by Scarlett Choi
Teen creatives, you don’t have to wait until you grow up to become an award-winning writer. Your voices and perspectives are unique, powerful, and deserve recognition and accolades. So, why wait to show others your amazing work?
In fact, you should take full advantage of being young. You have the rare opportunity to enter contests that adult writers can’t touch, laying the groundwork for future publications in adult literary journals, not to mention a great credit for your college applications.
So we compiled this list of five “must-enter” youth writing competitions. Through competitions, you can build your writing resume, gain a readership, and maybe even win a little cash. Most importantly, you’ll learn invaluable lessons about what it means to put your work out there, no matter the results.
Teens, we’ve seen your writing. We know how good it is. We believe in you! Give some of these writing competitions a shot.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: Founded in 1923, Scholastic hosts the nation’s oldest and most prestigious program for creative teens. When you enter the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, you are joining a historic legacy of young creatives, including literary luminaries like Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, and Amanda Gorman. Each year, national gold medal winners are invited to the contest’s national ceremony at Carnegie Hall.
Fun fact: TWC sponsors its writing students for Scholastic every year*, and so far they’ve won eight national gold medals and one silver, including a gold for our now-instructor Prisha Mehta, pictured here at the Carnegie Hall event years ago.
First, create an online account with Scholastic. (TWC is in the Region-at-Large Northeast). Entry is $15 per individual entry.
Want a chance at creative recognition on a global scale? Submit to the Scholastic Art and Writing awards!
*TWC sponsorship includes editorial feedback of individual pieces prior to submission. Only students currently enrolled in our tween or teen classes are eligible.
The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose: The Adroit Journal was founded in 2010 by poet Peter Laberge. It has been featured in Best American Poetry, the Pushcart Prizes Anthology, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Teen Vogue, among other fabulous places. With a strong focus on the future of creative literature, it’s only natural that Adroit wants to highlight the next generation of writers. Adroit Prize winners receive $200 as well as publication in the journal. Entry is $15, with some financial assistance available.
Want to immerse yourself in the vibrant literary journal scene and kickstart your publishing career? Submit to the Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose!
The Young Writers Awards: The Young Writers Awards, hosted by Bennington College, is recognized as one of the most prestigious high school writing competitions in the country. The awards are free to enter, and they offer cash prizes of up to $2,000, as well as scholarships for any students who choose to attend the college. (Bennington alumni include twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, and countless bestselling authors.) Past winners of this competition have been presented with a variety of incredible opportunities, such as showcases and publications.
Want a great shot at recognition and collegiate level writing? Submit to The Young Writers Awards!
The YoungArts National Arts Competitions: YoungArts is a 45-year-old national organization dedicated to identifying young, driven artists and helping them thrive. The organization provides its mentees with life-changing resources, such as funding, education, and professional development. Their national arts competition, open to literary and performing artists ages 15-18, is an excellent way to get involved with their robust array of programs. And YoungArts winners receive a lifetime’s worth of creative support.
Looking to be part of a strong, supportive network of brilliant young artists? Submit to the YoungArts National Arts Competitions!
The New York Times Student Contests: It’s quite rare to find a writer who doesn’t want to be published in The New York Times. After all, it’s only one of the most well-regarded newspapers in the world. But beyond its ever-flowing news articles and journalistic excellence, The New York Times offers a platform to teen creatives across the globe. The newspaper hosts a variety of competitions year-round in all kinds of forms, from personal essays to 100-word micro-stories. Their central goal? To challenge students to think and write in new, innovative ways.
If you want to hone your media literacy and build your writing credentials, submit to The New York Times Student Contests!
We hope that this list helps you muster the confidence and courage to send your best work out there. And this is just the start! There are countless opportunities out there for writers of every age. And if you need a writing community to help you develop your work and cheer you on, that’s what we’re here for, with workshops, summer programs, and more throughout the year.
We are here for you every step of the way. See you at The Writers Circle.
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Scarlett Choi
is a writer, musician, and rising senior at Bennington College. This summer, she’s been a huge help working as The Writers Circle’s social media intern. We wish her a fantastic final year at college!
