Student writing contests are a fantastic way to inspire and challenge students to write for an authentic audience. Writing for a real purpose, with the possibility of winning prizes or other incentives, can empower students and help them develop their writing skills. Here is a list of some of the best student writing contests for the 2024-2025 academic year.
1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards:
The Scholastic Awards offer a wide range of categories for students to submit their work, from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy. Students in grades 7 to 12 can participate by uploading their work online starting in September.
2. YoungArts National Arts Competition:
YoungArts hosts an annual national competition in creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Winners can receive awards of up to $10,000 and the opportunity to work with leaders in their fields.
3. The Edit:
The Edit is a digital storytelling challenge where students can create their own 90-second video news reports on wellness topics. Winning classrooms can receive prizes like GoPros and Fandango gift cards.
4. Write the World Competitions:
Write the World hosts free monthly contests with cash prizes for young writers. Students can submit their work on the website with the opportunity to receive feedback.
5. National Youth Foundation Programs:
The National Youth Foundation offers awards for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. Students can express themselves through writing and art in these contests.
6. American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest:
This essay contest focuses on international relations and history, with winners receiving a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, D.C.
7. Poets.org’s Annual Dear Poet Contest:
During National Poetry Month in April, students can write letters to famous poets in response to their work. Winners receive personalized responses from the poets they wrote to.
8. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest:
This annual contest invites students to write about an elected official’s act of political courage. The winner receives $10,000, and runners-up receive cash prizes.
9. WriteCause Competitions:
WriteCause hosts free quarterly contests with different themes. Students can submit their work based on the theme for a chance to win prizes.
10. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest:
High school juniors can submit short plays to this exclusive competition judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Cash prizes of up to $500 are awarded to the winners.
These are just a few of the many student writing contests available for the 2024-2025 academic year. Encouraging students to participate in these contests can help them develop their writing skills and gain recognition for their work.
