15 Writing Competitions for High School Students
For students aiming toward fields like English, communications, law, social sciences, or even STEM (where strong writing still matters), writing competitions can become more than just extracurriculars. They can serve as credible proof of your skills when you’re applying to colleges, internships, or research programs. A well-placed award or even participation in a selective contest can significantly strengthen your CV and add depth to your college essays and Statement of Purpose.
If you’re open to exploring & improving your resume through other means, you can check out online programs in other subjects, check out some science internships here & find economic internships here!
Why should I participate in a writing competition in high school?
Participating in writing competitions isn’t just about winning. It’s about developing skills and building a profile that reflects consistent effort and intellectual curiosity.
Competitive writing programs signal initiative and discipline and add credibility to your applications, especially if you have participated in recognized competitions. Submissions, publications, and awards show that you’ve gone beyond classroom assignments. This becomes especially useful for college applications, summer programs, and research opportunities.
Many competitions provide critique, rankings, or editorial feedback, which can help you push your writing to a higher standard.
We’ve curated a list of 15 top writing competitions for high school students that can help you stand out from your peers and help you get started on your journey as a wordsmith.
1. The New York Times Learning Network Student Writing Contests
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Various options throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by contest
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (typically ages 13–19; must meet contest-specific guidelines)
The New York Times Learning Network has one of the most dynamic and accessible ecosystems of various writing competitions for high school students, with multiple opportunities throughout the year. Each contest is built around real-world engagement with news, media, and public discourse. For example, the Open Letter Contest asks you to write a persuasive letter to a specific individual or group, encouraging change on an issue you care about – this is especially useful if you’re interested in opinion writing or advocacy. The Summer Reading Contest runs weekly over ten weeks, prompting you to respond (in writing or video) to recent New York Times content, which helps build consistency and critical thinking. In addition, their weekly current events conversations invite short-form responses to daily prompts, with selected student work published regularly. What makes these contests particularly valuable is their emphasis on writing for an authentic audience and experimenting with multiple formats, from traditional essays to multimedia storytelling.
2. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Cash prizes and scholarships available
Dates: May 11 – 17
Application Deadline: March 9 – April 26
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is designed for students who want to go beyond standard school essays and engage in deeper, research-driven writing. You’re encouraged to explore a topic that genuinely interests you, draw connections across disciplines, and build a well-supported argument using evidence. Submissions are reviewed by an Academic Advisory Committee made up of professors and researchers, which gives the competition a more academic and rigorous feel compared to many other high school contests. In terms of outcomes, the award offers a strong mix of recognition and tangible benefits: winners receive cash prizes, scholarships toward Lumiere’s research programs, and publication opportunities in the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship. Even beyond the awards, the process itself mirrors early-stage academic research and writing, making it especially valuable if you’re considering future research work or want to strengthen the analytical depth of your college applications.
3. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Entry fee varies by region (typically a small fee per submission); scholarships available for winners
Dates: Various dates for regional and national awards
Application Deadline: Typically December–January
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 aged 13+ residing in the U.S., U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized creative competitions for high school students in North America. If you’re serious about writing, this is one of the few contests that admissions officers immediately recognize. You can submit across multiple categories, including short stories, poetry, personal essays, journalism, and more, with entries judged on originality, technical skill, and the strength of your personal voice. The competition operates in two stages: regional judging first, followed by national-level consideration for top entries. Winners can earn Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and national medals, as well as scholarships and opportunities for publication and exhibition. Importantly, you retain full rights to your work, though selected pieces may be published or showcased by the organizing body. The contest also has strict originality rules, making it a strong indicator of authentic writing ability.
4. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Cash prizes and scholarships awarded
Dates: Shortlist notification: February 22; Winner announcement: March 8
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a rigorous, research-focused competition designed for students who want to engage deeply with complex global issues. Each year’s theme is paired with specific prompts that require you to analyze real-world challenges in areas such as mental health, migration, surveillance, and social movements. The competition places major emphasis on academic integrity: submissions undergo strict plagiarism and AI-use checks, and you’ll need to provide an academic referee to verify your work. Essays are evaluated through a blind review process by a panel of professors and scholars, focusing on originality, analytical depth, and clarity of argument. Top winners receive cash awards (up to $1,000) and substantial scholarships toward research programs, while high-ranking essays may also gain recognition across multiple award tiers.
5. John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Location: Online submissions; award ceremony in Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Up to $10,000 cash prizes
Dates: April 30 – May 30
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in public, private, parochial, homeschool, or GED programs; U.S. citizens studying abroad
The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is one of the most well-known civics-focused writing competitions for high school students in the U.S. It challenges you to analyze an act of political courage by an elected official who served during or after 1917, drawing inspiration from John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage. Your essay must go beyond narration – you’re expected to evaluate the risks, opposition, and consequences faced by the leader, while supporting your argument with at least five credible sources. With a required word count of 700–1,000 words, this contest emphasizes depth of analysis, originality, and strong research skills. One unique aspect is the requirement of a nominating teacher, who reviews your essay before submission, making the process more guided and rigorous. Top winners receive significant cash prizes (up to $10,000) and may be invited to an award ceremony in Boston, with travel covered. If you’re interested in politics, history, or public policy and want a competition that carries strong recognition in college applications, this is one of the most impactful writing competitions for high school students.
6. Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Cash prizes up to $500
Dates: Results published after June 22
Application Deadline: March 31 or 250 entries
Eligibility: High school juniors in the U.S. or equivalent level across the world; Individual or co-authored submissions allowed
The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest is a focused creative writing competition for students interested in drama and scriptwriting. Unlike traditional essay contests, this competition challenges you to write a short play (maximum 10 pages, roughly 10 minutes of stage time) on any subject, giving you complete creative freedom. Each year, submissions are judged by an established playwright, which adds a layer of professional evaluation. One important detail is the 250-entry cap, meaning the contest often closes well before the official deadline, so early submission is critical. The program’s value lies in the opportunity to experiment with a less common writing format and gain recognition from a respected institution.
7. The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
Location: Online submissions; U.K. based, open internationally
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Students aged 11–17 worldwide (high school students eligible within this age range); UK entrants can submit up to 3 poems; international entrants can submit 1 poem
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious international poetry competitions for young writers, with a long track record of identifying and supporting emerging literary talent. Each year, 100 winners (15 top winners and 85 commended poets) are selected from tens of thousands of global submissions, making it highly competitive. You can submit poetry on any theme or style, as long as each poem does not exceed 40 lines, allowing for a high degree of creative freedom. What sets this competition apart is its strong focus on talent development rather than just prizes, as winners receive publication through The Poetry Society, access to workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities with other young poets. Top winners may also perform their work at award events (in-person or virtual). If you’re serious about poetry and want recognition that extends beyond a single award into long-term creative development, this is one of the most valuable writing competitions for high school students.
8. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs Ocean Awareness Contest
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Scholarships and awards available
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students ages 11–18 worldwide (high school students eligible in Senior Division: 15–18); individual or group submissions allowed, requires an adult sponsor
The Ocean Awareness Contest is a globally recognized creative competition that blends writing, art, and environmental advocacy. Centered around an annual theme, such as “Your Story, Our Ocean” for 2026, the contest invites you to explore your personal connection to environmental issues through formats like creative writing, poetry, film, or multimedia. Unlike traditional writing-only competitions, this program encourages interdisciplinary storytelling, making it a strong option if you want to combine writing with visual or performance elements. Submissions are judged on creativity, originality, and how effectively you engage with environmental themes like climate change, conservation, and sustainability. In addition to awards and scholarships, participants gain access to educational resources and a broader community focused on environmental action.
9. Bennington College Young Writers Awards
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Cash prizes up to $2,000 + major scholarships
Dates: Results announced in Spring typically
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; Grades 9–11 apply directly; Grade 12 students submit via college application; sponsoring teacher or mentor required
The Bennington Young Writers Awards is one of the most prestigious creative writing competitions for high school students, with a long legacy of recognizing emerging literary talent. You can submit in one category from poetry, fiction, or nonfiction with a strict 1,500-word limit, making this a great opportunity to refine and polish a single, high-quality piece. Submissions are reviewed for originality, craft, and voice and must be approved by a sponsoring teacher, adding an extra layer of rigor and mentorship to the process. Winners receive cash prizes (up to $2,000), publication opportunities, and significant scholarship consideration if they apply to Bennington. Top winners who enroll can receive full-tuition scholarships, making this one of the few competitions with a substantial long-term financial impact.
10. YoungArts National Competition
Location: U.S. eligibility required; Online
Cost/Stipend: $35~ entry fee; awards, cash prizes, and career opportunities available
Dates: Typically opens in Summer; results announced in late fall
Application Deadline: Typically October
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 or ages 15-18; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible to receive taxable income in the U.S.
The YoungArts National Competition is one of the most prestigious and competitive arts programs for high school students in the United States, with writing as one of its core disciplines. You can submit work across multiple categories, including fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, poetry, and spoken word, making it one of the most flexible high-level competitions available. Submissions are extensive and portfolio-based (for example, multiple poems or up to 15 pages of prose), meaning this contest rewards sustained effort and a developed writing voice rather than a single piece. Winners are selected through a rigorous blind review process and may receive cash awards, national recognition, and invitations to exclusive programs such as National YoungArts Week, where top finalists present their work and collaborate with peers and mentors. Selected students may also be published in anthologies and gain access to long-term creative and professional development opportunities.
11. Harvard High School International Economics Essay Competition
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $20 fee
Dates: Multiple cycles throughout the year for spring, summer, and fall/winter
Application Deadline: 600 submissions cap; January 5
Eligibility: High school students; open to international students; 1500-word essays
The Harvard International Economics Essay Competition is a competitive academic writing opportunity for high school students interested in economics, public policy, and global development. You are required to submit a 1,500-word essay responding to one of four prompts on contemporary economic issues, including carbon offset markets, technological inequality, remote work, and blockchain-based public finance. The competition places strong emphasis on economic reasoning, so your essay needs to move beyond general commentary and develop a clear argument supported by theory, evidence, and real-world examples. Submissions are judged by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association board, with the top essays advancing to final review by an economist. A distinguishing feature of HIEEC is its focus on current global challenges, asking you to apply economic concepts to questions that affect trade, investment, labor markets, development, and financial stability. The strongest submissions may be recognized as winners, finalists, or “Highly Commended,” with top essays and selected names published online.
12. NCTE Writing Awards
Location: Primarily U.S.-based (school nominations); some programs may vary
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Summer: writing prompts announced; Fall: nomination forms released
Application Deadline: February 15 (Student writing awards); July 31 (REALM awards)
Eligibility: Requires nomination by a teacher or school; 10-11th grade students (Achievement Awards in Writing), 8th grade students (Promising Young Writers); middle school, high school, and college literary magazines (REALM)
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) offers a suite of school-based writing recognitions that collectively support students across different stages of their academic journey. Programs like the Achievement Awards in Writing (grades 10–11), Promising Young Writers (grade 8), and the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Awards are all designed to highlight strong writing and foster a culture of literary excellence within high school students. These programs require nomination by a teacher or school, which adds a layer of selectivity and mentorship. You will typically respond to an annual prompt or submit curated work, while schools can also be recognized for producing high-quality literary magazines. What makes NCTE’s offerings unique is their emphasis on institutional recognition and early talent development, making them especially valuable if you want to gain credible, educator-backed acknowledgment of your writing abilities.
13. John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize
Location: Online global submissions; optional conference and awards ceremony in London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Scholarships up to $10,000
Dates: Registrations open: February 2; Shortlist announced: July 7; Conference and awards: October 2–4
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Open to students globally
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is one of the most academically rigorous and widely recognized writing competitions for high school students worldwide. It challenges you to engage deeply with complex questions spanning disciplines such as economics, philosophy, politics, psychology, and more, pushing you beyond standard school curricula. Essays (up to 2,000 words) are judged by senior academics from top universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Stanford University, ensuring a highly competitive and intellectually demanding evaluation process. The competition emphasizes originality, critical thinking, and persuasive argumentation, with strict academic integrity checks including referee verification. Top participants are shortlisted and invited to an academic conference and awards ceremony in London, offering valuable exposure to a global network of scholars.
14. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $15 submission fee (waivers available); $200 cash prize
Dates: Submissions open April 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Secondary and undergraduate students worldwide; up to 10 submissions across categories
The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose recognize exceptional emerging writers at the high school and undergraduate level. Organized by The Adroit Journal, the contest focuses on both poetry and prose, allowing you to submit multiple pieces and showcase a broader writing portfolio rather than a single work. Submissions are judged by established authors and editors, giving participants exposure to a professional literary standard. A major advantage of this competition is that all entries are also considered for publication, meaning even non-winning submissions can gain visibility. Winners and finalists are published in The Adroit Journal, which is widely read in literary circles, making this a strong credential if you’re interested in creative writing, publishing, or English studies, and looking to build a serious writing portfolio and gain recognition in contemporary literary spaces.
15. American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) National High School Essay Contest
Location: Online; winners invited to Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 prize + fully funded trip + additional educational program
Dates: Annual cycle
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. or U.S. citizens studying abroad; requires a teacher/sponsor
The AFSA National High School Essay Contest is a highly regarded academic writing competition focused on U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and global affairs. Each year, the contest presents a timely and complex prompt, such as the 2025–2026 theme on the future of U.S. soft power, requiring you to construct a well-researched, evidence-based argument. Essays must demonstrate strong analytical thinking, use of credible sources, and adherence to formal academic writing standards like MLA style. What makes this competition particularly valuable is its real-world relevance: you’re expected to engage deeply with international relations and the role of institutions like the U.S. Foreign Service. Submissions undergo multiple rounds of blind judging, ensuring fairness and rigor. Beyond the substantial cash prizes, winners gain unique experiential opportunities, including travel to Washington, D.C., and direct exposure to diplomatic professionals.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 writing competitions for high school students, spanning research-driven academic contests like the Horizon Academic Essay Prize, John Locke Institute, and Harvard International Economics Essay Competition, alongside creative writing competitions like the Foyle Young Poets Award, Adroit Prizes, and the Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest, which together cover nearly every major writing format from persuasive essays to poetry to scriptwriting. Several competitions, including Bennington, Profile in Courage, and AFSA, require a sponsoring teacher before submission, adding a layer of mentorship to the process, while prize structures vary widely, from Adroit's modest but literarily prestigious $200 award to Profile in Courage and John Locke's $10,000 top prizes. Students are well served by pursuing a mix of academic and creative competitions across their high school years, since each builds a different but equally valuable credential for college applications, particularly when the chosen competition aligns closely with the student's intended field of study.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. Several of these competitions (Horizon Academic Essay Prize, John Locke Institute, Harvard Economics) are heavily research and academic-focused, while others like Adroit and Foyle Young Poets are creative. How do I figure out which type fits my writing strengths?
It helps to think honestly about whether your strongest writing is analytical or imaginative. If you enjoy constructing an evidence-based argument and engaging with complex real-world issues, the Horizon Academic Essay Prize, John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, and Harvard International Economics Essay Competition are all built around rigorous, thesis-driven analysis, often reviewed by professors or senior academics. If your strength lies in voice, imagery, and original storytelling, the Foyle Young Poets Award, Adroit Prizes, and Bennington Young Writers Awards are better suited, since they prioritise craft and creative voice over formal argumentation. Many strong applicants pursue one competition from each category over their high school years, since both types of writing meaningfully strengthen a college application in different ways.
2. A few competitions on this list (Profile in Courage, Bennington, AFSA) require a sponsoring teacher or nominator before you can even submit. Why is that requirement there, and what if my teacher isn't familiar with the contest?
This requirement is generally there to add a layer of mentorship and accountability to the submission process, ensuring a teacher has reviewed your work and can vouch for its authenticity before it's submitted. Most teachers are happy to take on this role once you explain the contest and show them your draft, since it requires comparatively little of their time, usually just a review and a signature or short endorsement rather than active participation. If your teacher isn't familiar with a specific competition, come prepared with the official contest page and the genuine respect that the organizing institution has built over the years (Bennington's full-tuition scholarship and the Kennedy Library Foundation's structured judging process are both worth highlighting), since that context often makes teachers more willing to sponsor your entry.
3. With prize money ranging from $200 (Adroit) up to $10,000 (Profile in Courage, John Locke Institute), should I prioritise the highest-paying competitions over smaller ones?
Prize size shouldn't be your only deciding factor, since the smaller-prize competitions often carry equally strong, sometimes more specialized, recognition value depending on your field of interest. The Adroit Prizes, for instance, offer a modest $200 cash prize, but publication in The Adroit Journal carries real weight in literary and creative writing circles specifically, often mattering more to an English or creative writing-focused application than a larger but less specialized award. The higher-prize competitions, like Profile in Courage and the John Locke Institute, tend to be exceptionally selective and carry significant institutional prestige alongside the financial reward, making them worth pursuing if your essay topic aligns well with their specific themes, rather than entering purely for the prize amount.