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If you're a writer—fiction, non-fiction, or fanfiction—you can put those skills to work for you. There are tons of writing contests for high school students, which can award everything from medals to cash prizes to scholarships if you win .

Not only will a little extra money, whether cash or scholarships, help you when it comes time to pay for college, but the prestige of a respected reward is also a great thing to include on your college application.

Read on to learn more about what writing contests for high school students there are, how to apply, and what you could win !

Writing Contests With Multiple Categories

Some high school contests accept entries in a variety of formats, including the standard fiction and non-fiction, but also things like screenwriting or visual art. Check out these contests with multiple categories:

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

  • Award Amount: $1,000 to $12,500 scholarships
  • Deadline: Varies between December and January, depending on your region
  • Fee: $10 for single entry, $30 for portfolio

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate art by students in grades seven through twelve (age 13 or older) on a regional and national scale. These awards have a huge number of categories and styles, including cash prizes or scholarships for some distinguished award winners . Categories include science-fiction and fantasy writing, humor, critical essays, and dramatic scripts, among others.

Deadlines vary by region (but are mostly in December and January), so use Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search to find out when projects are due for your area.

Scholastic partners with other organizations to provide prizes to winners, so what you can win depends on what you enter and what competition level you reach. Gold medal portfolio winners can earn a $12,500 scholarship, and silver medal winners with distinction can earn a $2,000 scholarship , as well as many other options in different categories.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are open to private, public, or home-schooled students attending school in the US, Canada, or American schools in other countries. Students must be in grades seven through twelve to participate. Eligibility varies between regions, so consult Scholastic's Affiliate Partner search tool to figure out what applies to you .

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have a $10 entry fee for individual submissions and $30 for portfolio submissions, which may be waived for students in need . These fees may vary depending on location, so be sure to check your local guidelines .

Ocean Awareness Contest

  • Award Amount: Scholarships up to $1,500
  • Deadline: June 13, 2023 (submissions open in September)

The Ocean Awareness Contest asks students to consider the future of a coastal or marine species that is under threat from climate change. Submissions are accepted in a variety of art forms, but all must consider the way that climate change impacts ocean life .

Submissions for all categories, including art, creative writing, film, interactive and multimedia, music and dance, and poetry and spoken word are due in June, although the exact date varies slightly each year.

Winners may receive prizes of up to a $1,500 scholarship , depending on which division they fall into and what prize they win.

The contest is open to all international and US students between the ages of 11 and 18.

River of Words

  • Award: Publication in the River of Words anthology
  • Deadline: January 31, 2023

The River of Words contest asks students to consider watersheds—an area that drains into the same body of water—and how they connect with their local community. Students can explore this concept in art or poetry, with winners being published in the annual River of Words anthology .

Entries in all categories must be submitted by January 31, 2023. 

The River of Words contest is primarily for recognition and publication, as the website doesn't list any prize money . The contest includes specific awards for certain forms, such as poetry, some of which may have additional prizes .

The contest is open to International and US students from kindergarten to grade 12 (ages 5 through 19). Students who have graduated from high school but are not yet in college are also eligible.

Adroit Prizes

  • Award Amount: $200 cash award
  • Deadline: Typically April of each year

Sponsored by the Adroit Journal, the Adroit Prizes reward high school students and undergraduate students for producing exemplary fiction and poetry. Students may submit up to six poems or three works of prose (totaling 3,500 words) for consideration. Submissions typically open in spring .

Winners receive $200 and (along with runners-up) have their works published in the Adroit Journal . Finalists and runners-up receive a copy of their judge's latest published work.

The contest is open to secondary and undergraduate students, including international students and those who have graduated early . The Adroit Prizes has a non-refundable fee of $15, which can be waived.

YoungArts Competition

  • Award Amount: Up to $10,000 cash awards
  • Deadline: October 15, 2022; application for 2024 opens June 2023

Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work. Additional requirements may apply depending on what artistic discipline you're in .

Winners can receive up to $10,000 in cash as well as professional development help, mentorship, and other educational rewards.

Applicants must be 15- to 18-year-old US citizens or permanent residents (including green card holders) or in grades 10 through 12 at the time of submission . There is a $35 submission fee, which can be waived.

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Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students

Many contests with multiple categories accept fiction submissions, so also check out the above contests if you're looking for places to submit original prose.

EngineerGirl Writing Contest

  • Award Amount: $100 - $500 cash prize
  • Deadline: February 1, 2023

This year's EngineerGirl Writing Contest asks students (though the name of the organization is "EngineerGirl," students of any gender may participate) to submit a piece of writing that shows how female and/or non-white engineers have contributed to or can enhance engineering’s great achievements. Word counts vary depending on grade level.

At every grade level, first-place winners will receive $500, second-place winners will receive $250, and third-place winners will receive $100 . Winning entries and honorable mentions will also be published on the EngineerGirl website.

Students of any gender from third to 12th grade may submit to this contest. Home-schooled and international students are also eligible.

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Nonfiction Contests for High School Students

Like fiction, non-fiction is often also accepted in contests with multiple categories. However, there are quite a few contests accepting only non-fiction essays as well.

The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest

  • Award Amount: $1,250 to $2,500
  • Deadline: April 3, 2023

The American Foreign Services Association sponsors a high school essay contest tasking students with selecting a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years .

One winner will receive $2,500 as well as a Washington D.C. trip and a scholarship to attend Semester at Sea . One runner-up receives $1,250 and a scholarship to attend the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference.

Entries must be from US students in grade nine through 12, including students in the District of Columbia, US territories, or US citizens attending school abroad, including home-schooled students.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

  • Award Amount: $100 - $10,000
  • Deadline: January 13, 2023

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage contest tasks students with writing an essay between 700 and 1,000 words on an act of political courage by a US elected official serving during or after 1917 , inspired by John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage . Each essay should cover the act itself as well as any obstacles or risks the subject faced in achieving their act of courage. Essays must not cover figures previously covered in the contest, and should also not cover John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, or Edward M. Kennedy.

One first-place winner will receive $10,000, one second-place winner will receive $3,000, five finalists will receive $1,000 each, and eight semi-finalists will win $100 each.

The contest is open to students in grades nine through 12 who are residents of the United States attending public, private, parochial, or home schools . Students under the age of 20 in correspondence high school programs or GED programs, as well as students in US territories, Washington D.C., and students studying abroad, are also eligible.

SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

  • Award Amount: $300 - $1,000 scholarships
  • Deadline: February 19, 2023 (submissions open in November)

The SPJ/JEA high school essay contest , organized by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association, asks students to  analyze the importance of independent media to our lives (as of now, the official essay topic for spring 2023 is TBD) . Essays should be from 300 to 500 words.

A $1,000 scholarship is given to a first-place winner, $500 to second-place, and $300 to third-place.

The contest is open to public, private, and home-schooled students of the United States in grades 9-12 .

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Playwriting Contests for High School Students

For those who love the stage, playwriting contests are a great option. An original play can earn you great rewards thanks to any of these contests!

VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition

  • Award: Participation in professional development activities at the Kennedy Center
  • Deadline: January 4, 2023 (Application opens in October)

The VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition asks students with disabilities to submit a ten-minute script exploring their personal experiences, including the disability experience . Scripts may be realistic, fictional, or abstract, and may include plays, screenplays, or musical theater.

All entries are due in January. Scripts may be collaborative or written by individuals, but must include at least one person with a disability as part of the group .

One winner or group of winners will be selected as participants in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Winners will have access to professional assistance in developing their script as well as workshops and networking opportunities.

This contest is open to US and international students in ages 14 to 18 . Groups of up to five members may collaborate on an essay, but at least one of those students must have a disability.

Worldwide Plays Festival Competition

  • Award: Professional production in New York
  • Deadline: March (official 2023 deadline TBD)

In the Worldwide Plays Festival Competition , students from around the world can submit an eight-minute script for a play set in a part of a neighborhood —specifically, at a convenience store, outside a character's front door, or at a place where people convene. Each play must have roles for three actors, should not have a narrator who isn't also a character, and should not contain set changes.

Entries are due in February. Winners will have their play produced by professionals at an off-Broadway New York theater . Scholarships are also available for winners.

Any student, including US and international, in first through 12th grade may submit work for consideration.

  • Award Amount: $50 - $200 cash prize
  • Deadline: 2023 deadline TBD (application opens January 2023)

Students may submit a one-act, non-musical play of at least ten pages to YouthPLAYS for consideration . Plays should be appropriate for high school audiences and contain at least two characters, with one or more of those characters being youths in age-appropriate roles. Large casts with multiple female roles are encouraged.

One winner will receive $250, have their play published by YouthPLAYS, and receive a copy of Great Dialog , a program for writing dialog. One runner up will receive $100 and a copy of Great Dialog.

Students must be under the age of 19, and plays must be the work of a single author.

The Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest

  • Deadline: Spring of each year

Students in grade 11 may submit a ten-minute play for consideration for the Lewis Center Ten-Minute Play Contest . Plays should be 10 pages long, equivalent to 10 minutes.

One first-prize winner will receive $500, one second-prize winner will receive $250, and one third-prize will receive $100.

All entries must be from students in the 11th grade .

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Poetry Writing Contests for High School Students

For those who prefer a little free verse or the constraints of a haiku, there are plenty of poetry-specific contests, too.

Creative Communications Poetry Contest

  • Award Amount: $25
  • Deadline: December

Students in ninth grade or below may submit any poem of 21 lines or less (not counting spaces between stanzas) for consideration in the Creative Communications Poetry Contest .

Students may win $25, a free book, and school supplies for their teacher .

Public, private, or home-schooled US students (including those in detention centers) in kindergarten through ninth grade may enter.

Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize

  • Award Amount: $500-$1500
  • Deadline: November 

Students in 11th grade may submit up to three poems for consideration in the Leonard L. Milberg '53 High School Poetry Prize . Submissions are due in November .

One first-prize winner will receive $1500, one second-prize winner will receive $750, and a third-prize winner will receive $500. Poems may be published on arts.princeton.edu. All entrants must be in the 11th grade.

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

  • Award Amount: $500 - $5,000 renewable scholarship, $350 cash prize
  • Deadline: October 31, 2022

Women poets who are sophomores or juniors in high school may submit two poems for consideration for the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest .

One first-place winner will receive a $350 cash prize, publication in and ten copies of Cargoes , Hollins' student magazine, as well as a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 for Hollins and free tuition and housing for the Hollinsummer creative writing program. One second-place winner will receive publication in and two copies of Cargoes, a renewable scholarship to Hollins of up to $1,000, and a $500 scholarship to attend Hollinsummer.

Applicants must be female students in their sophomore or junior year of high school .

What's Next?

If you're looking for more money opportunities for college , there are plenty of scholarships out there— including some pretty weird ones .

For those who've been buffing up their test scores , there are tons of scholarships , some in the thousands of dollars.

If you're tired of writing essays and applying for scholarships, consider some of these colleges that offer complete financial aid packages .

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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23 Writing Competitions for High School Students

What’s covered:, why should you enter a writing competition, writing competitions for high school students, how do writing competitions affect my admissions chances.

Do you dream of writing the next great American novel? Are you passionate about poetry? Do you aspire to become a screenwriter? No matter what genre of writing you’re interested in—whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or something else entirely—there’s a writing competition focused on it.

Writing competitions provide great motivation to put pen to paper (or finger to key). Moreover, they’re an excellent step toward getting published, and can ultimately start you on the path to becoming a professional writer.

One of the best ways to improve your writing is simply to write—and competitions provide an excellent impetus to do so. Writing competitions also serve as an introduction to what life is like for many writers; participants entering writing competitions will receive a prompt or must think of an original idea, compose a piece of work, and submit it for review.

Another benefit of entering a writing competition for high schoolers is that many offer cash awards and scholarships, which can be used to help with the costs of college.

Additionally, many writing competitions are run by colleges and universities, so submitting them is a great way to introduce faculty to yourself and your work. If you win an award—especially a prestigious award—it can significantly improve your odds of college acceptance.

1. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Type: Poetry and Prose

Submission Fee: $15

Prize: $200

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Eligibility:

  • All secondary and undergraduate students

Guidelines:

  • Each student may send up to five total submissions across the genres of poetry and prose
  • Each poetry submission may include up to six poems (maximum of ten pages single-spaced). Each prose submission may include up to three works of fiction or creative nonfiction (combined word limit of 3,500 words; excerpts are acceptable).

Adroit Prizes are awarded to emerging high school and college writers in two categories: poetry and prose. Winning pieces are considered for publication in the Adroit Journal and winners receive an award of $200. The 2023 judges are Natalie Diaz and Ocean Vuong.

2. Ten-Minute Play Contest

Type: Plays

Submission Fee: N/A

Deadline: Passed, but the contest will reopen in 2024

Eligibility: Students in the eleventh grade in the U.S. (or international equivalent of the eleventh grade)

Guidelines: Applicants may submit only one play (10 pages maximum)

The Ten-Minute Play Contest is put on by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Applicants are allowed to submit one play that is no longer than 10 pages. Their submissions are judged by members of Princeton University’s Theater Program faculty.

3. Ayn Rand Anthem and The Fountainhead Essay Contests

Type: Essays

  • Anthem: $2,000
  • The Fountainhead : $5,000
  • Anthem: Grades 8-12
  • The Fountainhead : Grades 11-12
  • Anthem: Essays must be written in English only and between 600 and 1,200 words in length, double-spaced
  • The Fountainhead: Essays must be written in English only and between 800 and 1,600 words in length, double-spaced

In this essay competition, students pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s books and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

4. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Type: Poetry

Prize: $500-$1,500

Eligibility: Students must be in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad

Guidelines: Applicants may submit up to 3 poems

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is another contest run by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Winners are chosen by judges who are both poets and members of Princeton University’s creative writing faculty. Three monetary awards are available.

5. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Prize: $500

Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs

Guidelines: Essays should be approximately 1,000 words

Winners of this competition receive a $500 prize along with a free yearlong membership to the World History Association . To apply, you must submit an approximately 1,000-word essay responding to the following prompt:

  • Submit an essay that addresses the following topic and discusses how it relates to you personally and to World History: Your view of a family story related to a historical event or your personal family cultural background, or an issue of personal relevance or specific regional history/knowledge.

6. Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

Prize: $250-$1,000

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students

  • Must be submitted by the student through the official Essay Contest Submission website
  • Entries may include a statement about the student’s mentor; however, a mentor statement is not required
  • The essay must be 6-8 pages in length, not including the Works Cited page
  • The essay must use MLA documentation, including a Works Cited page and parenthetical citations in the body of the text. Use endnotes only for substantive notes. Source material that is directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized must be cited. Quotations from the Jane Austen work under discussion should be cited as well.

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest is an annual writing competition aimed at fostering an appreciation for its namesake’s work. The contest is broken down into three divisions—high school, college/university, and graduate school.

First-place winners are awarded a $1,000 prize along with free registration and lodging for two nights at JASNA’s Annual General Meeting—smaller monetary awards are also given to second- and third-place essayists.

This year’s essay topic:

  • In Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen’s other novels, we see proposals and marriages that are motivated by love, as well as those that are better described as arranged marriages or marriages of convenience. Many cultures today also expect arranged marriages (not the same as forced). In your essay, compare and discuss the different types of marriages or courtships found in the novels, whether those relationships are new or longstanding.

7. Bennington College Young Writers Awards

Type: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction

Deadline: November 1, 2023

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

  • Poetry: A group of three poems
  • Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play (run no more than 30 minutes of playing time)
  • Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

Bennington College has a strong history of developing writers—it’s produced twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, and countless New York Times bestsellers—and the Bennington College Young Writers Awards celebrate this legacy.

In addition to offering cash awards to winners and finalists in all three categories, winners and finalists who apply and are accepted to Bennington College are also eligible for substantial scholarships.

8. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest

Type: Poetry and Essays

Deadline: November 16, 2023

  • You are required to have a team of 2 or more people
  • The team must be intergenerational

Guidelines: Maximum length of 500 words (approximately 2 pages)

This unique writing competition requires that entries must be submitted by a team of two people from different generations—for example, a high school student and a teacher. Contestants can compete in a number of categories and themes, each with unique submission requirements.

9. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

Type: Fiction and Poetry

Prize: $2,000

Deadline: October 2, 2023

Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and recently graduated 2023 seniors

  • Poetry: Students may submit their original poetry in any style, from formal verse to free verse to experimental. The poem should be formatted as you wish it to appear in the publication.
  • Fiction: Students may submit a piece of short fiction, which must be no more than 5,000 words and should not be single-spaced. The entry may be any genre of the student’s choice, including graphic novel or story.
  • Must submit educator recommendation, academic resume, and current transcript with application

Winning works for this competition are chosen based on their creativity, technique, expression, and originality. Three winners are chosen in each category and each winner receives a $2,000 prize.

10. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

Prize: $100-$10,000

Eligibility: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12, U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program,  and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

  • Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
  • Essays must have a minimum of five sources.

The prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest is one of the most recognizable and prestigious writing competitions for high schoolers in the nation. Essays for the contest are required to describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. The first-place winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest takes home a $10,000 award and second place receives a $3,000 prize.

11. YoungArts National Writing Competition

Deadline: Opens June 2023

Eligibility: 15- to 18-year-old visual, literary, or performing artist based in the United States

Guidelines: To be released

YoungArts supports talented young artists between the ages of 15 and 18 (or grades 10-12) in 10 disciplines, including writing. Applicants can submit entries in six genres—creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word.

12. SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

Submission Fee: $5

Prize: $300-$1,000

Eligibility: All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States

  • The essay should be 300-500 words
  • Entries may be typed or handwritten but must be double-spaced

This high school writing contest is presented by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) to increase awareness of the importance of independent media.

Last year’s prompt was:

  • While consumers are drawn toward tweets and sound bites, how can journalists tell more of the story without losing readers’ interest?

13. VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competitions

Eligibility: High school students with disabilities

  • 10-minute script
  • Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration between two students that includes at least one student with a disability

This writing competition, presented by the Kennedy Center, is open to students ages 15-18 (or enrolled in high school) with disabilities. Writers may submit a “ten-minute” script in any genre, including plays, musicals, multimedia, video, film, TV, and podcasts.

Entries can be the work of an individual or the product of collaboration—provided that at least one of the collaborators has a disability. Multiple winners are chosen and given the chance to work with industry professionals, attend Kennedy Center professional development activities, and participate in networking opportunities.

14. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Prize: $350

Eligibility: Women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school

Guidelines: No more than two poems by any one student may be submitted

For almost six decades, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest has provided recognition, scholarships, and awards to the best female high school sophomore and junior poets. Submissions are reviewed by faculty members of Hollins University’s creative writing program and students enrolled in its M.F.A. in creative writing.

The first-place winner receives a $350 cash prize, a renewable $5,000 scholarship to Hollins University if they choose to enroll there, as well as free tuition and housing at the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program. Their winning work is also published in Cargoes , the university’s student literary magazine.

15. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Type: Various

Submission Fee: $10 for individual entry, $30 for portfolio (can use Fee Waiver Form)

Prize: Varies

Deadline: Opens in September

Eligibility: Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)

Guidelines: Varies by category

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They offer 28 submission categories, including writing, critical essay, dramatic scripts, flash fiction, journalism, humor, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, and short story.

Works are judged by famous jurors who look for works that show originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Students can earn a variety of scholarships through success in these competitions.

Works that celebrate individual differences or personal grief, loss, and bereavement are eligible for $1,000 scholarships. High school seniors submitting winning portfolios of six works are eligible for up to $12,500 in scholarships.

16. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Type: Creative Writing and Poetry

Prize: $100-$1,500

Deadline: June 13, 2023

  • Students ages 11-18 from around the world
  • Students can participate as an individual or as a club, class, or group of any size
  • All students must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
  • Creative Writing: no more than 5 pages (approximately 1,250 words)
  • Poetry: no more than 2 pages
  • A written reflection is required to accompany your submission, regardless of category. It is like the introduction to a book or an artist’s statement in a museum.

The 12th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students can participate in six different categories, including poetry and spoken word, and creative writing.

This year’s prompt centers around climate issues:

  • Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a piece of art, writing, or media that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. We are familiar with the amazing work of environmental giants like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough. We challenge you to introduce the Bow Seat community to a Climate Hero whose work we may not know about yet – but should.

17. John Locke Global Essay Competition

Submission Fee: N/A (unless late entry)

Prize: $2,000-$10,000 toward attending any John Locke Institute program

Deadline: June 30, 2023 (must register by May 31, 2023)

Eligibility: Candidates must be no older than 18 years old on June 30, 2023 (Candidates for the Junior Prize must be no older than 14 on the same date)

Guidelines: Each essay must address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must not exceed 2,000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, footnotes, bibliography, or authorship declaration)

Students competing in this competition have the opportunity to write an essay in one of seven categories—philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Each category has three prompts, from which students choose and respond to one.

Essays are judged on knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, the competent use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive force.

If you miss the deadline, you can submit a late entry up until July 10. Late entries will be charged a $20 late fee.

18. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

Prize: $2,500

  • Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate.
  • Students must be in grades 9-12 in any of the 50 states, Washington, D.C, the U.S. territories, or—if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents —attending high school overseas.

Guidelines: Your essay should be at least 1,000 words but should not exceed 1,500 words (word count does not apply to the list of sources)

The AFSA Essay Contest focuses on knowledge of foreign policy and the American Foreign Service. Last year’s prompt was:

  • In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

The first-place winner receives $2,500, a paid trip to the nation’s capital with their parents from anywhere in the U.S., and an all-expenses-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. The runner-up wins $1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

19. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Prize: $100-$500

  • The contest is open to individual students in the following three competition categories—Elementary School Students (grades 3-5), Middle School Students (grades 6-8), or High School Students (grades 9-12).
  • You can also qualify with corresponding homeschool or international grade levels.
  • High school student essays must be no more than 750 words
  • You must also include a reference list of 3-10 resources

In this competition, students choose one of four prompts related to the 20 Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century and explore the technologies that have been developed in the last century and technologies that are being developed today. Students are judged based on their presentation and examples of engineering (~35%), their celebration of diversity (~50%), and their quality of writing (~15%).

20. The Blank Theatre Young Playwright’s Festival

Prize: Play is produced

Eligibility: Playwrights must be 19 years old or younger as of March 15, 2023; co-authored plays are welcome, provided all authors are 19 or younger

  • Original plays or musicals of any length or genre and on any subject
  • Up to three plays per playwright or team

While winners of this theater competition do not receive a cash prize, they have the unique opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the field, then will have their play directed and performed by professional artists during the following summer. The 12 best submissions are produced and professionally performed.

21. Saint Mary’s College of California River of Words Contest

Type: Poetry and Arts

  • The contest is open to K-12 students, ages 5-19
  • Students must be enrolled in school to be eligible
  • Participants may submit up to 5 entries for poetry and 5 entries for art (total of up to 10 entries)
  • Poems should not exceed 32 lines in length (written) or 3 minutes (signed)
  • Collaborative poems and artwork are accepted, but only one student (chosen as the group representative) will be eligible for any prizes awarded

The River of Words contest aims to promote environmental literacy through the exchange of arts and culture. River of Words has been inspiring educators and students through this competition for over 25 years.

The goal of River of Words is to connect youth with their watersheds—the environments they live in—through engagement with art and poetry related to the idea of “place.” They look for art and poetry that shows the connection between students and the worlds around them.

22. Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Prize: $10,000

Deadline: November 6, 2023

Eligibility: Open to all 12th grade, college, and graduate students worldwide

Guidelines: Essays must be between 800 and 1,600 words in length

In this essay competition, high school seniors pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

23. Writopia Lab’s Worldwide Plays Festival

Prize: Play produced

Eligibility: Playwrights ages 6 to 18

  • 8 minutes maximum
  • Any genre or style
  • Plays should have no more than three characters
  • There can be no narrator of the play who is not emotionally invested in the story
  • Students must incorporate at least one of the following props or costumes —blue plates, a yellow blouse, a Valentine’s heart with the word “Love,” a flower crown, a plush hotdog, a Mardi Gras bead with jester heads, a pack of clothespins, Russian nesting dolls, a set of miniature cymbals, a lavender blouse, a lei, or a roll of aluminum foil

Since 2010, Writopia Lab has been producing, designing, and directing one-act plays submitted by young playwrights. These winning plays are then performed by New York City theater professionals. The contest looks for playwrights who embody fearlessness and imagination. Writopia Lab says, “Write deeply! Write fiercely! Write politically and personally! And don’t be afraid to write with a sense of play – they are called plays, after all.”

While we can’t know exactly how activities outside of the classroom will affect your college admissions odds, the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities provide a helpful framework for understanding how colleges view your extracurriculars.

Extracurricular activities in Tiers 1 and 2 are reserved for the most exclusive and acclaimed awards, and can significantly improve your odds of college admission. By contrast, Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurriculars, and have less of an impact on your chances of college admission.

For example, if you place in a nationally renowned writing competition—a Tier 2 activity—this will positively affect your admissions chances. On the other hand, if you receive an honorable mention in your high school’s poetry contest—a Tier 4 activity—your admissions chances will not be significantly affected.

That said, if you are applying to an English Literature or Creative Writing program with a well-developed essay and recommendations that emphasize your commitment to language, participation in Tier 3 and 4 writing competitions could help admissions officers conceptualize your passion for your future career.

Curious how the writing competition you participated in will affect your college admission chances? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors—including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars—to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities, while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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Contests and Opportunities

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SPEECH AND DEBATE ORGANIZATIONS

  • NCFCA CHRISTIAN SPEECH & DEBATE LEAGUE ncfca.org
  • STOA CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE stoausa.org
  • NSDA NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE ASSOCIATION  speechanddebate.org

This page will be updated as we learn of new opportunities. If you know of a writing or speaking contest, please let us know so we can include it on this page.

Please note: While IEW believes these contests to be legitimate, writing contest scams do exist, and it is wise to check into a contest carefully before entering, especially if there is a fee to enter.

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National High School Essay Contest

You are here, in this section, applications are now open for the 2024 essay contest.

Apply at https://afsascholarships.communityforce.com

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2024

high school senior essay contest

2024 Essay Contest Topic

This year, AFSA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the United States Foreign Service. Over the last century, our diplomats and development professionals have been involved in groundbreaking events in history – decisions on war and peace, supporting human rights and freedom, creating joint prosperity, reacting to natural disasters and pandemics and much more. As AFSA looks back on this century-long history, we invite you to join us in also looking ahead to the future. This year students are asked to explore how diplomats can continue to evolve their craft to meet the needs of an ever-changing world that brings fresh challenges and opportunities to the global community and America’s place in it.

Over the past 100 years the Foreign Service has faced a multitude of challenges such as world war, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, humanitarian disasters, global pandemics, and economic crises. In a 1,000-1,500-word essay please identify what you believe will be the biggest challenge to face the Foreign Service in the future. The essay will describe this challenge and clearly define how American diplomats can help mitigate it.

Successful essays will use past or current diplomatic efforts to support what you believe to be the best course of action to tackle this obstacle.

For more information on Essay Contest Rules and Guidance please visit this page . For additional resources and to view the 2024 Study Guide please visit this page .

AFSA Announces the Winner of the 2023 High School Essay Contest

high school senior essay contest

The American Foreign Service Association’s national high school essay contest completed its twenty-third year with over 400 submissions from 44 states.

Three randomized rounds of judging produced this year’s winner, Justin Ahn, a junior from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In his essay, “Mending Bridges: US-Vietnam Reconciliation from 1995 to Today,” Justin focuses on the successful reconciliation efforts by the Foreign Service in transforming US-Vietnam relations from post-war tension to close economic and strategic partnership.

Justin traveled to Washington in AUgust 2023, where he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He also received a full tuition scholarship to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Niccolo Duina was this year’s runner-up. He is a senior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Niccolo attended the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference in summer 2023.

There were eight honorable mentions:

  • Santiago Castro-Luna – Chevy Chase, Maryland
  • Dante Chittenden – Grimes, Iowa
  • Merle Hezel – Denver, Colorado
  • Adarsh Khullar – Villa Hills, Kentucky
  • Nicholas Nall – Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Ashwin Telang – West Windsor, New Jersey
  • Himani Yarlagadda – Northville, Michigan
  • Sophia Zhang – San Jose, California

Congratulations! We thank all students and teachers who took the time to research and become globally engaged citizens who care about diplomacy, development, and peacebuilding.

If you are not graduating this year, please consider submitting another essay for next year’s contest. The new prompt will be published in fall 2023.

PRIVACY POLICY:

AFSA collects your information for this contest and for AFSA partners. You may be signed up to receive updates or information from AFSA and our partners. You will receive confirmation from AFSA that your submission has been received and a notification if you are the winner or an honorable mention in June . You may also receive a message from our sponsor regarding their program offerings.

PLEASE NOTE:

high school senior essay contest

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school. Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted. Previous first-place winners and immediate relatives of directors or staff of AFSA, NLSC and Semester at Sea are not eligible to participate. Previous honorable mention recipients are eligible to enter. $2,500 to the writer of the winning essay, in addition to an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital from anywhere in the U.S. for the winner and his or her parents, and an all-expense paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea.

The winner's school also receives a donation of 10 copies of AFSA's Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work

high school senior essay contest

The Fund for American Diplomacy is AFSA's 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports AFSA’s outreach goals. AFSA National High School Essay contest is AFSA’s main outreach initiative to high school students. We appreciate your willingness to contribute. Rest assured that your contribution will be put to good use. Donations to the FAD are fully tax deductible.

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  • February 24, 2023

10 Writing Competitions for High School Students in 2023-2024

Are you a high school student who likes to write here are ten writing competitions for high school students in 2023-2024..

high school senior essay contest

Are you an aspiring novelist, a hobby writer, or a burgeoning poet? Have you tried your hand at nonfiction essays or playwriting? If so, you might be a great candidate for a national, regional, or state writing competition for high school students. Although specifics of each competition vary widely, these are usually great opportunities to showcase your talents, win some scholarship money, and buff up your writer’s resume. You might even get the chance to publish your work in a major journal or literary magazine or gain a mentor.

Here are ten writing competitions with deadlines during the 2023-2024 school year that you can start preparing yourself for right now. While most of these competitions are only for U.S. citizens, some are open to international students as well. Check each competition’s webpage for more information.

YoungArts Competitions for High School Students

Genres: Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual

Arts, Voice, Writing

Award: Up to $10,000 and national recognition

Eligibility: US citizens and permanent resident/green card recipients in grades 10-12 or

15-18 years of age on December 1, 2023

Fee: $35 (waivers available)

Deadline: October 15, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST

YoungArts is one of the most prestigious artistic competitions in the country, encompassing a wide variety of disciplines and forms. Through this competition, the National YoungArts Foundation identifies the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts, and provides them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers.

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Genres: Nonfiction, Novel, Play or Script, Poetry, Short Story, Spoken Word

Award: Up to $12,500 and national, state, and/or regional recognition

Eligibility: Grade 7-12 or 13+ years old

Fee: $7 per individual, $25 per portfolio (waivers available)

Deadline: December 2023/January 2024 (depends on region)

The Awards give students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. All entries are considered for Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention, American Voices Nominee, and American Visions Nominee awards. These are presented to students along with celebration ceremonies and exhibitions in each region.

The American Foreign Services Association Essay Contest

Genres: Nonfiction

Award: Up to $2,500 and an all-expense paid educational voyage courtesy of

Semester at Sea; runner-up received $1,250 and a full scholarship to attend

the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership

Eligibility: U.S. citizens in grades 9-12 whose parents are not in the Foreign Service

Deadline: April 3, 2023

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)’s National High School Essay Contest encourages students to think about how and why the United States engages globally to build peace, and about the role that diplomacy plays in advancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

This year, students are asked to explore a topic that touches upon this important history and sheds light on how vital it is for America to have a robust professional corps focused on diplomacy, development, and peace in the national interest.

VFW Voice of Democracy

Award: Up to $35,000 in scholarships

Eligibility: U.S. Citizens in grades 9-12

Deadline: October 31, 2023 (TBD)

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post.

Bennington Young Writers Awards

Genres: Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry

Award: Up to $1,000 and potential scholarships at Bennington College up to $60,00

Eligibility: U.S. and international students in grades 9-12

Deadline: November 1, 2023 (TBD)

Bennington launched the Young Writers Awards to promote excellence in writing at the high school level. All entries must be original work reviewed, approved, and sponsored by a high school teacher. Winners’ works will be published on Bennington’s website.

Atlas Shrugged – Essay Contest

Award: First prize: $10,000; 3 second prizes: $2,000; 5 third prizes: $1,000; 25

finalists: $100; 50 semifinalists: $50

Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students

Deadline: November 6, 2023

The Atlas Shrugged novel essay contest is open to all students globally. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Choose a prompt and write an 800-1,600 word essay. The Ayn Rand Insititute holds two other contests covering Rand’s work with deadlines in Spring 2023.

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

Genres: Poetry

Award: Scholarships to Young Writers Workshop, publication

Eligibility: Grades 10 & 11

Deadline: November 1-30, 2023 (TBD)

Hosted annually by the Kenyon Review, the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize was created in 2007 to recognize outstanding young poets. The Kenyon Review also hosts a Short Fiction and Short Nonfiction competition yearly for a wide variety of authors.

Center for Environmental Literacy — River of Words

Award: Recognition and publication

Eligibility: Grades K-12 and/or ages 5-19

Deadline: December 2023/February 2024 (TBD)

River of Words® (ROW) is a program of The Center for Environmental Literacy and a part of the Kalmanovitz School of Education. Acknowledged pioneers in the field of place-based education, River of Words has been inspiring educators and their students for over twenty-five years with an innovative blend of science and the arts. This free, annual, international youth poetry and art contest — the largest in the world — inspires children ages 5 to 19 to translate their observations into creative expression.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Award: Up to $10,000

Eligibility: U.S. citizens in grades 9-12

Deadline: January 2024 (TBD)

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage . This is a great fit for any student interested in government, politics, or history.

The Concord Review

Genres: Nonfiction, historical research

Award: Publication and potential to win The Emerson Prize

Eligibility: Work completed while you were a high school student

Deadline: Rolling basis

The Concord Review was founded in March 1987 to recognize and publish exemplary history essays by high school students in the English-speaking world. Although this is not a traditional writing competition, it offers students the opportunity to publish their historical research and gain recognition throughout the academic year. Outstanding submissions may even receive the Emerson Prize, an award named after essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. The entry fee is steeper than most, but it comes with a year-long subscription to The Concord Review.

What are you waiting for? Polish your submissions and share your work today!

If you’re looking for help editing your scholarship applications or general college admissions consulting , don’t hesitate to set up a free consultation today.

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Essay Scholarships offer students an opportunity to stand out based on their writing. You are evaluated by how you put your thoughts on paper and not on your GPA or community service. The essay competition represents an opportunity for creative students, those with good ideas and those capable of in depth research to stand out.

Missed the deadline? Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter and get scholarship information delivered directly to you (click this link) .  

Deadlines change, please check the sponsor’s website for specific dates.

Cancer Survivor Scholarship - This program is no longer being offered. Deadlines varies by state The American Cancer Society has many local divisions that ask cancer survivors to write essays about their experiences.

AES Engineering Solutions Scholarship Deadline is in early October AES Engineering offers scholarships to students to help them pay for their education. Students will be judged on their essay.

Williams-Mystic Essay Contest in Honor of Joseph Conrad Deadline is in mid October Create an essay about the ocean or any major body of water (fiction or nonfiction) using 1000 to 5000 words and submit it for consideration. The essay can be a great story or it can deal with the environment, political activism, history or nature.

Bennington Young Writers Competition Deadline is in early November High school students in grades 10 through 12 can submit their writing to the Bennington Young Writers Competition.  Over 2000 students have submitted poetry, fiction and nonfiction in past years to be eligible for the $500 first place prize and the $250 second place awards.

Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Deadline is in early November Can you write? Do you have strong opinions about certain subjects?  The Voice of Democracy Program is an audio essay contest for students in grades 9 through 12.  If you are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories you are eligible to participate.

First Freedom Student Competition Deadline is in mid November The First Freedom Student Competition is open to 9th to 12th grade high school students. You are required to submit an essay or video commenting on the history and current-day relevance of religious freedom in our country.

Americanism Essay Contest Deadline is in early December The Fleet Reserve Association Essay Contest asks 7th through 12th grade students to write an essay up to 350 words on a different topic every year. The best essay will get a prize of a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, with $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 Savings Bonds awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each grade category. All regional winners are judged at the national level and receive a certificate of recognition.

Being an American Essay - This program is no longer being offered. Deadline is in mid December In 1000 words or less, you need to answer the question: How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?

Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Deadline is in mid December  The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors high school athletes who engaged in leadership activities in their communities.

To compete you need to answer three essay questions (between 200 and 350 words each) and obtain two non-family recommendations.

George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest Deadline is in late December  To participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest you must do research and write an essay that deals with: an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution.

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Deadline is in late December  An $850 educational scholarship will be awarded annually to the authors of the top Apprentice Ecologist essay in the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™. This tax-free and merit-based scholarship is available to any full or part-time student (aged 13 to 21) who is a candidate for a degree/diploma at a primary, secondary, or accredited post-secondary educational institution from any country around the world.

Profile in Courage Essay Contest Deadline is in early January  Students are asked to write a Profile in Courage, an essay of no more than 1,000 words about an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956, the publication date of Profiles in Courage.  The official may have addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level.

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program Deadline is in early January GE has created a scholarship program to award 20 students a year a $10,000 renewal scholarship (the maximum scholarship is $40,000).

Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Awards Deadline is in mid January In order to compete in the Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Awards, students are asked to write a one-page essay indicating why they are interested in a career in government service.  Include in the essay any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware.

National MS Society Scholarship Program Deadline is in mid January The National MS Society Scholarship Program was established to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college.

American Mensa Educational & Research Foundation Scholarship Deadline is in mid January If you’re looking for a college scholarship that is based solely on your ability to write here it is. The American Mensa Education & Research Foundation college scholarship program is based on essays written by you, no grades, academic programs or financial need issues are considered.

Union Plus Scholarship Deadline is in late January The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. To be eligible you must the child of a union member or a union member.

DuPont Challenge Science Essay Deadline is in late January The DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition encourages students in grades 7 through 12 to express their enthusiasm for science by writing an essay. The essay must be at least 700 words and no more than 1000 words and it must be submitted online.

National Peace Essay Contest Deadline is in early February The Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding runs the National Peace Essay Contest. They believe that questions about peace, justice, freedom, and security are vital to civic education. Over 1,100 students submit entries to the essay contest annually.

Optimist International Essay Contest Deadline: Varies by district The Optimist International Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International. You must enter the contest through your local Optimist Club (each club has their own deadlines, however, all club contest are done by early February).

National Co-op Scholarship Program Deadline is in mid February Several colleges that provide cooperative education for their students are participating in the National CO-OP Scholarship . They are offering over 100 scholarships ranging up to $30,000 ($6,000 per year up to 5 years).

AFA Teens College Scholarship Deadline is in mid February The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), a national nonprofit organization, has established a college scholarship to encourage teens to express their thoughts about Alzheimer’s disease and to engage the younger generation in this cause.

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship Deadline is in mid February The $5,000 Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship is awarded to two high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.

Spirit of Anne Frank Awards Deadline is in early March The Anne Frank Center is looking for high school seniors that have played a leadership role in their community. The Spirit of Anne Frank Award will go to a student who has exhibited some of the principles and ideals of Anne Frank.

EngineerGirl! Food Engineering Essay Deadline is in early March Every year the EngineerGirl Essay Contest asks boys and girls to write an essay about a different subject. The competition is run by the National Academy of Engineering.

Kaplun Essay Contest Deadline is in early March The Kaplun Essay Contest is broken up into two levels. Level 1 is for 7th through 9th graders, they get one essay. Level 2 - Is for 10th through 12th graders, they get another essay.

Society of Professional Journalists Freedom of the Press High School Essay Contest Deadline is in late February The Society of Professional Journalists believes that the American people need to understand and be informed about the issues in order to make decisions that impact their lives. Journalists provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and understandable manner.

Young Naturalist Awards Deadline is in early March The Young Naturalist Award is a research-based science competition for students in grades 7-12 to promote participation and communication in science. The student needs to plan and conduct a scientific investigation, one that will include observations, questions, predictions, trips into the field to gather data, and analysis.

DNA Day Essay Contest Deadline is in mid March The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) sponsors Annual DNA Day Essay Contest.  Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate.  The contest asks students to think about the important concepts of genetics.

Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award Competition - This program is no longer being offered. Deadline is in mid March The Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award is a writing contest for juniors and seniors made in memory of Sylvia K. Burack, an editor and publisher of The Writer magazine.

PFLAG National Scholarship Program Deadline is in mid March The PFLAG National Scholarship Program is sponsored by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) a national non-profit organization. In addition to the National Scholarship Program, there are many local programs, see below for more information.

Ayn Rand Institute "Anthem" Essay Contest Deadline is in mid March Anthem is a short novel written by Ayn Rand.  It takes place in the future when the world has entered a dark age.  Written in pre-war (1937) England, it talks about a period of time when the concept of individuality no longer exists and the word "I" has disappeared from the language.

Youth Scholarship Program Deadline is in late March The Electronic Security Association maintains the Youth Scholarship Program, which will award scholarships to two children of active-duty police officers and firefighters. The first place winner will receive $7,500 to put toward their college education and the second place winner will receive $2,500. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, extracurricular participation and an essay titled, “What it means to me to have my parent or guardian involved in securing our community.”

American Foreign Service Association - National High School Essay Contest Deadline is in mid April The American Foreign Service Association has an essay competition open to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders who are required to write an essay of 1000 to 1250 words.  

Signet Classics Student Essay Contest Deadline is in mid April Read a Signet Classic and write an essay. Each English teacher can only submit one junior and one senior essay.  See the Penguin Books Website for more details about how the essays must be submitted.  Students must be between the ages of 16-18.

Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest Deadline is in mid April The Holocaust Remembrance Project is a writing contest about the Holocaust.  Participants should study the holocaust and then, in an essay of no more than 1,200 words: (a) analyze why it is so vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to a new generation; and (b) suggest what they, as students, can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today.

Toby Nussbaum Contest Jewish Heritage- Writing Contest Deadline is in early May To celebrate Jewish Heritage Week the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York is sponsoring The Toby Nussbaum Jewish Heritage Writing Contest for students in the New York City school system.  To enter you must write 250 to 300 words about the current year's theme.

NPG Essay Scholarship Contest Deadline is in mid April Negative Population Growth (NPG) is a national membership organization whose goal is to educate the American public and political leaders about the detrimental effects of overpopulation on our environment, resources and quality of life.  One of the ways they do this is with their Annual Scholarship Contest.

Ayn Rand Institute "Fountainhead" Essay Contest Deadline is in late April The Fountainhead is a novel written in 1943 by Ayn Rand. It was an early literary success for her.  Over 6.5 million copies of the book have been sold worldwide.

It is the story of Howard Roark, is a young architect who acts on principal and works in obscurity rather than changing his artistic and personal vision.  His fight is to practice modern architecture as opposed to more traditional work.  More information about the essay contest can be found on the Ayn Rand Institute Website.  Submitted essays must be no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words.

Young Native Writers Essay Contest Deadline is in late April The Young Native Writers Essay Contest is open to Native American high school students with a relationship with a Native American tribal community.

Skandalaris Family Foundation Scholarship Deadline is in early May The Skandalaris Family Foundation is an independent, non-profit foundation that awards scholarships to students characterized by their special talents, leadership skills, unselfish ways, strong values, and commitment to excellence. The majority of their scholarships will be granted to residents of the State of Michigan, but the scholarship is not limited to Michigan residents.

We the Living Essay Contest - This program is no longer being offered. Deadline is in early May The essay contest asks high school students in the 10th through 12th grade to write about the book in an essay of 700 to 1500 words.

BP Community Scholarship Program Deadline is in mid May The BP Scholarship Program is sponsored by BP employees and dealers in the New York and New Jersey area.

James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program Deadline is in mid May Whether you’re interested in baking, pastry, culinary arts or some other aspect of food or hospitality management, the James Beard Foundation School Scholarships may be for you.  Fourteen US and international schools are participating in this culinary scholarship and each program is somewhat different in both the amount of tuition waiver and what programs of study are eligible.

JASNA Essay Contest Deadline is in mid May The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest celebrates the life and work of the author. Students at the high school, college and even graduate level are encouraged to enter. This essay contest is open to students worldwide.

Dream Deferred Essay Contest Deadline is in late May The Dream Deferred Essay Contest was inspired by a 1951 Langston Hughes poem, What happens to a dream deferred? Just as the Langston Hughes poem helped inspire the civil rights movement, the contest sponsors feel that essay contest will also be regarded as an opportunity for American and Middle Eastern youth to unite over the issue of advancing civil liberties in the Middle East.

Samsung Techwin America Scholarship - This program is no longer being offered. Deadline is in mid May The Samsung Techwin America Scholarship is for high school students. To enter applicants must submit a 300 word essay on: How will technology enable the collaboration process in the future?

Big Dig Scholarship - This program is no longer being offered. Deadline is in early June Make your grandchildren rich, at least in theory.  This essay scholarship asks you imagine that you could bury something in your backyard that would make your heirs wealthy.

Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship Deadline is in late June The Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship is for high school seniors and college students with an interest in the automotive field and financial need. In addition to the eligibility requirements listed below, you need to write an essay describing your career goals and objectives for the next five years.

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10 Essay Scholarships For High School Seniors To Apply

Are you a high school senior who loves to put pen to paper? Do you dream of being the next J.K. Rowling or Ernest Hemingway? Well, get ready to grab your writing utensils, because we’ve got some fantastic news for you! 

There are numerous essay scholarships available exclusively for high school seniors. That’s right, you could earn money for college just by showcasing your writing skills. From creative writing to persuasive essays, the possibilities are endless. So, if you’ve got a way with words and a desire to earn some cash for college, it’s time to get cracking on those scholarship applications. Who knows, your writing could be the ticket to your college education and your future success!

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

1. afsa high school essay contest.

Are you a high school student with a passion for international affairs? Do you love to express your thoughts through writing? Then the AFSA Essay Contest is perfect for you! This scholarship challenges high schoolers to write an essay on a selected topic related to American foreign policy and global issues. Whether you’re interested in politics, economics, or human rights, this contest is an excellent opportunity to showcase your knowledge and writing skills.

The winners will receive a cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. to meet with government officials and tour international landmarks. Plus, it’s a chance to meet other talented young writers and make lasting connections. So, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to share your voice and earn some scholarship money!

2. Interface “Tech for Good” Scholarship 

If you’re a tech enthusiast and have a passion for making a positive impact in the world, then the Tech for Good Scholarship is perfect for you! Interface Systems is offering a one-time grant of $5,000 to a high school senior or college student who can write an outstanding essay on the topic of how technology can be used for the greater good of humanity.

You can explore topics like sustainability, accessibility, social justice, healthcare, and education. The essay should be no more than 750 words and demonstrate your passion for both technology and making a positive impact in society. So, if you have some big ideas for how technology can be used to make the world a better place, then this scholarship is an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity and passion!

3. WCF National Scholarship 

Do you have a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to make a difference in the world? The WCF National Scholarship Competition is just for you! This essay scholarship is open to high school seniors and college undergraduates who have innovative business ideas and want to create a positive impact. The winner of the competition will receive a $20,000 scholarship to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

The application requires you to submit a business proposal outlining your idea, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. So, put on your thinking cap and let your creativity run wild! Who knows, you might just be the next big thing in the world of entrepreneurship.

4. AEL Collegiate Essay Competition Scholarship

Are you passionate about education and leadership? Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? If yes, then Pepperdine University’s Aspiring Education Leaders (AEL) scholarship program might be just for you! This scholarship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in education leadership and who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The AEL scholarship provides selected candidates with financial assistance to attend Pepperdine’s prestigious Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where they will receive exceptional training and mentorship from experienced educators and leaders.  Just submit an essay with a word count between 1,500 and 2,000. The winners get three $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 essay prizes. If you have a strong passion for education, leadership, and community service, this scholarship could be an excellent opportunity to help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world. 

5. America’s 911 Foundation College Scholarship  

Are you passionate about serving your community and helping others? America’s 911 Foundation is offering a scholarship that aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and patriotism. To apply, students are asked to write a 500-word essay on a given topic related to the 9/11 attacks and how they have affected their lives and worldview. The foundation awards scholarships to multiple students each year, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

This scholarship is a great opportunity for students to not only receive financial support for their education but also to reflect on the impact of one of the most significant events in American history. If you’re a student who is passionate about making a positive difference in the world and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11, this scholarship is for you!

6. Life Lessons Scholarship Program  

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it throws unexpected events our way. To raise awareness about the importance of life insurance, Life Happens has created the Life Lessons Scholarship Program. This scholarship aims to support students who have faced a loss due to the death of a parent or guardian who did not have life insurance.

By sharing their experiences and lessons learned, applicants can win a scholarship of up to $15,000 to help them achieve their academic goals. It’s an opportunity to transform a difficult experience into a source of motivation and inspiration. So, if life has dealt you a tough hand, use your story to win this scholarship and show the world that you can turn a tragedy into a powerful life lesson.

7. Arts for Life Scholarship  

Are you a high school senior in Florida with a passion for the arts? Look no further! The Arts for Life Scholarship is here to help fund your future artistic endeavors. All you need to do is submit an original piece of art, along with a written essay on how the arts have impacted your life, for a chance to win up to $3,000 in scholarship money.

The scholarship is open to all graduating high school seniors in Florida who plan to pursue further education in the arts. So, whether you’re a painter, dancer, musician, or something in between, let your creativity soar and apply for this unique scholarship opportunity!

8. DAR Good Citizen Scholarship 

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest was created in 1934 with an aim to reward students who have the qualities of a good citizen, specifically for students who have demonstrated qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

In the first stage, the eligible students are selected by teachers and peers. The student does not have to be a US citizen but accredited with their state board of education to be eligible for this award. The DAR awards one student per year.

9. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship  

The Maxwell Scholarship was created to help Washington high school seniors who want to pursue higher education in colleges of their choice. The Foundation provides students entering a four-year private college program throughout the academic year with the financial aid of up to $5,000 each year.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students have to be a resident of Western Washington, have an SAT or ACT score of 1200 or above, pursue a four-year degree at a recognized private university in the United States, and demonstrate financial need.

10. Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Scholarship  

Looking for a scholarship that will test your writing skills and reward you for your creativity and knowledge? The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has you covered with their youth scholarship program. Open to high school students, the VFW scholarship program challenges you to write an essay on a patriotic theme.

From exploring the meaning of the U.S. Constitution to discussing the importance of American democracy, this scholarship gives you the opportunity to express your ideas and learn about American history and values. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a chance to win some cash for college! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to show off your writing skills and love for the country.

What kind of essays do scholarships want?

Experts caution that writing an essay for a scholarship is different from writing an essay for a high school class. There are thousands of candidates each year, making it an extremely difficult process to submit an essay for a scholarship. Students will have to make sure to write an essay that convinces the scholarship program board that they deserve the money up for grabs, as many scholarship applications call for one. 

From mechanical engineering scholarships to environmental scholarships to even scholarships for nursing , different scholarships have different formats and word limits, the first thing to keep in mind while submitting an essay is to adhere to the format as specified by the scholarship. It is essential to keep your essay within the allotted word count and make sure you are responding to the question that has been posed. Even though the essay prompt appears to be somewhat open-ended, your essay should nonetheless have a distinct beginning, middle, and end.

In essays and scholarship applications, students frequently feel pressure to present a particular persona or aspect of themselves. However, this is not always required. The essay should feel real and true to the student’s life. Above all, what the scholarship essay seeks is for the essay to stand out in a sea of academic writings by providing genuine insights into who the candidate is on a deeper level.

In conclusion, scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for students to fund their education and pursue their dreams. It’s essential to keep in mind that scholarship committees are looking for applicants who stand out, who have a unique perspective, and who are willing to put in the effort to craft a well-written and thoughtful essay.

So take the time to research the scholarships you’re interested in, brainstorm ideas, and write a compelling essay that showcases your strengths, passions, and achievements. Remember, your essay is your chance to make a lasting impression and persuade the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the award.

So go ahead, put pen to paper, and show the world what makes you extraordinary! However, if you wish to go for a scholarship without an essay too, a non-essay scholarship should work fine for you!

high school senior essay contest

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

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CNTA

Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness

High School Essay Contest

The contest.

The purpose of the CNTA Essay Contest is to promote a better understanding of nuclear technology among high school students. It also provides an incentive for the development of written communication skills that are vital to continued success in education and in the workforce. 

In CNTA’s annual essay contest, area high schoolers have a chance to win up to $1,000. W e plan to award up to 10 winners. Prize amount will range from $500 to $1,000. All winners are recognized in news releases and at a CNTA event.

Over the course of the Essay Contest program, CNTA has awarded over $90,000 to deserving students. 

high school senior essay contest

Application Process

The complete entry package with detailed information is available below. Essays & a completed Entry Form in the packet must be returned to CNTA for consideration.

Deadline: February 29, 2024

Complete Entry Form Packet for 2024 Essay Contest

Eligibility

  • Must be a high school junior or senior enrolled at a school in one of these counties (including homeschool):  Aiken (SC),  Allendale (SC),  Barnwell (SC),   Burke (GA),  Columbia (GA), or Richmond (GA).
  • Each contestant must prepare his or her own essay about one of the listed topics.

Contestants must submit one (1) copy of their essay in its final form to the Contest Director by the due date of February 29, 2024. Each essay must be accompanied by an Official Student Entry Form. No faxed copies will be accepted, please email them.

Contest Criteria

Submit a 1,000-1,500 word essay on one of three topics. The 2024 topics are:

  • As climate change continues to impact our lives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical. Compare and contrast lifetime greenhouse gas emissions from nuclear power plants and other energy sources.  
  • Isotopes are commonly used for medical procedures and diagnostics. Choose at least 2 isotopes and discuss how they are sourced and used in medical applications.
  • When people land on Mars, they will need energy sources to survive. Discuss how nuclear technology can be used to get to and live on Mars.

The effort involves researching a topic and preparing an essay on the subject. CNTA has books and other reference materials that may be of help to student applicants. Outside sources are welcome, but must be cited appropriately.

The competition is judged by volunteer members of CNTA.

2023 Winners and Essays

The $1,000 winner was:.

high school senior essay contest

Kaeleigh Seigler

Aiken scholars academy.

Nuclear Technology in Medicine

The two $750 Winners were:

high school senior essay contest

Alya Akhtar

Lakeside high school.

Nuclear Technology Revolutionizing Today and Tomorrow’s Medicine

high school senior essay contest

Monica Burns

Richmond county technical career magnet school.

Nuclear Technology in the Medical Industry

The seven $500 winners were:

  • Blaise Bell, Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School, for “How Nuclear Technology has improved the Medical Field”
  • Paige Dayton, South Carolina Governor’s School, for “Nuclear Science in Medicine”
  • Treshon Hinkins, Lucy C. Laney High School, for “Impact of Nuclear Technology on Medicine”
  • John Ledbetter, South Aiken High School, for “Clean Energy Sources and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions”
  • Kaitlyn Redd, Williston Elko High School, for “Nuclear Technology in the Medical Field”
  • Maria Reyes, Mead Hall Episcopal School, for “Nuclear Medicine and How it Saves Lives”
  • Alan Sairany, Greenbrier High School, for “The Impacts and Implications of Nuclear Energy on Emerging Technologies”

Click here to see a list of previous winners. 

 High School Foreign Service Association

HSFSA Essay Contest

The HSFSA is working with the American Foreign Service Association to provide a free essay contest to help high school students prepare for AFSA's National High School Essay Contest .

Having the same policies, the same judges, and a similar topic structure, this contest provides the perfect opportunity for students to master the ways to success in the main contest.

Winners Announced!

The High School Foreign Service Association would like to thank all students who participated in the organization's first essay contest! The judges were impressed by the quality and diversity of the submissions. All participants received their judge scoring sheet, which gave specific comments and scores regarding the quality of the submission as well as offering advice for improvement. The top 15 students also took part in a feedback webinar, learning about how to approach diplomacy-themed essays, how to structure their work and research, and much more.

We would like to congratulate:

Owen Wu from Walton High School for receiving 1st place

Olivia Schwab from Oswego East High School for receiving 2nd place

We would also like to give special recognition to the HSFSA chapter at Arroyo High School for having the greatest number of participants originating from a single school.

The HSFSA would like to express gratitude to the American Foreign Service Association for its assistance with judging, sponsoring, and organizing the essay contest, and we look forward to conducting more essay contests in the future.

Contest Info

  • $200 gift card
  • A copy of Inside a U.S. Embassy , signed by Ambassador Eric Rubin - the President of the American Foreign Service Association
  • $100 gift card
  • Judge feedback webinar - speak to the judges to learn how to improve your essay for the main contest!

Prizes are the courtesy of the American Foreign Service Association.

Contest Dates

Submissions open: October 13, 2022 (10:00 AM ET)

Submissions closed: November 6, 2022 (11:59 PM ET)

Results annnounced: November 21, 2022 (10:00 AM ET)

Eligibility

Participants must be students enrolled in grades 9-12 in a U.S. high school or an equivalent.

It is not required for a student to be part of an HSFSA chapter or any other organization to participate.

Participation is completely free.

Contest Rules

Topic: Select one form of diplomacy (i.e. economic, cultural, public, etc.) and discuss how it has evolved in the past 100 years. Feel free to select a country or region to use as an example or case study.

Length: Your essay should be no shorter than 500 and no longer than 750 words (not including the title and sources)

Sources: Standards of content and style from current edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers will be expected for (1) documentation of sources in the text of your essay; (2) the format of the list of works cited; and (3) margins and indentation. A bibliography following the MLA Handbook must be included.

Fill out the submission form below. All fields on the online form are required, including uploading a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) file of your original work with a title, in English which should include a comprehensive list of sources consulted. Entries must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or an equivalent font with a one-inch margin on all sides of the page. It is advised that you have your teacher/sponsor review your essay before submitting it.

Additional Resources

Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma

Our Senior Essay Contest was established in 1966 to provide our graduating students an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on current events. This contest is open to any senior currently enrolled in an Oklahoma Public School. Local 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Men’s and Women’s Division will receive a certificate. State winners receive a cash prize and the funds are for the winners to spend as they wish! Each year our Education Committee spends a great deal of time perusing topics to choose one they believe will challenge our seniors to think about the impacts of culture on our every day lives. This is another way for our local lodges to honor graduating seniors and engage with the local community while steadfastly to their commitment to education.

The 2023-2024 SENIOR ESSAY topic is : Social media brings us together and pulls us apart; Do you believe that the good outweighs the bad or vice versa?

Requirements

  • Any high school senior attending an Oklahoma public school may enter. Only one entry per student is allowed.
  • Essays must be submitted online, in doc, pdf or google doc. No other forms of submission will be accepted.
  • The deadline for submission is October 31, 2023  and the form for submission is linked below.
  • Essays must be the student’s original work.
  • The essay must be 1000-1250  and included a bibliography page listing all referenced materials (books, articles, internet sources, etc.) in a generally accepted format. It must be attached to the same document.
  • The Bibliography does not count towards your word count.  Essays that don’t meet the 1000-1250 word count will be disqualified.
  • Essays must be submitted in English, double spaced, with a non-script font size 12. Handwritten essays will not be accepted.
  • Essays will be professionally judged based on adherence to the assigned topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, and neatness.
  • Entries become the property of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma and will not be returned.

If your students are using school issued devices (ie Chromebooks) and are experiencing trouble uploading documents or accessing the form please contact that office at either [email protected] or (405) 348-7500

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY 

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Women’s 13th Annual High School senior essay contest open

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, and the Virginia Council on Women are holding the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare essay contest and encourage female high school students to enter.  

“These scholarships are important investments into the futures of women seeking a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and healthcare fields. The First Lady and I cannot be more excited for these Virginians’ bright futures as they progress in their careers and develop as leaders,” said Youngkin. 

“The Virginia Council on Women’s STEAM-H scholarship can open doors for young women interested in a career in science, technology, engineering arts, math, or healthcare as they pursue their dreams and further their education. I encourage all interested high school students to learn more and apply for this scholarship,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera.  

“This empowering opportunity encourages young women across Virginia to pursue their dream careers,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee. “I am proud to work with the Virginia Council on Women to ensure the STEAM-H Essay Contest continues to make a positive difference in our Commonwealth.” 

In 2012, the Virginia Council on Women held the first STEM Essay Contest to award scholarships to high school students who want to pursue a STEM career. The Council has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships during the twelve years the contest has been held. The STEM Essay contest has expanded to the STEAM-H contest to encompass more career opportunities for women and assist them in scholarship opportunities. 

“With the essay contest entering its thirteenth year, the Council on Women continues to be thankful that we can assist bright minds in every corner of the Commonwealth as they move forward on their STEAM-H journeys,” said Ashley Marshall, Chair of the Virginia Council on Women. “As a Council, each and every member is dedicated to helping women reach their full potential and make their full contribution to society and the Commonwealth. This essay contest, and its support by Governor Youngkin and First Lady Youngkin, is an important way for the Council to be able to continue that work and to lift up women across Virginia.” 

The Council will award scholarships to qualifying high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online, and/or through certificated STEAM-H oriented courses.

The 13th annual contest will award one merit-based and one need-based scholarship in each of five geographic regions across the Commonwealth. Merit-based scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of the essay submitted. Need-based scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of the essay submitted and the individual’s self-identified financial need. Award amounts may vary and are determined by the Council annually.  

The contest is open to Virginia women in their senior year of high school who hold at least a 3.0 GPA for the merit-based awards and a 2.5 GPA for the need-based scholarships. Applications and guidelines are available online  here . 

Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 1. Essays will be judged by a panel of Council members and individuals who represent STEAM-H fields. Winners will be notified in late April, and the scholarship awards will be presented in the spring.  

The purpose of the Virginia Council on Women is to identify ways in which women can reach their full potential and make their full contribution to society and the Commonwealth. The Council has initiated several projects to meet this goal, including the annual STEAM-H Essay Contest for high school seniors. Find additional information about the Council and available sponsorship opportunities at www.women.virginia.gov .

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Voice of Democracy: Polson senior pens winning state essay, heads to D.C.

Polson senior Isabel Seeley won the state award for the VFW's annual Voice of Democracy contest. Her winning essay, titled "Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy," earns her a trip to Washington, D.C., in March. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)

In an essay that captured first place in the statewide Voice of Democracy contest, Polson High senior Isabel Seeley explores the nation’s foundation, concluding that willingness to participate in our democracy is essential to our future.

“If there is no respect for a country, the country will lose its respect for the people,” she writes. “Therefore, we must embrace and celebrate our democratic culture by participating in debates, voting in elections, and stimulating the economy. With the foundation of dedicated citizens, our country is held strong: united by a common desire to succeed and prosper.”

Seeley, who travels to Washington, D.C., March 2-6 for the national Voice of Democracy contest, says last year’s U.S. History class and this year’s Government class helped her tackle the topic: “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?”

For her, a crucial attribute is the opportunity the Founding Fathers established for citizens to have a voice in government through voting. “Although one vote may feel like a measly penny against the millions of other votes being cast in this country, it holds the power to create laws, elect representatives, and change the nation for the better,” she writes.

She also perceives our divergent views as a strength. “Democratic people have an inherent tendency for civil disagreement, but fortunately, dispute is vital for the growth and sustenance of a country,” she writes.

As an example, she points to a group of her peers from across the state who filed a so-far successful lawsuit on behalf of their right to a clean and healthful environment that’s enshrined in Montana’s constitution.

“This case stood out to me because it exemplifies democracy and shows that anyone, with the right ideas and resources, has the ability to influence the policies that govern our society, no matter their age, race, or religion,” she writes. “Our democracy flourishes because of citizens who are motivated to do what is best to protect the people’s lives and well beings.”

After writing her essay, Seeley recorded herself reading it, and submitted the essay, recording and application to VFW Post 5652 in Ronan.  

Post Commander Dave Oberwegner says the Voice of Democracy program was started by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1947 in the wake of World War II. The VFW also sponsors Patriot’s Pen for middle school students.

“It’s the creativity we have to look at,” he says of judging submissions. “Because every one of them has their own heart that they put into that topic.”

For winning at the state level, Seeley received $2,000, plus $200 for winning at the district level and $150 from the local VFW Auxiliary. The contest offers a $35,000 scholarship to the national winner and other scholarships and incentives ranging from $1,000-$21,000, plus an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state winners.

According to Oberwegner, more than 27,000 students across the U.S. and beyond participated this year, and Seeley is one of 54 students who will participate in the Parade of Winners ceremony, which coincides with the annual VFW Washington Conference.

Seeley, who plans to attend Cornell University next fall, maintains a 4.0 GPA while participating in cross-country, track, band, math club and, in her spare time, ski mountaineering. She’s been named a National Merit Scholarship finalist and was recently invited to apply for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

While her essay celebrates the attributes of our democracy, Seeley says she has some concerns about its future, and our ability “to listen to each other, which I feel is something we've lost in our democracy today.”

“I think that if people stay true to their morals and their values that we'll be able to find a common ground where people can improve our country and make it better,” she said. “I think that's what we should be focusing on.”

The Parade of Winners will be live-streamed March 4 at vfw.org. To listen to Seeley read her essay, head to https://heroes.vfw.org/page/141993/action/1?locale=en-US (entire address required).

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2024 Essay Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors/Undergraduate Students

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  • Youth & Education

Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

VOD winner

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read  the rules and eligibility requirements , and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . Download and complete the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy entry form here .

The 2023-24 theme is:  "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was named the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Scotland’s speech on the theme, "Why is the Veteran Important?" won him a $35,000 college scholarship. Scotland was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee. Watch as Scotland delivered his speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriots Pen winner

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and find your sponsoring local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

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BIRD DOG FOUNDATION ANNUAL YOUTH ART CONTEST Deadline: January 15th The Bird Dog Foundation's Annual Youth Art Contest for grades K-12 is held each year and has become very popular with local students. The program is available for students of schools or home schools that are within a 75 mile radius of the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, TN. We receive hundreds of entries each year from area schools. The deadline for submissions is January 15th of each year. The Annual Art Contest Award Ceremony does not have a set annual date and will be announced after winners are chosen each year. Please check our website for updates on these dates. Links to the contest rules, guidelines, and entry forms can be found at the bottom of this page, along with a gallery of some of our winning art from previous years. To take a more in-depth look at some of our winning student artwork from previous years, go to www.birddogfoundation.shutterfly.com, click the pictures & videos tab, and select the art contest albums. BIRD DOG FOUNDATION ANNUAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST Deadline: April 15th every year The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. has established a Scholarship Fund to promote interest in hunting, wildlife conservation, the rich outdoor heritage of the United States, and other related subjects. An annual College Scholarship Essay Contest has been held for several years now. The contest was created in the hopes that it would promote interest in and education about the aforementioned subjects and also give financial aid to college-bound students. Strict adherence to the contest rules is required for a winning qualification. It is highly recommended that teachers review a student's work prior to submission in order to guide the student towards presenting the best essay possible. Please remind your students to check for grammatical errors and to follow the contest rules. First, second, and third place winners will be chosen. Winners receive a one-time scholarship payable to an accredited college or university of his or her choice upon proof of registration at that institution. Currently the 1st Place award is $2,000.00, the 2nd Place award is $1,500.00, and the 3rd Place award is $1,000.00. Links to the Essay Contest rules, guidelines, and suggested topics can be found at the bottom of this page. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The contest is open only to high school seniors (12th grade) who are preparing to enter their freshman year at an accredited college or university. Entrants must be a U.S. citizen and must either reside in Tennessee, Mississippi, or Arkansas, or be affiliated with a bird dog club, organization, or field trial association in any of the other 47 U.S. states. PRIVACY POLICY: 1) The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. does not collect website visitor information. 2) No fees are required to enter the College Scholarship Essay Contest. 3) There is no requirement for students to submit private secure information in order to enter the Essay Contest. Required information is only the entrant's full name, complete residential mailing address, email address, phone number (for alternative contact, if needed), date, and the name and address of the school they currently attend. This information should be provided on the cover sheet of their essay submission. Other information such as parents' names and mailing addresses may be asked for if the entrant's essay is selected as a winner. This information is needed in order to mail invitations and announcements regarding the Essay Contest Award Ceremony. No social security numbers will be asked for. All information provided will be kept completely confidential and will not be shared with any entity other than the Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. 4) If selected as a winner, the student gives permission to share his or her basic information (name, address, phone number) with the college or university of the student's choice for the purpose of awarding the scholarship. -ALL ABOVE EVENTS TO BE HELD AT THE NATIONAL BIRD DOG MUSEUM IN GRAND JUNCTION, TN- For more information on these annual contests and other educational programs at the National Bird Dog Museum, contact the Education Coordinator: EMAIL: [email protected] U.S. MAIL: Bird Dog Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 774, Grand Junction, TN 38039 PHONE: (731) 764-2058 Tuesday-Sunday during business hours FAX: (731) 764-3004

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Fairfield residents find roller skating opportunities at fieldhouse, body found near water tower, county extends deadline for public health director applications, mt. pleasant students show off musical skills.

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Blake Peck wins Optimist Club essay contest

Feb. 28, 2024 11:24 am

WASHINGTON — Blake Peck, a senior at Mid-Prairie High School, recently won the Optimist Club of Washington’s annual Essay Contest.

Peck was awarded First Place Medallion and a cash prize of $100 for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist International Clubs in the Iowa District. A college scholarship is available for the winner at the district level.

“Peck did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme,” Club President Gordon Olberding said. “He expressed himself well through the essay and deserved the honor of first place.”

The theme of the contest was: “Optimism: How it Connects Us.” Peck wrote about the unwavering hopefulness that spawned Mid-Prairie’s archery team.

“A dedicated and supportive mother wanted to provide her children with an opportunity to participate in archery … She attended the local school board meeting and was given permission to seek funding for a local archery team, but was offered no financial support from the school board or physical facilities at the school for the team to practice,” Peck wrote. “This determined lady wrote grants to obtain financing for equipment and found a nearby public facility that would allow a group of supervised students to practice and store their equipment. The first archery team consisted of 23 students in grades 7 through 12. Interest and enthusiasm grew. This year over 100 students in grades 5 through 12 are participating.”

Other students who entered the essay contest were Frida Romero Ramirez, Washington High School, and Elizabeth Snyder and Samuel Snyder, Richland, with the Washington Home-School Program.

The Optimist Club of Washington has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for many years and has been active in the community since 1971. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include October Community Blood Drive, assist with the Saturday Kitchen, Roadside Cleanup, sponsor of Cub Pack 242 in Washington, support to Invention Iowa and other school groups.

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Idaho high school students invited to Ninth Circuit's historic U.S. Civics Contest

I daho high school students interested in United States history and the Constitution may submit their essay or video entries to the Ninth Circuit Civics Contest.

The contest is sponsored by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. It is open to all Idaho high school students in grades nine through 12 attending public, private, charter or parochial schools. Homeschool students are also invited to apply.

This year's contest theme, "70 Years Later – The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education," asks students to dive into how this Supreme Court decision shaped the American cultural and political landscape.

Students may work individually or in groups of up to three to produce a three to five-minute video presentation or work individually to submit an essay of 500 to 1,000 words.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho will conduct the local selection process to identify Idaho's finalists for the circuit-wide competition. Local district winners in each category will receive cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third.

Contest finalists will be announced in May, and Idaho's in June. Their work will be submitted for consideration in the circuit-wide contest.

Click HERE to learn more about 2024 contest rules or to access the application. The deadline to apply is March 8.

Idaho high school students invited to Ninth Circuit's historic U.S. Civics Contest

Local Student Wins Optimist Club Essay Contest

February 29, 2024 at 5:15 p.m..

high school senior essay contest

Warsaw Community High School student Caleb Smith recently won the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club’s essay contest based on a theme of “How Optimism Connects Us.” Smith will be awarded a cash prize of $300 for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged, along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district level, according to a news release from the club. The club also recognized second-place winner Bryttin Wagoner of Lincoln Elementary and third-place winner Lynk Klinefelter of Wawasee High School, who will receive cash prizes and recognition at the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club on March 27. The club meets at the Shrine Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds with breakfast at 6:45 a.m. and the meeting is 7 to 8 a.m. Guests are welcomed. The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for four years and has been active in the community since 1958. Other programs and service projects that the club is involved in include the Oratorical Contest, which will be held March 27. The application and details for that contest can be found at warsawoptimist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Oratorical-Contest.pdf Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 80,000 adult and youth members in 2,500 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and throughout the world. Carrying the mission statement “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves,” the release states. Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than 6 million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.

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The postseason began in ideal fashion for grace’s men’s basketball team on wednesday. the naia no. 1-ranked lancers (28-1) powered past taylor by the score of 75-58 in the quarterfinals of the crossroads league tournament., during the combined board meeting on monday, warsaw community schools (wcs) announced a significant development in support of the warsaw area career center (wacc) and warsaw early learning academy (wela), the on-site child care facility for wcs staff., warsaw community high school student caleb smith recently won the warsaw breakfast optimist club’s essay contest based on a theme of “how optimism connects us.”, the magic of roald dahl's tale "matilda," will come to life on stage at the warsaw community high school's performing arts center march 15-17., making connections was one of the goals of the hirekosciusko hiring fair at zimmer biomet center lake pavilion thursday..

North Central Florida student and teacher win Florida Black History Month contests

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Celebrate Black History Month and Host...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCJB) - A student and a teacher in North Central Florida were among the winners of the State of Florida’s Black History Month contests. The students met the governor and first lady in Tallahassee and went home with valuable prizes.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a reception at the Governor’s Residence in honor of Black History Month. The winners of the student art and essay contest were announced.

FEATURED: Black History Month Minute: A. Quinn Jones

Fifth-grade student Skyla Brooks of Williston Elementary School in Levy County was one of the six winners of the essay contest. This year’s theme for the contest was “Celebrating Florida’s African American Heroes and Their Contribution to Freedom.” Winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

From Columbia County, Keisha Kimble, an exceptional education and physical education teacher for grades Pre-K through 6th grade at Richardson Sixth Grade Academy, was honored with the Excellence in Education Award. The four winners received a $2,500 monetary recognition provided by Volunteer Florida.

FEATURED: Black History Month Minute: Rev. Dr. T. A. Wright

CONGRATULATIONS Skyla Brooks!! 🎉 Skyla is 1 of 6 winners of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis essay... Posted by School Board of Levy County on  Wednesday, February 28, 2024

FEATURED: Black History Month Minute: Black Thursday at UF

“Each year, it is a privilege to welcome Florida’s students and educators to the Governor’s Residence for Black History Month,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The 2024 art and essay contest winners creatively highlighted the numerous contributions of African American Floridians to protect and champion freedom, and the Governor and I are pleased to recognize the winners for their excellent submissions.”

Student Art Contest

  • Blake Griffith, Kindergarten, River City Science Academy Innovation, Duval County
  • Vanessa Wesbur, Grade 1, Wright Elementary, Okaloosa County
  • Joy Desir, Grade 2, Sealey Elementary, Leon County
  • Jeremiah Dixon, Grade 3, Lincoln Elementary Magnet School, Hillsborough County

Student Essay Contest

  • Jeremiah Gordon, Grade 5, Homeschool, Brevard County
  • Skyla Brooks, Grade 5, Williston Elementary School, Levy County
  • Adrienne Menard, Grade 8, Miami Arts Charter School, Miami-Dade County
  • Katherine Newkirk, Grade 8, Okaloosa STEMM Academy, Okaloosa County
  • Daniel Macias, Grade 11, Miami Coral Park Senior High School, Miami-Dade County
  • Joseph Gordon II, Grade 10, Homeschool, Brevard County

Excellence in Education Award

  • Heather Bernard teaches Reading and Social Studies to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Aventura Waterways K-8 Center in Miami-Dade County
  • Alicia Gant teaches Business and AP Art to 9-12th graders at Barbara Goleman Senior High School in Miami-Dade County
  • Teresita Herrera teaches Civics to 7th graders at Shenandoah Middle Museums Magnet in Miami-Dade County
  • Keisha Kimble teaches Exceptional Education and Physical Education to grades Pre-K through 6th grade at Richardson Sixth Grade Academy in Columbia County

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Education | Northeast High School athletics club receives…

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Education | northeast high school athletics club receives anne arundel schools equity award.

high school senior essay contest

Students at Northeast High School were awarded this month an Equity in Action Award, highlighting their work giving back to the community.

The Anne Arundel County Board of Education presented the award to Northeast’s athletic leadership committee, The Captains Club, at its Feb. 21 meeting.

Since November, the board has given out a monthly award to a student or group of students who work to identify or eliminate inequities in their school and home communities. Past winners have included students like Annapolis High School senior Akil Leggett Jr.

The Captain’s Club, led by Northeast teacher and dean of students, Jesse Reiger, has been a part of many initiatives. The club recently contributed more than $250 in baby diapers and wipes to the local food pantry Caring Cupboard , providing essential support to families in need. Additionally, they created a public awareness campaign emphasizing community support in navigating mental health and addiction challenges.

“It’s 100% student-driven, our kids are rock stars,” Reiger said in an interview. “They go above and beyond for Pasadena and for Northeast. Anything that pops up where [Northeast Principal Jason] Williams is looking for student involvement, we’re one of the first groups that is reached out to.”

The group also sponsors a Hold a Door event, which encourages kindness and mutual respect. Members also maintain a practice of writing kind notes to teachers and students, which promotes inclusivity and appreciation and contributes to a supportive atmosphere.

“The Captain’s Club is a vibrant collection of dedicated young athletes who stand out for their commitment to positive change through impactful fundraising and philanthropy,” said school board Vice President Corine Frank, who represents Pasadena, where Northeast is located. “The athletes embodying a spirit of service have collectively volunteered over 100 hours advocating for wellness and mental health.”

To help enhance their school’s physical environment and create a welcoming space for everyone, the club power washes the school’s facade. Also, its sporting events not only help build a positive community but also raise awareness about cancer, aligning with the club’s commitment to social responsibility. Additionally, members serve as mentors, specifically focused on Teen Mental Health First Aid. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting holistic well-being by providing educational resources and mentorship.

“The club is involved with read-aloud sessions at local elementary schools, which fosters literacy and a love for learning for young students which is amazing,” said Frank.

There are 33 students in North East High School’s Captain’s Club along with five teacher advisers: Jesse Reiger, Melissa Leaf, Josh Alcombright, Kevin Franc and Kenneth Miller.

Captain’s Club Cabinet

Jack Schreiber – presidentMackenzie Weiland – presidentAleigha Dubroc – vice presidentRodney Sterry – vice president

Cameron Albury, Brady Blackmer, Brenner Bookhamer, Bryson Bradley, Damien Bruce, Madison Burris, Chase Buttry, Taylor Castle, Kayleigh Fyffe, Katelyn Glerum, Cecilla Hartford, Sophia Hodges, Brynn Jones, Mallory Jones, Teigan Kelly-Turner, Joseph Lawrence, Madison LeMay, Braden Lustig, Declan McClure, Jake Mierzeski, Roahn Moore, Anthony Mrozek, Dakota Patton, Madelyn Raynes, Logan Sellers, Titus Simenoa, Samuel Tetteh, Kyle Townsend, Iris Whiteman.

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Food initiative combatting hunger provides…

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Subscriber only, food initiative combatting hunger provides relief for 50 esparto households, césar chávez youth essay contest | just business.

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A research initiative to combat hunger and improve nutrition for families living in affordable housing communities and food deserts is being launched through a partnership with No Kid Hungry, Instacart and Mercy Housing.

The program includes 50 households each at two affordable housing communities in Esparto and Stockton, and 100 households at a third community in Savannah, Georgia, according to a press release.

“Through the program, 200 families across three affordable housing communities in California and Georgia are receiving ongoing nutrition benefits and nutrition education from No Kid Hungry, free Instacart+ memberships and $40 per month in Instacart Health Funds grocery stipends for a full year,” the release emphasized.

The release noted that the White House highlighted the program Tuesday while announcing new commitments from private and public sector leaders to advance the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

The program is an extension of No Kid Hungry’s multi-state Nutrition in Housing Program designed to increase food security, enrollment in and utilization of SNAP and consumption of fruits and vegetables.

“The collaboration between No Kid Hungry and Instacart builds on a longstanding partnership including previous food access and nutrition research related to families living with low incomes,” the release added.

A study published by No Kid Hungry, Instacart and the University of Kentucky examined the impact of online grocery shopping for families on tight food budgets, including those who qualify for SNAP.

“The study found that online grocery shopping helps low-income families, including SNAP households, stretch their food budgets, save time and money, reduce stress and stigma, and adopt healthy shopping habits,” the release stressed.

Woodland’s AgStart and Bayer Crop Science announced a new competition for AgriFoodTech startup companies to accelerate the commercialization of their innovations and advance innovation in our global food system.

The winner of the competition will receive fully paid access to lab space and equipment in one of the premier U.S. AgriFoodTech innovation ecosystems and connect with Bayer mentors and experts in Bayer’s global innovator network, according to a press release from AgStart.

“Bayer has been a long-time partner of our AgStart program and we’re pleased at Bayer’s support of startup innovators working to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of our global food system,” Sudhee Lakshmana, lab director of AgStart, said in a statement. “AgStart currently hosts the largest wet-lab incubator for startup companies in California’s Central Valley Region and we offer a tremendous level of equipment, resources and mentorship to help startups lower their costs in achieving their next milestone in the bench-level commercialization of their technologies. The non-dilutive funding to startups provided through this LifeHub California Golden Ticket program will further lower the costs for the winner to bring their technology to market.

The competition is open to startups from anywhere in the world in the areas of regenerative agriculture, novel crop protection and efficiency approaches, advanced breeding technologies and application of synthetic biology.

The winner will receive a year of fully paid use of lab space, shared instruments and equipment, incubation, refrigeration and other facilities at the Bayer LifeHub California @AgStart facility hosted by Agstart in Woodland.

Applications will be accepted March 1 through April 30 with the winner commencing work as early as June 1 with fully subsidized lab facilities available for a year from their starting date.

“Bayer is excited to partner with AgStart to launch our Golden Ticket program and offer critical resources to the winner of our first AgStart competition,” Phil Taylor, director of open innovation and outreach for Bayer Crop Science in St. Louis, Missouri. “As part of our open innovation ambition, we aim to find novel ways to support startups as they begin their journey towards commercialization. With this first incubation opportunity, we chose to focus on the Sacramento region as it’s a top innovation ecosystem for AgTech.”

More information about the competition and the link for startup companies to apply can be found by visiting halo.science/startup_program/lifehub-golden-ticket.

A webinar providing more information to startup companies looking to apply will be held April 4. Registration for the webinar is available at info.halo.science/bayercropscience-04.04.24. 

Woodland’s new active transportation plan, which will shape the community’s vision to support walking and biking, is open for public input.

The plan summarizes existing conditions and community characteristics while also suggesting future improvements, according to the city’s website. It was developed by collecting local data, incorporating public input, developing recommendations and working with internal and external stakeholders.

Physical copies of the plan are available for review at the front counters of City Hall at 300 First St., the Woodland Public Library at 250 First St. and the Woodland Community & Senior Center at 2001 East St.

City staff will also hold a public “office hours” session the afternoon of Thursday, March 7 in downtown Woodland with further information to follow.

The public draft of the plan is also available by visiting cityofwoodland.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=838.

For any comments, questions or suggestions, email Clara Olmedo at [email protected].

Students in grades 7th through 12th can apply to Woodland’s youth essay contest honoring César Chávez.

The 500-word essay will answer the question, “How has César Chávez influenced your life and what impact will his legacy have on your future?”

Winners will receive cash prizes and present their winning essays during the César Chávez Community Celebration on March 28, according to the city’s website. Essays must be submitted by March 14.

Applications are available by visiting cityofwoodland.gov/FormCenter/Community-Services-7/Csar-Chvez-Youth-Essay-Contest-149.

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COMMENTS

  1. The 17 Best Writing Contests for High School Students

    YoungArts Competition. Award Amount: Up to $10,000 cash awards. Deadline: October 15, 2022; application for 2024 opens June 2023. Fee: $35. Open to students in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music, the YoungArts competition asks students to submit a portfolio of work.

  2. 23 Writing Competitions for High School Students

    Prize: $100-$10,000. Deadline: Passed, but the contest will reopen in 2024. Eligibility: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12, U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program, and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Guidelines:

  3. 18 Writing Contests for High School Students

    The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges high school students to write an essay on a U.S. elected official who demonstrated political courage past 1917, the year of John F. Kennedy's birth. The essay must explore an act of bold leadership on a pressing issue at any level of government — local, state, national, or international.

  4. Top Writing Contests For High School Students

    Signet Essay Contest. Award Amount: $1,000 to be used towards your higher education; ... Five high school juniors or seniors can win an award for their two to three-page essays.

  5. Contests and Opportunities

    CARDINAL NEWMAN SOCIETY ESSAY CONTEST . The Cardinal Newman Society just announced its Essay Scholarship Contest for high school seniors! The winner will receive $5,000 towards the cost of attending one of the colleges recognized in The Newman Guide for the fall of 2023. Additionally, several colleges have agreed to supplement the scholarship ...

  6. National High School Essay Contest

    The Fund for American Diplomacy is AFSA's 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that supports AFSA's outreach goals. AFSA National High School Essay contest is AFSA's main outreach initiative to high school students. We appreciate your willingness to contribute. Rest assured that your contribution will be put to good use.

  7. 10 Writing Competitions for High School Students in 2023-2024

    Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students. Fee: None. Deadline: November 6, 2023. The Atlas Shrugged novel essay contest is open to all students globally. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Choose a prompt and write an 800-1,600 word essay.

  8. Essay Contests

    The essay contest asks high school students in the 10th through 12th grade to write about the book in an essay of 700 to 1500 words. ... The Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship is for high school seniors and college students with an interest in the automotive field and financial need. In addition to the eligibility requirements listed below ...

  9. Foreign Service High School Essay Contest

    Additional Information: The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) partners with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on the annual National High School Essay Contest. The contest engages high school students in learning and writing about issues of peace and conflict, encouraging appreciation for diplomacy's role in building partnerships that can advance peacebuilding and protect national ...

  10. 10 Essay Scholarships For High School Seniors To Apply

    The winners get three $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 essay prizes. If you have a strong passion for education, leadership, and community service, this scholarship could be an excellent opportunity to help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world. 5. America's 911 Foundation College Scholarship.

  11. The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. Annual High School Senior Essay Contest

    Description: This award is for U.S. high school seniors who reside in Tennessee, Arkansas or Mississippi who plan to attend an accredited institution of higher education. Students must submit an essay of 900 to 1,000 words to qualify. Application requirements for the The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. Annual High School Senior Essay Contest are: Essay.

  12. High School Essay Contest

    In CNTA's annual essay contest, area high schoolers have a chance to win up to $1,000. W e plan to award up to 10 winners. Prize amount will range from $500 to $1,000. All winners are recognized in news releases and at a CNTA event. ... Must be a high school junior or senior enrolled at a school in one of these counties ...

  13. HSFSA Essay Contest

    The HSFSA is working with the American Foreign Service Association to provide a free essay contest to help high school students prepare for AFSA's National High School Essay Contest.. Having the same policies, the same judges, and a similar topic structure, this contest provides the perfect opportunity for students to master the ways to success in the main contest.

  14. Senior Essay Contest

    Our Senior Essay Contest was established in 1966 to provide our graduating students an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on current events. This contest is open to any senior currently enrolled in an Oklahoma Public School. Local 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Men's and Women's Division will receive a certificate.

  15. Women's 13th Annual High School senior essay contest open

    Gov. Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, and the Virginia Council on Women are holding the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare essay contest and encourage female high school students to enter. "These scholarships are important investments into the futures of women seeking a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics…

  16. Voice of Democracy: Polson senior pens winning state essay, heads to D

    In an essay that captured first place in the statewide Voice of Democracy contest, Polson High senior Isabel Seeley explores the nation's foundation, concluding that willingness to participate in our democracy is essential to our future. "If there is no respect for a country, the country will lose its respect for the people," she writes.

  17. Irving High Senior's Celebration of Culture Leads to Essay Contest Win

    For Irving High School senior Melissa Asigbe, the importance of honoring her rich culture and background is something that was instilled in her at a young age. A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Asigbe moved to the United States with her family in December 2020 and enrolled at Irving High the following January - an experience she says was a complete ...

  18. 2024 Essay Scholarship Contest

    © 2024 Negative Population Growth, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2861 Duke Street, Suite 36, Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-370-9510 | Email: [email protected]

  19. Youth Scholarships

    Voice of Democracy. Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and ...

  20. Annual Youth Art & Essay Contests

    The contest is open only to high school seniors (12th grade) who are preparing to enter their freshman year at an accredited college or university. Entrants must be a U.S. citizen and must either reside in Tennessee, Mississippi, or Arkansas, or be affiliated with a bird dog club, organization, or field trial association in any of the other 47 ...

  21. Prairie Grove senior wins history essay contest

    SPRINGDALE - Olivia Thompson, a 12th grader at Prairie Grove High School, won first place in the recent American history essay contest sponsored by the Marion Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on Feb. 10. The 2023-2024 Essay Title for 9th-12th graders was "Patriots of the American Revolution."

  22. Blake Peck wins Optimist Club essay contest

    Other students who entered the essay contest were Frida Romero Ramirez, Washington High School, and Elizabeth Snyder and Samuel Snyder, Richland, with the Washington Home-School Program. The Optimist Club of Washington has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for many years and has been active in the community since 1971.

  23. Idaho high school students invited to Ninth Circuit's historic U.S

    Idaho high school students interested in United States history and the Constitution may submit their essay or video entries to the Ninth Circuit Civics Contest. The contest is sponsored by the U.S ...

  24. Local Student Wins Optimist Club Essay Contest

    Warsaw Community High School student Caleb Smith recently won the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club's essay contest based on a theme of "How Optimism Connects Us." Smith will be awarded a cash prize of $300 for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged ...

  25. North Central Florida student and teacher win Florida Black History

    "The 2024 art and essay contest winners creatively highlighted the numerous contributions of African American Floridians to protect and champion freedom, and the Governor and I are pleased to recognize the winners for their excellent submissions." ... Miami Coral Park Senior High School, Miami-Dade County; Joseph Gordon II, Grade 10 ...

  26. 10 Scholarships For High School Seniors

    The Most Valuable Student scholarship from the Elks National Foundation awards 500 scholarships to high school seniors, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually. You must also be a U.S. citizen to ...

  27. Northeast High School athletics club receives Anne Arundel Schools

    Past winners have included students like Annapolis High School senior Akil Leggett Jr. The Captain's Club, led by Northeast teacher and dean of students, Jesse Reiger, has been a part of many ...

  28. PDF U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders

    2024 State of the Union Essay Contest Winning Essays . U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders . Winner . Leah Frisbie (Essex High School, Junior) Banned Books . ... Thomas Scheetz (Mount Anthony Union High School, Senior) Magdelina Short (Bellows Free Academy - Fairfax, Sophomore) Jackson Wheaton (Northfield Middle & High School, Freshman)

  29. Hormel Foods Hosts Student Winners of its 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther

    Three winners of the 13 th annual Hormel Foods MLK essay contest visited the company's World Headquarters on Wednesday, Feb. 28, to read their winning essays to Hormel Foods team members. Three students - Yvanna Lopez from Austin, Minnesota; Madison Blair from Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Aisha Mohamed from Barron, Wisconsin - claimed the top honors among hundreds of entries from 15 schools ...

  30. Food initiative combatting hunger provides relief for 50 Esparto

    The program includes 50 households each at two affordable housing communities in Esparto and Stockton, and 100 households at a third community in Savannah, Georgia, according to a press release.