Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

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Overview:

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the oldest and most prestigious creative competitions for middle and high school students in the United States. It recognizes exceptional writing across a wide range of genres.

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Format:

• Eligibility: Grades 7–12 (ages 13+), U.S. and U.S. territories.

• Submission: Individual entries submitted online.

• Levels:

  • Regional awards: Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention.

  • National awards: National Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and scholarship opportunities.

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Content Focus:

• Personal Essay & Memoir

• Poetry

• Short Story

• Journalism

• Science Fiction & Fantasy

• Critical Essay

• Dramatic Script

• Flash Fiction

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Young Writers Awards

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Overview:

The Bennington College Young Writers Awards is a prestigious annual competition designed to celebrate and encourage exceptional writing among high school students worldwide. Open to students in grades 9 through 12, the contest invites submissions in three categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction

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Format:

• Poetry: A group of three poems.​
  Fiction: A short story or one-act play (1,500 words or fewer).​

• Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer).

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John Locke Essay Competition

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Overview:

The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is a prestigious international writing contest for high school students aged 14–18. It encourages students to explore complex ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and craft persuasive arguments in essay form.

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Categories

• Philosophy

• Politics

• Economics

• History

• Psychology

• Theology

• Law

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