Many teens have a passion for writing; poetry, prose, journalism, etc. Competitions are one of the best way to get your foot in the door and get feedback from published writers. Below are some of the most reputable writing competitions for teens that look good on any resume.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)1. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
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Description: One of the most prestigious creative competitions for teens in the U.S.
, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognizes students in grades 7–12 for outstanding original work across 28 categories. In writing, students can submit poetry, personal essays, flash fiction, journalism, and more. Submissions are judged regionally first, with top entries earning Honorable Mention, Silver Key, or Gold Key awards.
Gold Key works advance to the national level, where students may receive National Medals and be invited to Carnegie Hall. Alumni include renowned figures like Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, and Joyce Carol Oates.
Eligibility: Grades 7–12 (ages 13+), U.S. residents.
Entry Fee: $10 per individual entry (fee waivers available).
Website: https://www.artandwriting.org/
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2. YoungArts - Creative Writing Category
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Description: YoungArts is a prestigious national competition that recognizes outstanding high school artists in grades 10–12 across 10 disciplines, including creative writing. In the writing category, students can submit work in genres such as poetry, short story, novel excerpt, nonfiction, playwriting, and spoken word. Selected winners receive monetary awards, opportunities to participate in intensive workshops with master artists, and eligibility for the U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts designation. Finalists are invited to National YoungArts Week in Miami, where they showcase their work and compete for higher-level awards. Alumni include Amanda Gorman, Tarell Alvin McCraney, and Sam Lipsyte, and many go on to attend top MFA programs or become published authors.
Eligibility: 15–18 or in grades 10–12.
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://youngarts.org/
3. Bennington College Young Writers Awards
Description: The Bennington College Young Writers Awards is a highly regarded national competition for students in grades 9–12, offering recognition and cash prizes in three categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Submissions are judged by faculty members from Bennington’s renowned writing program, which has produced literary greats such as Donna Tartt and Bret Easton Ellis.
Winners receive up to $1,000, and finalists often gain an advantage in the college admissions process. The competition celebrates originality, craft, and voice, encouraging young writers to explore and refine their talents in a serious literary context.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12.
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards
4. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose
Description: The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose honor exceptional high school and college student writing in two categories: poetry and prose (which includes fiction and creative nonfiction). Open to students globally, the competition is run by The Adroit Journal, a highly respected literary publication known for showcasing emerging voices alongside established authors.
Winners and selected finalists have their work published in the journal and often go on to receive national recognition or publication in other major outlets. The contest is judged by acclaimed writers, and past winners have gone on to attend top universities and MFA programs.
Eligibility: High school and college students.
Entry Fee: $15 per submission (fee waivers available).
Website: https://theadroitjournal.org/
5. The Youth Honor Awards
Description: The Youth Honor Awards, hosted by the national nonprofit Creative Communication, is a poetry and essay contest open to students in grades K–12. The competition recognizes powerful, original student voices and publishes selected works in a nationally distributed anthology. Winners receive cash prizes, certificates, and national recognition for their creative achievements. The contest emphasizes expression, clarity, and emotional impact, giving young writers the opportunity to see their work in print and celebrated alongside peers from across the country.
Eligibility: K–12 students.
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://www.poeticpower.com/
6. Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
Description: The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious international poetry competitions for writers aged 11–17. Run by The Poetry Society in the UK, the contest receives thousands of entries each year from around the world. Each year, 100 winners are selected—comprised of 15 top winners and 85 commendations—whose work is published in a widely circulated anthology and online.
The top 15 poets also receive mentoring, opportunities to attend writing residencies, and invitations to prestigious literary events. Many past winners have gone on to successful writing careers and publication in major literary journals.
Eligibility: Ages 11–17 worldwide.
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://foyleyoungpoets.org/
7. John Locke Institute Essay Competition
Description: The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is a prestigious international academic contest that challenges high school students to engage deeply with complex ideas across a range of disciplines, including philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Known for its rigorous and thought-provoking prompts, the competition encourages original thinking, critical analysis, and clear argumentation.
Winners receive cash prizes, certificates, and an invitation to the awards ceremony at the University of Oxford. Highly regarded by top universities, the competition provides a platform for intellectually ambitious students to showcase their academic potential on a global stage.
Eligibility: Ages 14–18.
Entry Fee: £20 per essay (fee waivers available).
Website: https://www.johnlockeinstitute.com/essay-competition
8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship - Literature Category
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Description: The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for gifted students in the U.S. Students must submit a significant work in Literature (including novels, plays, poetry collections, nonfiction, or other literary work) that demonstrates exceptional creativity and insight. Awards of $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 are given to a small number of recipients.
Eligibility: 18 or younger as of the application deadline.
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-programs/fellows-scholarship/
9. JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Description: Hosted by the JFK Library Foundation, this essay contest challenges high school students to write about a U.S. elected official who demonstrated political courage. Essays must be well-researched and 700–1,000 words. The first-place winner receives $10,000, with additional cash prizes for finalists.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 (U.S. and international students).
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest
10. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize (Princeton University)
Description: Sponsored by Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this contest awards a $500 prize for the best poem submitted by a U.S. high school junior. The contest is highly selective and judged by faculty from Princeton’s Creative Writing Program.
Eligibility: High school juniors (Grade 11), U.S. only.
Entry Fee: Free
Website: https://arts.princeton.edu/about/opportunities/high-school-contests/poetry-contest/
