Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Flagship U.S. teen contest with categories in poetry, fiction, personal essay, journalism, drama, etc.; national medals and scholarships are a major flex.
The Scholastic Awards Portal will open for entries on October 1, 2026
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Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC)
International essay contest organized with The Harvard Crimson, with multiple prompts and a focus on critical/creative thinking and writing.
International High School Writing Contest
Global analytical and creative writing competition with categories like short story, flash fiction, poetry, critical essay, and dramatic script; no entry fees.
Bennington Young Writers Awards
Prestigious competition from Bennington College with categories in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction; winners/finalists often receive big scholarships if they attend Bennington.
John Estey Student Writing Competition (American Writers Museum)
Essay/narrative competition on topics related to American writers, literature, or culture, run by the American Writers Museum.
Norm Strung Student Writing Contest (OWAA)
Outdoor/nature writing prose contest for students; HS division focuses on 500–1,000‑word pieces about the outdoors.
One Teen Story Contest
Short story contest for teen writers; winner is published in One Teen Story and receives a cash prize.