Who: Grades 9–12
What: Submit an original short story, essay, or poem in English, Spanish, or Spanglish.
How: Submit online via Northwestern’s contest site.
When: Submissions generally allowed until May 12.
More info: Contest Details & Entry
Who: High school students
What: Submit an original story (≤2,000 words) or micro-RPG (≤600 words).
How: Submit online via Ringling College site.
When: Generally October–January.
More info: Contest Info & Submission
Who: K–12 students
What: Essays, op-eds, and multimedia journalism on current events.
How: Submit online following contest guidelines.
When: Multiple rounds each year.
More info: Student Writing Contest Portal
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Record a 3–5 minute essay based on an annual theme.
How: Submit audio file, transcript, and entry to local VFW.
When: Entries generally due by October.
More info: Voice of Democracy Details
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Essay on political courage based on JFK’s “Profiles in Courage.”
How: Submit online.
When: Deadline varies, usually January.
More info: Contest details & rules
Who: High school students
What: Poetry, fiction, and nonfiction categories.
How: Submit online.
When: Deadline usually February.
More info: Instructions & submission
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Essay focused on the role of independent media and journalism.
How: Submit via Society of Professional Journalists.
When: Deadline usually February.
More info: Submission details
Who: Ages 11–18
What: Essay about historical events tied to U.S. military.
How: Submit essay online.
When: Deadline April 27, 2025 (varies yearly).
More info: Entry & topic details
Who: K–12 students
What: Up to 7,500-word fiction, nonfiction, or 3 poems.
How: Submit online (fee $22).
When: Deadline April 15, 2025 (varies yearly).
More info: Details & guidelines
Who: Elementary & middle school students
What: Monthly creative writing prompts – stories under 350 words.
How: Submit online; feedback given to all participants.
When: Monthly deadlines (around 28th).
More info: Official Contest Page
Who: 7th–8th graders
What: Essay (≤1,000 words) on orbital object growth.
How: Submit via local AIAA section contact.
When: Held yearly.
More info: Contest Details
Who: Middle school students
What: 300–400 word essay on patriotism and civic awareness.
How: Submit through local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
When: Annual competition (check local VFW deadlines).
More info: More on PPYEC
Who: Middle school students
What: Reflective essay (≤500 words) on youth violence and solutions.
How: Submit via local programs.
When: Annual; check local deadlines (Jan–Mar).
More info: Program Overview
Who: 8th graders
What: Poetry, fiction, or nonfiction essays.
How: Submit via contest site.
When: Deadline usually February.
More info: Entry & guidelines
Who: Ages 15–18 (grades 10–12)
What: Creative nonfiction, novel, poetry, short story, or spoken word.
How: Submit portfolio online.
When: Deadline usually February.
More info: Apply on YoungArts site
Who: Grades 8–12 (ages 14–19)
What: Persuasive essays on civic topics.
How: Submit online.
When: Deadline usually April.
More info: Contest portal
Who: Open to all ages
What: Creative nonfiction (200–1,000 words).
How: Submit online (fee: $12–25 with critique).
When: Deadline usually April 30 (varies).
More info: Enter via WOW! site
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Poetry (10–50 lines) or short story/essay (≤600 words).
How: Submit through school-approved system.
When: Deadline usually February.
More info: More on NMHSWC