10 Writing Competitions For High School Students With Amazing

Do you dream of seeing your work published, winning awards, or even scoring a scholarship?

If you love writing poems, penning short stories, and writing thought-provoking essays, there are plenty of opportunities out there just waiting for you.

Entering writing competitions is not only a great way to showcase your talent but also an exciting way to challenge yourself and improve your skills.

So, why not give it a shot?

Let’s talk about some of the top writing competitions for high school students and see which one sparks your interest:

Related: Writing Internships For High School Students

Best Writing Competitions For High School Students

Let’s take a good look at the writing competitions you can participate in as a high schooler:

1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the longest-running recognition programs for creative teens in the United States.

It offers a variety of categories including poetry, short stories, essays, and more.

High school students from grades 7-12 can submit their work for a chance to win scholarships and have their work exhibited nationally.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for young writers to gain recognition and feedback from professionals in the field.

2. YoungArts

YoungArts is a national competition that recognizes and supports talented young artists in various disciplines, including writing.

High school students aged 15-18 can submit works in categories such as short story, novel, play, and poetry.

Winners receive cash awards, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to participate in regional and national programs.

YoungArts also provides lifelong support and opportunities for alumni, making it an excellent platform for aspiring writers.

3. National Young Writers Awards

Sponsored by various organizations, the National Young Writers Awards are designed to encourage and celebrate the writing talents of high school students across the country.

These competitions often focus on specific themes or genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.

Winners typically receive scholarships, publication opportunities, and recognition at special award ceremonies.

This writing competition for high schoolers is a great way for young writers to showcase their skills and gain national recognition.

4. National High School Essay Contest

The National High School Essay Contest is an annual competition that encourages students to engage in critical thinking and writing about important global issues.

Sponsored by organizations like the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), this contest asks students to write essays on specific topics related to foreign policy and diplomacy.

Winners receive cash prizes and the opportunity to meet influential figures in the field of international relations.

5. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Hosted by Bennington College, the Bennington Young Writers Awards is a writing competition that invites high school students to submit their best writing in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry categories.

Winners receive monetary awards and recognition from a renowned college known for its strong writing programs.

This competition is an excellent opportunity for young writers to get noticed by a respected institution and gain insights into their future college experience.

6. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose are awarded annually by The Adroit Journal, a literary magazine run by young writers and editors.

This writing competition is open to high school and undergraduate students, offering separate categories for poetry and prose.

The Adroit Prizes are a great way for young writers to gain publication experience and recognition from a respected literary community.

7. John Locke Institute Essay Competition

The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is an international contest that encourages high school students to explore philosophical, economic, and political topics.

Students can choose from several essay prompts and compete for cash prizes and recognition.

The competition is named after the famous philosopher John Locke and aims to foster critical thinking and intellectual exploration.

It’s an excellent opportunity for students interested in these fields to showcase their analytical and writing skills.

8. Poetry Society’s Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, organized by the Poetry Society, is one of the largest poetry writing competitions for young people aged 11-17.

Each year, thousands of young poets from around the world submit their work for a chance to be one of the top 15 winners or 85 commended poets.

Winners receive publication in an anthology, mentoring from professional poets, and opportunities to attend writing residencies and workshops.

9. The New York Times Student Editorial Contest

The New York Times Student Editorial Contest invites high school students to write and submit editorial pieces on topics of their choice.

This contest challenges students to develop their opinions and argue their points effectively in a clear and concise manner.

Winners have their work published in The New York Times, gaining significant exposure and recognition.

The contest also provides a platform for young writers to voice their perspectives on important issues and engage with a wide audience.

10.  Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students is an annual competition that encourages young poets to submit their best work.

Open to high school juniors, this contest awards cash prizes to the top three winners.

The competition is judged by faculty members of Princeton’s creative writing program, providing valuable feedback from experienced poets.

It’s an excellent opportunity for young poets to gain recognition from a prestigious university and potentially boost their college applications.

Wrapping Up

Ready to take your writing to the next level?

These writing competitions offer incredible opportunities to get noticed, win prizes, and connect with other young writers.

Which competition are you most excited about? Do you have a poem or story in mind that you’re eager to share with the world?

Don’t let your words stay hidden—enter a contest and let your creativity shine.