Writing competitions are a fantastic way for high school students to develop their creative skills, build confidence, and gain recognition. Whether you're passionate about poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or essay writing, there are a number of prestigious competitions that allow you to showcase your talents on both a national and international stage. Beyond recognition, some of these contests even offer scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and publication in well-respected journals.
If you're a high school student with dreams of becoming a published author, winning an essay prize, or simply testing your writing abilities, these competitions provide the perfect platform. They offer categories ranging from poetry and personal essays to academic papers and journalism, meaning there’s something for every type of writer.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the top writing competitions for high school students in 2024, including details on eligibility, important deadlines, and tips on how to prepare for success. Read on to discover contests that could open doors to new writing opportunities and experiences!
1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
With a history spanning over 100 years, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the largest and most prestigious competitions for young writers in the U.S. The competition boasts multiple categories, from poetry and journalism to short stories and critical essays. Winners at the regional level can advance to the national competition, where they may be eligible for scholarships and publication in the Scholastic Awards anthology.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 from the U.S., Canada, or American schools abroad.
Timeline: Submissions open in September and typically close in December. Regional awards are announced in January, with national awards in March.
Website: https://www.artandwriting.org/
2. The John Locke Institute Essay Competition
This global competition challenges students to explore complex ideas across various disciplines such as philosophy, economics, politics, and history. The John Locke Essay Competition encourages participants to think critically and develop persuasive, well-reasoned arguments. Winners have the opportunity to attend the John Locke Institute’s summer school, providing an enriching academic experience in Oxford.
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide.
Timeline: Submissions open in February and close in July, with winners announced in September.
Website: https://www.johnlockeinstitute.com/essay-competition
3. The Concord Review
For history lovers and academic writers, The Concord Review is one of the most esteemed competitions in the world. Students submit their history research papers (with a focus on original academic work), and selected entries are published in The Concord Review, a quarterly academic journal.
Eligibility: High school students globally.
Timeline: Submissions are accepted year-round, but deadlines for each issue are in July (fall), October (winter), January (spring), and April (summer).
Website: https://tcr.org/
4. YoungArts National Writing Competition
The YoungArts National Writing Competition offers young writers the chance to be recognized and mentored by top professionals in the field. Finalists not only receive cash awards but also gain access to exclusive YoungArts programs where they receive one-on-one mentoring and workshops with industry professionals. Categories include fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15–18.
Timeline: Applications open in June and close in mid-October. Finalists are announced in November.
Website: https://youngarts.org/discipline/writing/
5. The New York Times Learning Network Student Writing Contests
For students who want their voice to be heard on one of the world’s largest media platforms, The New York Times Learning Network offers a series of contests throughout the year. These competitions include categories like editorial writing, personal narratives, and reviews. Winning entries are published on The New York Times website, offering wide exposure and recognition.
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13-19 worldwide.
Timeline: Contests usually run between September and April, with varying deadlines depending on the category.
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/25/learning/our-2024-25-student-contest-calendar.html
6. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose
Hosted by The Adroit Journal, this competition seeks to honor the best emerging writers in both poetry and prose. Winners have the chance to be published in The Adroit Journal and can receive cash prizes. The competition is a great opportunity for students who are serious about their craft and want to gain literary recognition at an early age.
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students globally.
Timeline: Submissions open in March and close in June. Winners are announced in September.
Website: https://theadroitjournal.org/adroit-prizes/
7. The Bennington Young Writers Awards
Run by Bennington College, this competition celebrates high school writers in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Past winners have gone on to publish in top literary journals and even establish professional writing careers. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition from a prestigious academic institution known for its focus on creative writing.
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12.
Timeline: Submissions open in early September and close in November. Winners are announced in February.
Website: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards
8. The River of Words Poetry and Art Contest
For environmentally-conscious writers and artists, The River of Words Poetry and Art Contest encourages students to explore themes of nature and the environment through creative expression. Winners are recognized for their work with publication in the annual River of Words anthology.
Eligibility: Students aged 5–19 worldwide.
Timeline: Submissions open in October and close in December. Winners are usually announced by April.
Website: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/centers-institutes/center-environmental-literacy/river-of-words
9. Letters About Literature
Students participating in Letters About Literature write a letter to an author (living or dead) about how one of their books influenced or changed their life. This contest is run by the Library of Congress and encourages students to engage deeply with literature in a personal way.
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 4–12.
Timeline: Submissions open in November and typically close in January. State winners are announced in March, and national winners are announced in May.
Website: https://read.gov/letters/
10. Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, run by The Poetry Society, is one of the biggest international poetry competitions for young writers. Winners are invited to attend writing residencies and workshops, offering a valuable opportunity to develop their craft. The competition seeks to recognize and nurture the voices of young poets globally.
Eligibility: Writers aged 11–17 worldwide.
Timeline: Submissions open in March and close in July. Winners are announced in October.
Website: https://poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/foyle-young-poets-of-the-year-award/
Conclusion
Participating in writing competitions not only gives students the chance to improve their skills but also opens doors to publication, scholarships, and even professional writing opportunities. From essay competitions to poetry contests, there’s a wealth of opportunity for high school students who are eager to develop their talents. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements and deadlines, and start preparing your submissions today!
Interested in receiving guidance for your writing competitions? Check out our mentorship programs to get feedback and support from experienced writers and professionals.
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