Introduction
As parents, providing our children with opportunities to grow academically and personally is one of the most rewarding aspects of supporting their education. Participating in national reading and writing competitions can be a transformative experience for kids of all ages. These contests not only enhance literacy skills but also boost confidence, foster creativity, and encourage a love for learning. By exploring the following list of competitions, you can help your child showcase their talents, gain recognition, and feel proud of their academic achievements. Delve into these opportunities to inspire your young readers and writers to reach new heights in their educational journey.
Elementary School Competitions
PBS KIDS Writers Contest
Description: Encourages children to write and illustrate their own stories.
Eligibility: Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Details: Local PBS stations host the contest; winners may have their stories featured online or in print.
Link: PBS KIDS Writers Contest
National PTA Reflections Program
Description: An arts recognition program that includes a literature category.
Eligibility: Students from pre-K through 12th grade.
Details: Participants create original works based on a specific theme.
Creative Communication Poetry and Essay Contests
Description: Offers contests for young poets and writers throughout the year.
Eligibility: Students in grades K-6 for the elementary level.
Details: Selected entries may be published in an anthology.
Link: Creative Communication
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
Description: Part of National Novel Writing Month, tailored for writers under 18.
Eligibility: For students under 18, educators can participate in their classes.
Details: Participants set personal word-count goals and work to write novels during November.
Amazing Kids! Magazine Contests
Description: Hosts periodic writing contests to promote creativity and literacy.
Eligibility: Varies by contest; generally open to kids under 18.
Details: Winning entries may be published in the online magazine.
Link: Amazing Kids! Contests
Middle School Competitions
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Description: Recognizes creative teens in various categories, including writing.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12.
Details: Categories include poetry, short story, humor, dramatic script, and more.
EngineerGirl Writing Contest
Description: Encourages students to write on engineering topics.
Eligibility: Students in grades 3-12.
Details: Themes vary annually, focusing on the role of engineering in society.
Ocean Awareness Contest
Description: Invites students to explore ocean issues through writing.
Eligibility: Students ages 11-18.
Details: Categories include poetry and prose; promotes environmental awareness.
Link: Ocean Awareness Contest
Creative Communication Poetry and Essay Contests
Description: As mentioned above, with a division for middle school students.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-9.
Details: Opportunities for publication in an anthology.
Link: Creative Communication
Optimist International Essay Contest
Description: Students write essays on a provided topic related to optimism.
Eligibility: Students under age 19 who have not yet graduated high school.
Details: Winners can advance to district and international levels.
National PTA Reflections Program
Description: Encouraging artistic expression in response to a theme.
Eligibility: Students from pre-K through 12th grade.
Details: Includes categories like literature, photography, and visual arts.
High School Competitions
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Description: The nation's longest-running recognition program for creative teens.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12.
Details: Offers scholarships and exhibition opportunities.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement Awards in Writing
Description: Recognizes excellence in student writing.
Eligibility: High school juniors nominated by their teachers.
Details: Students submit a themed essay and a sample of their best work.
Link: NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing
The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose
Description: Awards for outstanding high school and college writers.
Eligibility: Students in high school or college.
Details: Winners receive publication and a cash prize.
Link: The Adroit Prizes
The Bennington Young Writers Awards
Description: Recognizes outstanding works in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12.
Details: Winners receive cash prizes.
Link: Bennington Young Writers Awards
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Description: Students write essays on acts of political courage by U.S. officials.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9-12.
Details: Winners receive cash awards and an invitation to the Kennedy Library.
Link: Profile in Courage Essay Contest
American Foreign Service Association National High School Essay Contest
Description: Essays on topics related to U.S. foreign service and diplomacy.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12.
Details: Top prize includes a scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Link: AFSA Essay Contest
Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest
Description: Recognizes outstanding plays by young writers.
Eligibility: Students in the 11th grade.
Details: Winners receive cash awards and recognition.
Link: Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest
The New York Times Student Editorial Contest
Description: Students write opinion pieces on topics of their choice.
Eligibility: Students ages 13-19.
Details: Selected editorials are published on The New York Times website.
YoungArts National Arts Competition
Description: Identifies and supports young artists in various disciplines, including writing.
Eligibility: Artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12.
Details: Offers scholarships and mentorship opportunities.
Link: YoungArts Competition
Poetry Out Loud
Description: A recitation contest that encourages learning about great poetry.
Eligibility: High school students.
Details: Students advance from school to state to national levels.
Link: Poetry Out Loud
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
Description: Encourages novel writing during the month of November.
Eligibility: Students under 18.
Details: Participants set word-count goals and write novels.
Link: NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers
Description: Awards in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
Eligibility: High school students.
Details: Winners are published in "Polyphony Lit," a student-run literary magazine.
Link: Claudia Ann Seaman Awards
EngineerGirl Writing Contest
Description: Promoting engineering through writing.
Eligibility: Students in grades 3-12.
Details: Focuses on how engineering impacts the world.
Link: EngineerGirl Writing Contest
Ocean Awareness Contest
Description: Encouraging environmental advocacy through writing.
Eligibility: Students ages 11-18.
Details: Encourages creative expression on ocean conservation.
Link: Ocean Awareness Contest
National High School Essay Contest by the United States Institute of Peace
Description: Essays on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12.
Details: Winners receive cash awards and recognition.
Link: USIP Essay Contest