios that center on a particular subject – why not revise your portfolio and submit your materials to a scholarship evaluation committee?

We’ve found ten of the best writing scholarships for high school students and undergraduates. 

Prizes range from the several thousands to the tens of thousands of dollars, while others come with publishing-related perks and paid-for professional development opportunities.

High School Writing Student

YoungArts’ National Arts Competition for Writing

Open exclusively to students in grades 10 or 12 (or ages 15-18), YoungArts’ National Arts Competition evaluates submissions for five categories : creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, and short story and spoken word.

Of previous winners, the organization remarks that their portfolios were creative, thought-provoking, and intentional. There are separate requirements for each category. 

For novels , candidates share the first 20 pages of their novel along with a 200-word synopsis. 

Spoken word artists will submit two to three written poems, with the total material not exceeding ten pages. Spoken word category applications may also submit a video performance for each poetry submission.

There are five levels of prizes awarded to candidates whose work reveals innovative and outstanding technique, depth, and perspective. 

The Level 1, 2, and 3 prizes are worth $3,000, $1,500, and $1,000 (respectively). The Silver prize is worth $5,000, while the Gold prize totals $10,000.

The National Press Club Scholarships

The National Press Club Journalism Institute offers four scholarship awards to individuals pursuing a future career in journalism and supporting a commitment to civic discourse and transparency.

One award – the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship – is given to a high school senior pursuing a career in journalism. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

A second award – the Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo – bestows a $5,000 one-year award to the winner. This prize is renewable for up to three years, amounting to up to $20,000 in scholarship funds devoted to college expenses. Applicants share the same requirements as the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship.

Past winners of the various scholarships have gone on to study at UC-Berkeley, Harvard, Columbia, and Brown.

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship was conceived to honor stories of inspiring Black Americans. Whether it’s a national public figure, regional superstar, or local hero – all tales are worth telling, and Regions wants to hear them.

Applicants provide a 500-word or less written or 3-minute or less video essay about a Black American who has inspired them. 

Regions promises to award $5,000 scholarships to 30 high school seniors and $3,500 scholarships to 30 first-year, sophomore, or junior college students!

The evaluation committee will recognize 15 written essay submissions and 15 video submissions for each of the two application cohorts. 

Competitive applicants should have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and be in good academic standing at their current institution of learning.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the United States’ longest-running program dedicated specifically to creative teenagers.

Students in grades 7-12 can select from over 25 categories of writing and art, with writing categories including critical essay, memoir, and flash fiction.

The critical essay, for example, is meant to inform or even convince a reader about a particular topic. Examples include reviews and editorials. 

Graduating high school seniors are eligible to submit an entire writing portfolio comprising six separate works which are indicative of the writer’s broad range in style and technique. 

The Gold Medal Portfolio winners will earn a $10,000 prize , while Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolio winners will receive $1,000 scholarships.

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship in Literature

Both the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine have named the Davidson Fellows Scholarship one of the country’s most prestigious scholarships. Most recently , applicants were allowed to participate in teams of two!

The committee awards $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 scholarships to exceptional students who have completed a significant work of literature. 

To be eligible for a Davidson Fellows Scholarship in Literature, applicants must be 18 years old or younger and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

Candidates submitting a piece to the Literature category must provide a 60-75 page portfolio , containing three works from the four genre selections: fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and drama or screenplay. A literacy narrative is an additional requirement.

Applicants must submit a process essay, a video describing their work, and two letters of recommendation from those who are familiar with their work.

Previous grand prize winners have shared portfolios that focus on preventing atrocities, providing positive representations of marginalized identities, and preserving family legacies.

Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award

Leroy F. Aarons was committed to providing an accurate representation of LGBTQ individuals and their lives in the media.

The scholarship award grants up to $5,000 in tuition money to an LGBTQ student intent on pursuing a journalism career. 

Current or incoming undergraduate students enrolled in a journalism or communications field are eligible to apply. Along with an application, candidates should share a one-page resume, proof of enrollment in an undergraduate program, and five work samples . 

Topics include writing about a senior LGBTQ activist in the applicant’s community or addressing a local legislative initiative. 

Videos can go from two to five minutes while image galleries can hold between ten and 30 images. Students can also submit infographics.

Winners promise to uphold the Excellence Contract , which requires them to maintain a 3.2 GPA in the year to which the scholarship applies. If the student’s GPA dips below a 3.0, they may be put on probation.

The committee selects prize winners based on their demonstrated awareness of the issues faced within the LGBTQ community and their dedication to accurate, unbiased news coverage.

Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards

Any high school student can share a short story of 4,000 or fewer words from within one of six genres: romance, mystery/crime, horror, thriller/suspense, sci-fi/fantasy, or young adult. 

The mystery/crime genre involves your average “whodunit” plot structures, as well as police, forensic, and legal dramas. 

Thriller/suspense are described as stories that delve more into the motive and backstory to crimes and criminals and seek to increase our adrenaline.

The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 along with an interview in an issue of Writer’s Digest, the winning story published on writersdigest.com, a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in New York City, and a $100 gift certificate to writersdigestshop.com.

Talk about perks!

The Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Scholarship

Amy Lowell was an American poet who passed away in 1925.

Her scholarship honors her legacy by supporting travel expenses for talented American poets. While this is not a college-specific scholarship, the money can be spent on expenses like studying abroad.

In the most recent cycle , there were two winners selected from over 200 applicants. To apply, candidates submit an application along with a curriculum vitae and poetry sample, which consists of up to 40 typed pages.

The committee shares that there is no minimum age requirement to submit works and that while many recent winners have already been published, there is no requirement that candidates have previously published their poetry.

The Horror Writers Association Scholarships

The Horror Writers Association (HWA) offers two $2,500 scholar awards to support emerging horror writers. Students submit one application, which gets shared with the review committees of both scholarships. 

The Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship is available to female applicants, while the HWA Scholarship is available for applications of any gender. 

When reviewing applications, the committee will be primarily focused on the candidate’s academic record and plan and the likelihood that they will contribute to and grow the genre.

The scholarship funds may not be used for college tuition expenses. Those who win financial awards have two years’ worth of time to spend their funds, which must be used to further their horror writing career or professional development. 

Appropriate activities include online writing courses, writing and publishing presentations, subscription fees, etc.

Ayn Rand Scholarships (Anthem, The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged)

Ayn Rand is the author of three canonical novels, each of which has its accompanying scholarship award: Anthem, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged.

The Ayn Rand Institute has awarded over $2 million in scholarship money to contest winners and, most recently, they awarded $40,000 to hundreds of students worldwide.

The Anthem Scholarship is open to all 8th through 12th graders. First place wins $2,000 and there are 83 other prizes of $25 to $500. 

Applicants write a 600-1200 word essay in response to one of several prompts, with the purpose being to justify their argument clearly and creatively.

All high school juniors and seniors can apply for the Fountainhead Scholarship , which grants a $5,000 first prize and 83 other prizes ranging from $25 to $1,250 to those who pen an 800-1600 word essay that best articulates their view and understanding of the philosophy behind the novel.

The Atlas Shrugged Scholarship is only available to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate-level students. 

The grand prize is $10,000, and other prizes range from $50 to $2,500. 

One of the topics might prompt an applicant to describe the economic and moral forces interacting behind the disappearance of specific goods within the novel.

Haven’t read any of the novels? No worries! The ARI will send applicants a free copy of any novel. At the very least, applicants will receive a free book!

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Department of English College of Liberal Arts

2024 Creative Writing Contest

Attention all indiana high school students.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

Now Submit Online!

GENRE CATEGORIES: 

Personal Experience Narrative/Creative Nonfiction

Short Story

AWARDS IN EACH GENRE:

First Place -       $100

Second Place -  $75 

Third Place - $50

Irwin Weiser Best of High School Award (chosen from the winning submissions) - $200 awarded at the Literary Awards ceremony

The years Literary Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 and the guest speaker is novelist, poet, essayist, screenwriter and playwright Chris Abani . High school winners will have an opportunity to meet Mr. Abani and receive a signed copy of one of his books in a special gathering prior to the ceremony.

Submissions

Please fill out this survey form and attach your file/submission (pdf files only) in the space provided and submit.   Your file must also include the following identifying information at the beginning of your document: Contestant’s name and email, High School name, and Teacher’s name and email .

Submissions are due by noon on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Because we receive so many entries, only winners will be notified.

Those students receiving awards and their teachers will each be contacted by email by the end of March 2024. All winners will be expected to complete two separate Purdue forms and submit via Filelocker to receive their gift money via US Mail.

For more information contact Tara Star Johnson , Faculty Director or Julie Henderson , Awards Coordinator.

+1 (603) 932 7897

[email protected].

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15 Poetry Contests for High School Students 2024-2025

  • Last modified 2024-01-11
  • Published on 2023-09-08

creative writing awards for high school students

1. Adroit Prize for Poetry and Prose

Founded by The Adroit Journal, the Adroit Prize for Poetry and Prose is a poetry contest that recognizes the exceptional talents of high school students in the realms of poetry and prose writing. This contest provides a platform for young writers to showcase their creativity and gain recognition within the literary community. The judges for this year’s competition are Natalie Diaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning Mojave American poet, and Ocean Vuong, Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist. It is one of the most competitive poetry contests to enter.

Eligibility : High school students

Submission Guidelines : Students can submit 5 packets of work, each of the packets may contain either up to 6 poems or up to 3 pieces of prose (total 3,500 words combined)

Competition Deadline : May 1, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline) 

Competition Website: https://theadroitjournal.org/adroit-prizes/

2. Write the World Series – Poetry

Write the World , developed by David Weinstein – who’s currently working at Harvard University, is dedicated to improving the writing of high school students through a global online community and guided interactive process. Through multiple competitions throughout the year, students are encouraged to develop their voices, refine their editing skills, and publish on an international platform. Write the World helps students develop the writing strategies and communication tools essential for success in school, career, and life. Write the World Writing Competition series has different writing themes and formats for each competition, and the series is currently at the Poetry contest. The theme for this year is “Seeds of change.”

Eligibility : Young Writers who are at least 13 years old

Competition Deadline : May 2024 

Competition Website: https://writetheworld.org/#/competitions

3. Scholastic Writing and Arts

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the longest-running, oldest, and most prestigious literary and art competition in the United States, aiming to find creative works and original technical skills by students in grades 7-12. Since 1923, the Academic Art and Writing Award has recognized the vision, originality, and talent of young people, and has provided opportunities and academic awards for creative young people to express their talent. The high school award symbolizes the pursuit of excellence and will help students stand out in university and scholarship applications. Poetry is one of the categories in the competition, and the type of submission may include but is not limited to prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, song lyrics, and spoken word. Students can submit single poem to the contest. There is an entry fee of $10 per individual entry.

Eligibility : Must be a student in grade 7-12 in the US or international students studying in American schools

Competition Deadline: December 2024 to January 2025.

Competition Website: https://www.artandwriting.org/

4. YoungArts National Arts Competition

YoungArts identifies the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts, and provides them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers. All applications are judged by esteemed, discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process, and award winners are offered a lifetime of artistic support and ongoing connection with an extraordinarily robust network of peers and mentors.

Poetry Guideline: Students must submit 3 to 5 separate poems, and they should not exceed 10 pages

Eligibility: Grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1

Competition Deadline: June 12 – Oct 13, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET

Competition Website: https://youngarts.org/competition/

5. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

The Leonard Milberg High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad. Contest judges are poets on the Princeton University Creative Writing faculty, which includes Michael Dickman, Paul Muldoon, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, James Richardson, Tracy K. Smith, Susan Wheeler, Jenny Xie, and Monica Youn.

Submission Guidelines: Students may submit up to 3 poems. Submissions for the poetry contest cannot be poems that are currently submitted to and/or have won in other contests

Prizes:  First Prize – $500, Second Prize – $250, Third Prize – $100 ( Cash Prizes! )

Deadline:  November 26, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline)

Competition Website: https://arts.princeton.edu/about/opportunities/high-school-contests/poetry-contest/

6. Youth Honor Award

Skipping Stones, an international multicultural magazine, holds an annual competition for young writers, including a poetry category. The poetry contest seeks works that promote multicultural understanding, nature appreciation, and social justice.

Eligibility: Students from age 7 to 17

Submission Guideline: Prose ≤ 1,000 words; poems ≤ 30 lines

Deadline:  May 5, 2024

Competition Website: https://www.skippingstones.org/wp/youth-honors-award/

7. Nebraska Poetry Society’s Open and Performance Poetry Contest

The Nebraska Poetry Society’s Poetry Contest invites students of all ages to showcase poetic talent and engage with the vibrant poetry community in the state. The poems are evaluated by a panel of judges who consider factors such as creativity, craftsmanship, and emotional impact.

Eligibility: Students of all ages

Submission Deadline: Students are allowed to submit up to 5 poems

Deadline: June 15, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline) 

Competition Website: https://www.nepoetrysociety.org/poetry-contest

8. The Moth Poetry Prize

Deadline:  June 2024 (based on last year’s deadline) 

Prizes: The overall winner receives €6,000, while the three remaining shortlisted poets each receive €1,000. A further €250 is given to each of the commended poets. Shortlisted poems will also be published in the Irish Times online.  ( Cash Prizes! )   

Competition Website: https://www.themothmagazine.com/a1-page.asp?ID=9324&page=55

9. The Yale Series of Younger Poets Prize

Established in 1919, the Yale Younger Poets Prize is the oldest annual literary award in the country and has played a crucial role in showcasing emerging American poets. The competition aims to identify and promote the most promising new voices in American poetry. The winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets will receive a $ 1,000 advance and a publication contract with Yale University Press, a renowned publisher in the literary world. In addition to the publication opportunity, the winner will also have the chance to be one of the six recipients of a writing fellowship at The James Merrill House in Stonington, CT.

Eligibility : Emerging poets who have not previously published a book of poetry and who reside in the United States.

Deadline : November 15, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline) 

Competition Website: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/yale-series-of-younger-poets-rules/

10. Young Poets Anthology

Hosted by Rattle – a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the practice of poetry- the Young Poets Anthology is a platform and poetry contest for young and talented poets to showcase their work and gain recognition within the poetry community.

Eligibility : Authors must be 15 or younger when the poem was written, and 18 or younger when submitted. A parent or legal guardian’s signature is required.

Deadline : November 16, 2024 (based on last year’s deadline)

Competition Website: https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/34387/young-poets-anthology

11. Bennington College Young Writers Award

Bennington College Young Writers Awards are created by Bennington College, to promote excellence in writing at the high school level and to recognize outstanding writing achievement by high school students. The competition runs annually from September 1 to November 1. Every year, over 5,000 students submit poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to the Young Writers Awards competition. Each year, students are invited to enter in the poetry category by submitting a group of three poems.

Eligibility : 9th-12th grades, welcome submissions from both US and international students.

Deadline : September 1 to November 1

Competition Website: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards

12. Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is an annual contest open to high school sophomores and juniors. Established in 2007, the prize aims to recognize exceptional young poets. It is named after Patricia Grodd, who has shown generous support for The Kenyon Review and its programs, as well as a strong dedication to education and a profound love for poetry. The winner of the contest is awarded a full scholarship to attend the 2023 Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop.

Eligibility : High school sophomores and juniors

Deadline : November 1 to November 30

Competition Website: https://kenyonreview.org/submit/patricia-grodd/

13. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest

The Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest is an opportunity for people of all ages to explore and celebrate the wonders of nature. The poetry contest aims to highlight the importance of nature as a source of wonder and strength, and promote the preservation of biodiversity. The theme for this contest is The Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild.

Guideline : The maximum length for a poem is 500 words

Eligibility : High school students. Students are required to have a team of 2 or more people from intergenerational age groups.

Competition Website: https://rachelcarsonlandmarkalliance.org/rachel-carson-intergenerational-sense-of-wonder-sense-of-the-wild-contest-2022/

14. Ocean Awareness Contest

The Ocean Awareness Contest provides a platform for young people to understand environmental issues through artistic creation and creative thoughts, explore their relationship with the changing world, and become advocates of positive change. The 2024 Ocean Awareness Competition theme is “Tell Your Climate Story.” Poetry and Spoken Word is one of the categories for this contest. There is no entry fee for this poetry contest.

Eligibility : Any student aged 11-18 who is/was enrolled in middle or high school (secondary school) at the time of the competition

Deadline was June 10, 2024

Competition Website : https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/contest-overview/

15. River of Words Competition

River of Words Poetry and Art Contest is a free, international youth art and poetry contest — the largest in the world — that aims to inspire children ages 5 to 19 to translate their observations into creative expression. River of Words® (ROW) is a program of The Center for Environmental Literacy and a part of the Kalmanovitz School of Education, at Saint Mary’s College of California. There is no entry fee for this poetry contest.

Eligibility : K through 12th-grade students, ages 5-20. Students must be enrolled in school to be eligible. All entries must be submitted by a parent, guardian, educator, or facilitator unless the student is 18 years old or older.

Deadline: January 31, 2024

There are so many more poetry contests out there for motivated and ambitious high school students and they’re tailored to suit every artistic inclination. Participating in these poetry contests not only allows students to refine their writing skills but also offers the opportunity to gain recognition and valuable feedback from renowned poets and judges. Aralia is currently offering poetry competition preparation programs with experienced teachers to guide students through exploring their personal styles and expressing unique ideas and thoughts. More details below!

Further Your Literary Analysis Skills with Aralia

Writing Competition Aralia Education

This class is offered in the summer every year. Students from 13 to 18 years old wanting to learn how to shape their written English into effective and publishable creative pieces will find this particular Writing Competition course very exciting. The class will be shown a range of tools to learn the nuances of controlled, purposeful writing, including: figurative language, effective structuring and specific forms that they will apply to their own pieces.

Creative Writing

This course will focus on three genres: poetry, fiction, and personal narrative. In each 90-minute session, students will complete creative writing exercises, read, short anchor texts, and write their own original work.

  • Competitions

Guide to National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

Interested in learning more?

Aralia Education is an innovative online education platform for ambitious middle and high school students worldwide. Aralia’s instructors propel students forward by helping them build a strong foundation in traditional academic courses. They also actively engage and guide students in exploring personal interests beyond their school curriculum. With this holistic approach, Aralia ensures its students are well-prepared for college and equipped for success in their future careers.

  • College Accelerator Program
  • Comprehensive Introduction to High School
  • Academic Empowerment Program
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creative writing awards for high school students

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COMMENTS

  1. The 17 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

    YoungArts Competition. Award Amount: Up to $10,000 cash awards. Deadline: October 15, 2022; application for 2024 opens June 2023. Fee: $35. Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work.

  2. 15 Creative Writing Competitions for High School Students

    Cost: Free. Contest Date: Early April 2024. Application Deadline: February 29, 2024. Eligibility: Open to students aged 5 to 19 enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. One of the widely-known creative writing competitions for high school students is the River of Words Poetry and Art Contest.

  3. 23 Writing Competitions for High School Students

    Adroit Prizes are awarded to emerging high school and college writers in two categories: poetry and prose. Winning pieces are considered for publication in the Adroit Journal and winners receive an award of $200. The 2023 judges are Natalie Diaz and Ocean Vuong. 2. Ten-Minute Play Contest.

  4. The Big List of Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

    NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship. The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing. How To Enter. Apply online by October 31.

  5. The 35 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

    Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students. Participating in fiction writing contests can be an excellent opportunity for high school students to showcase their creative talents, gain recognition, and even win prizes or scholarships. Below is a list of fiction writing contests specifically designed for high school students: 1.

  6. Top 20 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

    13. YoungArts Writing Competition. Hosting institution: The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists. Awards: Prizes up to $10,000, Entry to National YoungArtsWeek, Presidential Scholar In the Arts designation, grants and funding, residency opportunities.

  7. U.S. Creative Writing Awards

    In recognition of the Creative Writing Awards previously being centered in New York City, the competition will award an additional first-place prize to the top entrant from the NYC area. ... Since 1993, this program has awarded more than $2.9 million to public high school students for original poetry, memoir/personal essay, fiction/drama, and ...

  8. 25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teens

    Susquehanna University and the Writers Institute initiative invite high school students to submit fiction, memoir, personal essay , poetry and photography for the thirty-ninth volume of Apprentice Writer, which will be published in the fall of 2021. Deadline: submissions are accepted from September 15 , 2020 to March 15 2021.

  9. Meet Our 2023 Creative Writing Award Winners!

    The Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards honor promising young writers in public schools nationwide who are daringly original and unafraid to take risks in their writing. Since 1993, the program has awarded more than $2.9 million to public high school students for original poetry, memoir/personal essay, fiction/drama, and spoken word compositions.

  10. Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards Submissions Are Now Open

    THE 2022 CREATIVE WRITING AWARDS ARE OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS. Penguin Random House to provide $50,000 in scholarship awards to. five unique, diverse literary voices of high school seniors from across the country. New York, NY, October 1, 2021 — Penguin Random House, the renowned trade book publisher, and We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a national ...

  11. Top Writing Contests For High School Students

    Signet Essay Contest. Award Amount: $1,000 to be used towards your higher education. Deadline: April 22, 2020. Fee: None. If you are a Wuthering Heights fan, then the Signet Essay Contest is the ...

  12. 18 Writing Contests for High School Students

    Application Deadline: February 1, 2024, by 11:59 pm ET. Eligibility: Open globally to girls in grades 3-12 (ages 8-18). The Engineer Girl Essay Contest is an annual event that encourages girls to explore the intersection of engineering and writing.

  13. 20 Writing Competitions for High School Students

    The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious art and writing competitions for middle and high school students grades 7-12. High school students can submit creative works across 28 different categories, including short stories, personal essays, poetry, and screenplays. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize ...

  14. Rising Stars: Creative Writing Contests for High School Students

    A: The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious and well-known creative writing contests for high school students. It has been running for nearly a century and offers scholarships, recognition, and exhibition opportunities to talented young writers across the United States.

  15. YoungArts Writing Award

    The YoungArts Writing Award is open to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or 15- to 18-year-olds by December 1 of the year of application. Students participating in writing, such as creative nonfiction, novels, plays, scripts, or poetry, are eligible to apply.

  16. 15 Writing Competitions for High School Students

    The competition is accessible to students in grades 9 through 12 in the United States. The registration fee for the competition is $5. 11. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest. High school students can win up to $1,000 by entering an essay on a specified topic related to Jane Austen novels.

  17. 11 Writing Contests for High School Students with Cash Awards

    Below are 11 writing contests for high school students, but you can find plenty of other niche and general contests by searching online. 1. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate art created by students aged 13 and older in grades 7 to 12 on a regional and national scale.

  18. Writing Contests, Grants & Awards March/April 2024

    Creative Writing Fellowships. Cash Prize: $25,000. Entry Fee: $0. Application Deadline: 3/13/24. Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction. Approximately 35 grants of $25,000 each are given annually in alternating years to poets and prose writers to "enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research,...

  19. Creative Writing Competitions for High School Students

    Submissions from the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are accepted each fall from September to November 1 in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Winners are announced after April ...

  20. Writing Competitions for High School Students

    Best Academic Essay: OxBright Essay Competition 2024. The OxBright Essay Competition is the perfect opportunity for high school students to nurture their academic writing skills while honing long-term thinking and critical discourse skills. The competition runs annually, and will focus on a different theme and question each year.

  21. The 10 Best Writing Scholarships for High School Students

    One award - the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship - is given to a high school senior pursuing a career in journalism. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A second award - the Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo - bestows a $5,000 one-year award to the winner.

  22. Young Artists and Writers: An Award to Gain Recognition for High School

    Art and writing competitions are excellent ways for high school students to gain confidence in their work and push themselves creatively. There are hundreds of organizations that give creative high school students opportunities to submit their pieces into competitions, but few compare to Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. For young writers ...

  23. High School competition

    2024 Graduate Student Awards; 2024 Creative Writing Contest ... Third Place - $50. Irwin Weiser Best of High School Award (chosen from the winning submissions) - $200 awarded at the Literary Awards ceremony. The years Literary Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 18, ...

  24. 15 Poetry Contests For High School Students 2024-2025

    The Leonard Milberg High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad. Contest judges are poets on the Princeton University Creative Writing faculty, which includes Michael Dickman, Paul Muldoon, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, James Richardson, Tracy K. Smith, Susan Wheeler, Jenny Xie, and Monica Youn.