Home » Young Writers Guide » Young Writers Guide to Contests

Writing Contests for Young Writers – the NewPages Guide

Updated March 3, 2024

View Publications for Young Writers

Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers.

Safety Matters! We expect sites listed in this guide to adhere to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. This includes a transparent method for obtaining parental/guardian permission when collecting information from contributors under the age of 13 years old.

This is a select list of contests from reputable sources. There are many contests that charge fees, but for this resource, I have sought contests which mean to recognize and encourage young writers and do not charge reading or entry fees. Of those listed that do charge a fee, some provide a publication subscription in return as they are trying to gain new readers; that seems fair and the publishers are upfront about it. Other fee-based contests are from reputable members of the literary community, and the fee is considered reasonable in relation to the prize winnings being offered.

Please avoid contests that tell you you’ve won and then want you to purchase expensive copies of the book in which you have been published. These types of “scam” contests publish hundreds, even thousands of entrants, and profit greatly from book sales. These contests take advantage of young writers and inexperienced writers of all ages.

Also see the NCTE Guidelines for Contests, which is helpful for contest organizers who want to reach out to K-12 students and for teachers assessing the legitimacy of contests for their students.

Contest Deadlines: I make every effort to update the contest list monthly and update deadline dates as the contest sponsors update them on their websites. Contest dates may change without anyone notifying me, so users of this guide should check the contest website for the most accurate information. If a previous year’s date is noted here, then the contest sponsor may not have updated their website yet, but they will likely be running the contest again. Please check back here or on the contest sponsor’s site if you are interested in that contest.

Deadline Dates
(Updated regularly as contest organizers update their websites.)

January   February   March   April   May   June   July
August   September   October   November   December

Special Deadlines

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Grades 7-12 during the current school year
Deadline: Varies by Region – Enter zip code to find deadline

The Earth Chronicles

Monthly Summer Writing Contests June/July/August
Grades 9-12

Homer Humanities

Prompt-based
Ages 10-22
Bimonthly

Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest

National Federation of State Poetry Societies
Grades 6-12
Each participating state conducts its own contest with deadline.
Each participating state sends its top entrants to the national contest.
Click here for a list of participating states.

NAACP ACT-SO Program

Open to U.S. citizen students of African descent grades 9-12
Multiple categories within academic, scientific, and artistic achievement
Requires local program oversight and participation that culminates in a national competition.

National History Day Project Competition

Junior Division (grades 6, 7, 8) and Senior Division (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Categories: Paper, Performance, Documentary, Exhibit, Website
Check the website for an affiliate region near you for timelines.

National PTA Reflections Awards

Grades Pre-K to 12
Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts
Each state holds its own contest, submitting winners to the national contest.

National Writing Invitational

Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Essays
Ages K-12
Chosen submissions published online monthly with “Best of” awards made on October 1.

The New York Times

Ages 13-19
Various contests with varying deadlines
Editorial Cartoon Contest, Civil Conversation Challenge, Review Contest, Year in Rap Contest, Vocabulary Video Contest, Editorial Contest, Found Poetry Contest, Summer Reading Contest

Poetry in Voice

A monthly poetry contest for Canadian students grades 9-12.
Based on a monthly prompt.
All poems submitted are considered for publication in Voices/Voix.

Six Word Memoirs

Six Words hold monthly contests for which writers must respond to a prompt in exactly six words.

Stone Soup Flash Contest

Stone Soup holds a monthly flash contest challenge based on a prompt for writers 13 and under.

Under the Madness Magazine

A magazine for and by teens under the mentorship of the New Hampshire Poet Laureate. They offer multiple contests per year for writers ages 13-19.

Write the World

WtW holds monthly contests based on an idea or genre (poetry, fantasy, sports journalism, fiction, etc.). For young writers 13-18 years old.

WriteCause

An organization that runs quarterly writing contests with topics centered around different world issues, encouraging charity donations, and prompting teens 12-18 years old to reflect on current crises and inspiring solutions.

Young Writers Project

A free online community of writers and visual artists ages 13-18 (12-year-olds with permission). Teachers are also invited and have a “For Teachers” space on the site. YWP holds regular challenges and seasonal contests.

Youth Communication

Every three months, YC will highlight five recent articles and ask readers ages 14-19 to write a response to the author of a story (up to 300 words). Three winners will receive prizes of $150 (1st prize), $75 (2nd prize), and $50 (3rd prize.)

January Deadline

VSA Playwright Discovery Competition

Grades 6-12 / Ages 11-18
Ten-minute play, screenplay, or music theater exploring the disability experience
Written by young writers with disabilities and collaborative groups that include students with disabilities
Deadline: January 10, 2024

Quantum Shorts

Short Story
“Entries must take inspiration from quantum physics and be no longer than 1000 words.”
Ages 13+
Alternates between sci-fi and sci films each year.
Deadline: January 8, 2024

National Youth Foundation

Amazing Women Writing Contest
Theme: Local Heroines
Grades K-8
Deadline: January 9, 2025 [that is correct – 2025]

International Bipolar Foundation

High School Essay Contest
Ages 13-29
Deadline: January 15, 2024

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Sponsored by the JFK Memorial Library and John Hancock
Grades 9-12
Deadline: January 12, 2024 postmark

Atkins Center for Ethics Essay Contest

Carlow University
Grades 11 and 12
Deadline: January 15, 2023 [Sent inquiry 12/2]

Ringling College of Art and Design

High School Creative Writing Contest
High School Age Writers
Deadline: January 15, 2024

Power to Explore Writing Challenge

California Institute of Technology
U.S. Students in grades K-12
Deadline: January  26, 2024

Columbus State University

The Carson McCullars Literary Award
Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Expository Essay, Playwriting, Screenwriting
High School Age Category for Georgia and Alabama High School Students
Deadline: January 19, 2024

Saint Mary’s College

River of Words Poetry and Art Contest
Grades K-12 (Ages 5-19)
Deadline: January 31, 2024

Outdoor Writers Association of America

Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards
Grades 6-8 or 9-12
For outdoor-oriented works.
Deadline: January 31, 2024

February Deadline

Arizona Mystery Writers

Mary Ann Hutchison Memorial Story Contest for Youths
Ages 9-13; 14-17 Both age groups awarded prizes.
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Bluefire 1000-word Story Contest

Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation
Grades 6-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Fiction in which the main character is a female who uses engineering skills to solve a problem.
Grades 3-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Gannon University

High School Poetry Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Go On Girl! Scholarships

Aspiring Writer and Unpublished Writer
Each has unique criteria; See website
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Narrative High School Writing Contest

Prompt provided in guidelines.
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People

Open to books published in the previous year FOR young readers.
Categories: Pre-K to Grade 3; Grades 4-6; Grades 7-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

Chapman University
Grades Middle and High School
Deadline: Postmark February 2, 2024 or by February 5, 2024 for digital submissions

North Carolina Poetry Society

Student Poetry Contest
Grades 3-College Undergraduate
North Carolina Residents Only
Deadline: February 2, 2024

U.S. Kids Annual Cover Art Contest

Ages 2-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024

Write On! Story Writing Contest

Ann Arbor District Library
Flash Fiction and Short Story Grades 3-5
Open to Michigan Residents Only
Deadline: February 5, 2024
[See March for Grades 6-12 contest.]

ukiaHaiku Festival

Haiku Contest
All Ages – Some Regional to California Counties
No Fee (except for Adult Contemporary Haiku)
Deadline: February 8, 2024
The website includes helpful guidelines for writing haiku.

Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project

Nationwide Essay Contest
Topic provided on website.
Middle School and High School
Deadline: February 15, 2024

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Davidson Institute, Reno, NV
Ages 18 and under as application date
For completion of a significant work in STEM or Humanities categories
Deadline: February 14, 2024

NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing

For Juniors in the current academic school year
Students must be nominated by their school’s English Department
Deadline: February 15, 2024

NCTE Promising Young Writers Program

For 8th grade students in the current academic year
Students must be nominated by a school committee or department
Deadline: February 15, 2024

West Chester University

Iris N. Spencer Poetry Award
Myong Cha Son Haiku Award
Rhina P. Espaillat Award for Poetry
Sonnet Award
Villanelle Award
Undergraduate student poets who are enrolled in a United States College or University
Deadline: February 16, 2024

Society of Professional Journalists and Journalism Education Association

Essay based on prompt.
Grades 9-12 U.S. Public, Private, & Home Schools
Deadline: February 19, 2024

Curieux Research Scholarship Award

Middle or High School Students
Deadline: February 20, 2024

Polyphony Lit Black History Month Contest

Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open February 1-February 28, 2024

Polyphony Lit Winter Contest

Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open February 1 – February 28, 2024

The Sejong Cultural Society

Essay, Sijo (Poetry)
Open to Pre-college and Young Adults
Deadline: February 29, 2024

March Deadline

Cancer Unwrapped Teen Essay Writing Contest

Cancer Pathways
Grades: 9-12
Deadline: March 1, 2024

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society

University of Central Florida
Middle & High School Writing Contest
Story, Poem, Essay
Deadline: March 1, 2024

Project Yellow Light

Scholarship Competition
Grades High School or College
Video, Billboard, Radio PSA on not driving distracted
[Also listed under April]
Deadline: March 1, 2024

West Chester University

Writing Contest Grades 3-12
Poetry
Deadline: March 1, 2024

It’s All Write! Teen Writing Contest

Ann Arbor District Library
Flash Fiction and Short Story Grades 6-12
Open to Michigan Residents Only
Deadline: March 3, 2024
[See February for Grades 3-5 contest.]

Carl Sandburg Student Poetry Contest

Grades 3-12
Deadline: March 4, 2024

Elephant Aid International Essay Contest

Essay Prompts
Grades 3-5 and 6-8
Deadline: March 4, 2024

American Society of Human Genetics

DNA Day Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: March 6, 2024

Taradiddle Youth Writing Contests

Animal-themed prompt-based fiction
Age Categories: Elementary under 13; High School 14-18
Deadline: March 14, 2024

The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival Competition

Original Plays or Musicals on any subject
Ages 19 years or younger
Deadline: March 15, 2024

Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition

The Word Works
Grades 9-12
Deadline: March 15, 2024

The Haiku Society of America

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition
Grades 7-12
Deadline: March 27, 2024

Voyage of Verse

Annual Poetry Anthology
For current high school students
Deadline: March 30, 2024

Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program

Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction/Memoir
Online Flexible Dates June 20-August 1
High School and Gap Year Students
Financial Aid Available
Deadline: March 31, 2024

The Caterpillar

Best Poem for Children Contest
This contest is for adults writing for readers ages 7-11(ish).
Deadline: March 31, 2024

Sarah Mook Poetry Prize

Grades K-12
Deadline: March 31, 2024

April Deadline

American Foreign Service Association

High School Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: April 1, 2024

Princeton University

Lewis Arts Center
Ten-Minute Play Contest
Grades 11 and 12 in the current school year
Deadline: April 1, 2024 (or as soon as 250 entries are received)

Project Yellow Light

Scholarship Competition
Grades High School or College
Video, Billboard, Radio PSA on not driving distracted
[Also listed under March]
Deadline: April 1, 2024

United States Institute for Peace

High School Essay Contest
Deadline: April 3, 2023
[Sent inquiry 3/17]

#USvsHate

All-Media Public Anti-Hate Message Contest
Grade Categories: K12; 7-12 Grade; Higher Education
Individual and Class Group Submissions
Deadline: December 1, 2023 and April 5, 2024

The Legacy Project

“Listen to a Life” Writing Contest
Ages 8-18
Deadline: April 12, 2024

We the Students Essay Contest

Bill of Rights Institute
Ages 14-19
Deadline: on hiatus for 22-23

Americans Against Gun Violence

National High School Essay Contest
Theme provided on website.
Deadline: April 20, 2024

Dear Poet Project

Grades 5-12
Letters written in response to poets reading poems
Select letters will be published online; Select letters will receive a response
Deadline: April 22, 2024

Short on Words

Poetry or Prose in response to one of ten photographs.
Age Categories 17 and under, 18 and older
$10 Nonprofit fundraising entry fee
Deadline: Hiatus for 2024

fingers comma toes

National Flash Fiction Day Youth Competition
All ages
Deadline: April 30, 2023

The Wilbur & NISO Smith Foundation

Author of Tomorrow Adventure Writing Contest
Ages 11 and under; 12-15; 16-21
Deadline: April 30, 2024

May Deadline

LIGHT

Leaders Igniting Generational Healing & Transformation
Under 18 category
Art, Letters, Poetry, Stories
Deadline: May 1, 2024

New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

YouthPLAYS
Non-musical, one-act play suitable for HS audience
Written by Playwrights 19 years and under
Deadline: May 1, 2024

World Historian Student Essay Competition

World History Association
Grades K-12
Deadline: May 1, 2023

Skipping Stones Asian Celebration Haiku Contest

Ages 7-18
Deadline: May 5, 2024

Skipping Stones Youth Honors Award

Promoting Multicultural Awareness, International Understanding and Nature Appreciation
Original Writing and Art
Ages 7-17
Deadline: May 5, 2024

Holocaust Center for Humanity

Holocaust Art Contest
Open to ages 9-18 in WA, OR, ID, AK
Deadline: May 17, 2024

Last House Writing Contest for Emerging Writers

Sponsored by Audubon Canyon Ranch
Essay, Short Story, Poetry
Age Categories 8-12 years old and 13-17 years old
Deadline: May 17, 2024

Quills and Keyboard

Poetry, Song Lyrics, SciFi, Fantasy, Short Story, Personal Essay, Memoir, Novel Excerpts, Journalism, Humor, Flash Fiction, Dramatic Script, Critical Essay, Horror, Philosophy, Speeches, Classic Literary Adaptations
High School Students 14+
Deadline: May 20, 2023

Humane Education Network

A Voice for Animals
Essay Contest for 14-15 and 16-18-year-olds
Video Action Project for 16-18-year-olds
Essay with Photos for 16-18-year-olds
Deadline: May 31, 2024

The Adroit Journal

Prizes for Poetry and Prose
Open to Secondary and Undergraduate Students
Fee Waiver Request Form available
Deadline: May 31, 2023

June Deadline

California Young Playwrights Contest

Open to residents of California only.
Ages Under 19 as of June 1
Deadline: June 1, 2023

Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest

Open to students studying in Canada and Canadian students studying abroad.
High School / Undergraduate / Graduate Categories
Topic changes each year
Deadline: June 1, 2023

Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

Ages High School / College / Graduate School
Topic changes each year
Deadline: June 1, 2023

Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest

“Youth” Category of High School Age and Younger
Deadline: June 1, 2023

Natures Wild Neighbour Society

“Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors”
Art, Writing, Photography, Videography, Music
Ages 11-18
Deadline: June 1, 2023

John Estey Student Writing Competition

American Writers Museum
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Cross-Genre, Drama/Playwriting, Hybrid
Elementary, Middle, and High School Categories
Deadline: June 5, 2023

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Art, Poetry, Prose, Film, Music, Multimedia, Performing Arts, Spoken Word
Ages 11-18
Deadline: June 13, 2023

Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest

Theme Essay Contest
Ages 25 and under
Deadline: June 15, 2023

National Teen Storyteller Contest: Solidarity

The Center for Fiction and The Decameron Project
Ages 13-18
Deadline: June 1-June 25, 2022

Chicago Young Writers Review (CYWR)

Theme: “The Story That Made Me Feel”
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry
Grades K-8
Deadline: June 30, 2022

Eden Mills Writers’ Festival

Poetry Contest for Children
Ontario Residents Only
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8
Deadline: June 30, 2022

Eden Mills Writers’ Festival

Poetry Contest for Teens
Ontario Residents Only
Grades 9-10 and Grades 11-12
Deadline: June 30, 2022

The Geek Partnership Society

Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural and Alternate History Fiction
Poetry, Fiction, Graphic Novel
Various age categories (K-Adult)
Deadline: [on hiatus for 2023]

Polyphony Lit Pride Month Contest

Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open June 1-June 30, 2023

Polyphony Lit Summer Contest

Theme: “2020 Hindsight”
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open June 1-June 30, 2023

July Deadline

Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Award

Ages: Adult; Youth (13-18); Youth (12 and under)
No fee for 12 and under.
Deadline: Postmark July 1, 2023

1455 Teen Poetry Contest

Ages 13-19
Deadline: July 4, 2023

Johnson County Library Youth Short Story Contest

Short Story in Verse on a theme
Grades 3-12
Deadline: Postmark July 6, 2023

Johnson County Library Youth Sticker Design Contest

Theme: “Oceans of Possibilities!”
Ages 11 and under
Deadline: Postmark July 6, 2023

Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize

State University of New York
Only undergraduates enrolled full-time in American and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year are eligible
Deadline: July 14, 2022

Youth Innovation Challange

Global Environmental Education Partnership
Themed Essay Contest
Ages 15-30
Deadline: July 19, 2023

NCTE Excellence in Student Literary Magazines

Open to all accredited middle and secondary schools (US, CA, VI, US schools abroad)
Deadline: July 31, 2023

Student Book Scholars

National Youth Foundation
Theme: Anti-Bullying
Grades K-8
Deadline: July 15, 2023

“I Matter” Poetry Contest

National Youth Foundation
Topic: “Black Lives Matter”
Grades: K-12
Deadline: July 23, 2024

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

The Poetry Society
Ages 11-17
Deadline: July 31, 2023

The Lincoln Forum

Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest
Specific topic posted on the website.
For full-time college/university students.
Deadline: Postmark July 31, 2023

August Deadline

Hindus for Human Rights

Essay and Art Contest on Human and Civil Rights
Open to South Asian American students in grades 6-12
Deadline: August 15, 2023

Stone Soup Book Contest

Fiction, Memoir, Poetry Manuscript
Ages 14 or under for 2023
Deadline: August 15, 2023

Wax Poetry and Art Poetry Contest

Ages under 25
Deadline: August 31, 2023

William Faulkner Literary Competition

Student Short Story Category
Open to Mississippi High School Students
Deadline: August 31, 2023

September Deadline

Youth Free Expression Film Contest

National Coalition Against Censorship
Ages 19 and under
Deadline: September 8, 2023

Taradiddle Youth Writing Contests

Animal-themed prompt-based fiction
Age Categories: Elementary under 13; High School 14-18
Deadline: September 19, 2024

Art of Unity Creative Award

International Human Rights Art Festival
Poetry, Short Story, Essay as well as any creative media
Youth Age Category 18 and under
Deadline: September 30, 2023 (will not be held in 2024)

Creators of Justice Literary Awards

International Human Rights Art Festival
Poetry, Short Story, Essay 2500 words or less on Human Rights Theme
Youth Age Category 18 and under
Deadline: September 30, 2023 (will not be held in 2024)

October Deadline

Embracing Our Differences

Art Exhibit and Quote Contest
For all ages
Deadline: October 5, 2023

National YoungArts Foundation

Ages 15-18
Various Arts Categories
Receive up to $10k + educational support
Applications Open June 12 – October 13, 2023

American Geosciences Institute

Earth Science Week Essay Contest
Theme: “Finding ‘Art’ in Earth”
Grades 6-9
Deadline: October 13, 2023

Toyin Fálọlá Prize

Themed Short Story Contest
Ages 15-35
Entrants must be African
Deadline: October 15, 2023

Polyphony Lit Latin Heritage Contest

Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open September 15 – October 15, 2023

Polyphony Lit Fall Contest

Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open October 1 – October 31, 2023

VFW Patriot’s Pen

Themed Essay Competition
Grades 6-8
Deadline: October 31, 2023

VFW Voice of Democracy

Audio Essay Competition
Grades 9-12
Deadline: October 31, 2023

Hollins University

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest
For High School Sophomore and Junior Girls
Deadline: October 31, 2022 [site not updated; contacted 10/24]

November Deadline

Bennington College

Young Writers Competition
Grades 10-12
Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction
Deadline: November 1, 2023

Interlochen Arts Academy

Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Competition
Fiction, Poetry, Spoken Word Personal essay or memoir, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Comics, Experimental or unclassifiable writing
Grades 8-11
Deadline: November 15, 2023

Chicago Young Writers Review (CYWR)

Theme: A Story Worth Telling
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Grades K-8
Deadline: November 7, 2022 [site not updated; sent inquiry 10/24]

Interlochen Arts Academy

Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Competition
Fiction, Poetry, Spoken Word Personal essay or memoir, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Comics, Experimental or unclassifiable writing
Grades 8-11
Deadline: November 15, 2023

Lions International

International Peace Essay Contest
Ages 11, 12, 13 years old on November 15, 2023
Open to students who are considered visually impaired according to their national guidelines.

Rachel Carson Sense of the Wild Contest

Poetry and Prose w/ or w/o Photograph
Intergenerational Team of two or more only
Deadline: November 16, 2023

Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open Call for Submissions
Ages 15 or younger
Deadline: November 16, 2023

One Teen Story Contest

Open Call for Submissions
Ages 13-15, 16-17, 18-19
Deadline: November 27, 2023

Princeton University

Leonard Milberg ’53 Secondary School Poetry Prize
Any student who is in the eleventh grade in the academic year is eligible.
Deadline: November 26, 2023

Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Kenyon Review
High School Sophomores and Juniors
Award: First place: Full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop and publication. Second and third place: Publication.
Deadline: November 1 – 30, 2023

NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program

National Novel Writing Month
November 1 – 30, 2023
Many free events year-round; visit their website for details.

The Telling Room

Themed Poetry and Fiction
Grades 6-12 / Ages 11-18
For Maine Residents only
Deadline: November 30, 2023

The Upper New Review

Essay Contes: A Sense of Place
Ages 13-17; 18-older
Deadline: November 30, 2023

December Deadline

#USvsHate

All-Media Public Anti-Hate Message Contest
Grade Categories: K12; 7-12 Grade; Higher Education
Individual and Class Group Submissions
Deadline: December 1, 2023 and April 5, 2024

Literacy In Place

Rural Teen Writing Contest
Fiction, Nonfiction
Grades 9-12
Deadline: December 1, 2023

Smith College

The Poetry Center High School Prize
An annual prize for sophomore & junior girls in New England
Deadline: September 1 – December 1, 2023

Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest

Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest
High School Students
Deadline: December 10, 2023

Rider University

Annual High School Writing Contest
Grades 9-12
Essay, Short Story, Poetry
Deadline: December 20, 2023

The Earth Chronicles

Short Stories on the theme: 2050
Grades 9-12
Deadline: December 31, 2023

The Fire Scholarship Contest

Essay: Prompt using video examples on topic of Free Speech
Grades High School Juniors & Seniors
Deadline: December 31, 2021
[On hiatus 2022-23; check back in 2024]

The Fitzgerald Museum

Fiction, Poetry, Multi-Genre
High School and College Students
Deadline: September 1 – December 31, 2023

The Lyric Magazine

Poetry Contest
Undergraduate Students – USA and Canada
Deadline: Postmark December 31, 2023

Northeastern University – London

[Formerly New College of the Humanities]
Essay Competition
Prompts provided in humanities and social sciences.
Grade 12 only
Deadline: December 31, 2023

Poetry Society of America

Louise Louis/Emily F. Bourn Student Award Poetry Award
Teacher/Administrator Nominated unpublished poem by 9-12 grade student.
Deadline: Postmark October 1-December 31, 2023

The Society of Classical Poets

Poetry Competition
Ages 13-19
Deadline: December 31, 2023
[New info is posted September 1]

Looking for a list of publications that publish young writers? Check out our guide here.


The NewPages Young Writers Guide to Contests is a free and ad-free resource for anyone looking for writing contests for teens, writing contests for high school students, scholastic writing contests, writing contests for middle school students, writing contests for kids, high school writing contests, writing contests for elementary students, creative writing contests for high school students, poetry contests for high school students.