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Contest Chart Contests are free to enter, unless otherwise noted. February 2010 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | Gannon University High School Poetry Contest | 9th-12th | $50-$100 | Any poem | unspecified | 2/1/2010 | -- | Broken Bridge High School Poetry Contest | 9th-12th | $150, publication | A poem | unspecified | 2/1/09*** | May submit up to 3 poems | National Peace Essay Contest | 9th-12th | Unspecified Last year's prize: $1,000-$10,000 in college scholarships; free trip to DC | How nonviolent civic actions can achieve justice, end conflict or lead to positive change | 1,500 | 2/1/2010 | -- | Neuroscience For Kids Poetry Contest | K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th | A book | A poem about your nervous system | 3-10 lines | 2/1/10** | See site for poetry type (varies by age) | The Grannie Annie Contest | Grades 4th-5th, 6th-8th (Homeschool ages 9-14) | Publication in an anthology, and 2 free copies of the anthology | Story about a family experience | 275-500 | 2/1/2010*, *** | You may include one picture with your story | The Paul A. Witty Outstanding Literature Award | K-12th | $50 | Poetry or prose | Poetry: 5 poems Prose: 1000 for elementary, (no limit for secondary) | 2/2/10* | -- | Publish-a-Kid Writing Contest | Ages 9-13 | Publication and unspecified prizes | Write a review of one of their listed books | 250-500 | 2/15/10*** | -- | Creative Communications Essay Contest | K-3rd, 4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $50 savings bond, copy of anthology, publication | Any topic | 250 | 2/17/10*,*** | -- | Igniting Creative Energy | K-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th | Free trip to DC, participation in National Energy Efficiency Forum, sharing your ideas with energy and government leaders | New and creative ways to make wise energy choices | 500 | 2/19/10* | May be entered as a group | College Plus! College Scholarship Essay Contest | Ages 15 and up (homeschoolers only) | Winners receive $2699 scholarship Every participant gets a $250 scholarship | “How Would You Revolutionize Higher Education?” | 750-1000 | 2/22/10*** | Can submit a video instead to get a free iTunes $5 gift card and qualify to win a Flip Mino HD digital camcorder | The Leslie and Norman Davis Student Essay Contest | 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $100-$500 | An individual or group that showed moral courage | 750-1000 | 2/26/10 @ 5:00 pm | -- | Optimist International Essay Contest | Under age 19 as of 12/31/09 | $2,250-$6,000 | The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace? | 400-500 | All club contests held on or before 2/28/10 | Submit to the District Chair of your local Optimist Club. Find a contact by e-mailing Programs Department. |
back to top *Postmarked date **Received date (US mail) ***E-mail date March 2010 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest | K-3rd (individual grade level judging) | Laptop, digital camera, mp3 player | An illustrated story on any topic | K-1st: 50-100
2nd-5th: 100-350 | Deadlines vary by station; most are in March Apply through local PBS station (see site for details) | You must include at least 5 colorful illustrations with your story | Kentucky State Poetry Society Student Contest | 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, 7th-8th, 9th-10th, 11th-12th | $10-$55 | Any topic. Must have some poetic elements (e.g., imagery, simile, metaphor, rhyme, rhythm) | 30 lines or less | 3/1/10 | Open to students in any state, not just KY | Breaking Barriers Essay Contest | 4th-8th | Trip to Major League Baseball All-Star Game in CA, laptop computers for you and your teacher, visit from daughter of Jackie Robinson, and a class set of her book | How you used one of Jackie Robinson's values to face barrier | | 3/1/10* | Helps on website | American Museum of Natural History Young Naturalist Awards | 7th-12th (grades judged individually) | 8 awards per grade level ($50-$2,500) | Narrative essay on personal science-based experiences | 500-3,000 words (varies by age) | 3/1/10** | -- | Will McDonough Writing Contest | 4th-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-10th, 11th-12th | $100 savings bond and tickets to a Boston Celtics game | Fiction or non-fiction on one of three topics on website (all related to sports and character) | 300-700 (varies by age) | 3/2/10* | -- | "Past, Present, and Future" Letter Writing Contest | 3th-6th | $1000 savings bond, 25-book history library | Letter to an important historical figure about a modern-day issue | None | 3/5/10** | -- | "How to Deal With Bullies" Contest | Classroom visit from author Abby Klein; library of her books | 2nd-3th | Write a list of suggestions for dealing with bullies and getting along with others | None | 3/5/10** | -- | Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $300-$1,000 scholarship | "Why free news media are important" | 300-500 | 3/5/10 | -- | "If I Were President..." Scholastic Contest | 4th-6th | Free trip for 2 to DC, 25-book library | What you would do if you were president of the United States | 2 single-spaced pages | 3/5/10** | -- | Veritas Press Epistula Writing Contest | High school or younger | $100 gift certificate to Veritas Press | Article on topic appropriate for April Fool's Day | 800-1200 | 3/12/10 at 5:00 p.m.*** | -- | Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Novel Contest (Push Novel Contest) | 7th-12th | $2500 in scholarships for summer art & writing camps; $10,000 college scholarships; gold key; work with professional editor to complete the manuscript; possible publication | 3-5 chapter novel | 3-5 chapters (15-50 pages) | 3/12/10* | -- | Scholastic Kids Are Authors Picture Book Contest | K-8th | $500-$5,000 of merchandise, 100 copies of published book, certificate, medallion | Fiction or Nonfiction | 29 single-sided pages | 3/15/10* | Book must be done by 3 or more children as a team | Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest | 1st-8th | $250-$1000 plus free trip to DC | n/a | n/a | 3/15/10* | Only open to students who use Zaner-Bloser curriculum | The One of a Kind Homeschool Writing Contest | Ages 7-11, 12-16 | $25 savings bond | Write an interesting introduction and conclusion for a given essay outline
| 100-400 | 3/15/10*** | All entries will be posted on the website | 2010 Norm Strung Youth Writing Contest | 6th-8th, 9th-12th | Awards will total $1,700 | Poem/prose on outdoor-related subject | | 3/15/10** | Work must have been published in a newsletter, newspaper, magazine, literary collection, etc. during 2009. | National DNA Day Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $150-$400, and $2000 grant for classroom teacher for lab equipment | Choice of 2 topics on DNA research and genetic testing | 750 | 3/15/10 at 5:00 pm*** | -- | Role Models Today Writing Contest (pdf) | 9th-12th | $100 | "One of the most important issues facing the natioin in the news today" | 750 | 3/16/09* (2010 INFO NOT POSTED YET) | -- | The Dickens Project Essay Contest | 9th-12th | Week-long literature conference for student and teacher | Respond to a Dickens novel by analyzing any topic/theme | 3-5 pages | 3/19/10* | -- | It's All Write! Short Story Writing Contest | 6th-8th, 9th-10th, 11th-12th | $100-$250 | A short story | 4-10 double spaced/1.5 single-sided pages | 3/19/10*** | -- | Keep the Drive High School Journalism Awards | Ages 13-18 | $500-$3000 cash | An article on the dangers of texting while driving | None | 3/20/10**/*** | The article must have been published in a high school or local newspaper between 11/5/09 and 3/20/10. For specific homeschool directions, click here. | Concern Creative Writing Competition | Ages 12-15, 16-18, 19+ | Netbook, e-reader, mp3 player | An imagined speech you would give to world leaders in the UN General Assembly on a goal to reach in helping the developing world | 1,000-1,500 words (varies by age) | 3/21/10*** | -- | The Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition | 7th-12th | $50, publication | None | None | 3/25/10** | May submit up to 3 haiku | Listen to a Life Contest | Ages 8-18 | Grand Prize: computer with $800 of software; $25,000 of software for school 20 runners-up: $400 of software and an mp3 player | A true story about an older person's life, based on an interview with that person | 300 | 3/29/10*** | -- | Leonard Milberg '53 Secondary School Poetry Prize | 11th grade only | $100-$500 | A poem | None; but may submit up to 3 poems | 3/29/10* | Sponsored by Princeton University's Program in Creative Writing | American River College High School Writing Contest | 9th-12th | $50 and possible publication | Poetry, fiction/short story, personal essay (memoir, autobiography, nature writing) | Poetry: 50 lines Fiction/short story: 2,000 words Personal essay: 2,000 | 3/30/10* | -- | The Germans from Russia Heritage Society Youth Essay Contest | 6th-8th, 9th-12th, University or College Undergrad | Trophy plus $100-$250 ($1000 for the university level) | Any aspect of German Russian heritage or history | Unspecified | 3/31/10 | -- | World Future Society High School Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $100-$300; 1-3 year membership in WFS; free admission to Chicago conference | Technology, environment, society, economics, government, or demographics | 600-1,200 | 3/31/09*** (2010 INFO NOT POSTED YET) | -- | Jack L. Chalker Young Writers' Contest | Ages 14-18 as of 5/29 of contest year | $75-$150, book, t-shirt | Science fiction/fantasy | 2,500 | 3/31/10 | Sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society |
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Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $250-$500 cash; free trip to Los Angeles; $2,000-$5,000 in scholarships | Lessons from the Holocaust | 1,200 | 4/2/10 ** | -- | Creative Communications Poetry Contest | K-3rd, 4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $50 savings bonds, free anthologies | Open | 21 lines | 4/13/10*,*** | -- | VSA arts Playwright Discovery Program | 6th-12th | $2,000 and trip to DC to see your play performed at JFK Center for the Performing Arts | Any one-act play | Under 40 pages | 4/15/10** | May be submitted by an individual or a group | American Foreign Service Association Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $2500; $500 for your school; free trip to nation's capitol for you & your parents | Challenges facing the American Foreign Service in the 21st century | 750-1,000 | 4/15/10* | -- | Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest | Ages 16-18 | $1,000 scholarship & $1,600 worth of books for your public library | 5 options based on The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells | 2-3 double-spaced pages | 4/15/10*, 4/22/10** | -- | Air and Waste Management Association High School Essay Contest | Grade 12 and under (but aimed at high school) | $400 and publication | Energy and the Environment: Changing our Communities, our Schools, and our World | 5 pages including text and references | 4/22/10*** | -- | RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers' Competion
| Ages 12-13, 14-16, 17-19 | Laptops, digital camcorders, 100-200 euros ($130-$260) | Science based article, interview, or story | 3,000 | 4/24/09*** (2010 INFO NOT POSTED YET) | -- | 7 Reasons I Love My Mom Contest | Ages 7-13 | Gift basket to create gift for your mom | "7 reasons I love my mom" | Open | 4/29/09* (2010 INFO NOT POSTED YET) | Submit a photo of you & your mom with your entry | Odes to Olympians Contest | Under age 18 | $50 cash | Poem about Hermes (Mercury) | 30 lines | 4/30/10*** | -- | Pierre Toussaint Essay Writing Contest | High school students | $250-$1250 | Pierre Toussaint, an enslaved Haitian brought to New York in 1787, who later performed many charitable and heroic acts | 1500 | 4/30/10 | -- | 2009 Sejong Essay Writing Competition | 8th and younger, 9th-12th | Older division: $300-$500 Younger division: $100-$300 | Comparison between Korean folk tale and American fairy tale (see website) | 1,000 | 4/30/09*** (2010 INFO NOT POSTED YET) | -- |
back to top *Postmarked date **Received date (US mail) ***E-mail date Why do the contests below have old dates? Most contests repeat annually, so old contests are left here until the new ones become available. May 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | Oakseed Ministries' Essay Contest | Ages 17 and under, ages 18-22 | $250-$1,000 | "Compassion and the Lost Childhood" | 17 & under: 5,000 characters 18-22: 7,500 characters | 5/1/10* | 5/1/10* | Jane Austen Society Writing Contest | High School | $250, Jane Austen novel, membership in Jane Austen association, and more | Sibling relationships in Jane Austen novels | ? | 5/1/09 | -- | Merlyn's Pen Essay Contest | 6th-8th, 9th-12th | $25-$100 and Merlyn's Pen books | Personal narratives | 2,000 | 5/1/09 | -- | Samsung "Thinking Ahead" High School Student Scholarship Program | High School | Seven $1,000 scholarships | Technology advancements & how they will change us | 500 | 5/1/09*** | Must live in the US | Young Voices of America Rewrite Mom and Dad Writing Contest | K-5th | $300 | Creative story about aliens playing prank on your family (see site for details) | 1,000 | 5/4/09 | -- | Elora Writers' Festival 2009 Writing Competition | 13-19, 12 and under | $25-$75 | Two categories: Short story/poetry | Story: 2,000 Poem: 1-3 poems, 75 words max | 5/8/09 | -- | Norman Mailer High School and College Writing Awards | High school | $5,000 & expense paid trip to national awards ceremony | Creative Nonfiction | 10 single-spaced pages | 5/10/09 | -- | Amazing Kids Launch My Dream! T-Shirt Design and Essay Contest | Ages 5-17 | Your t-shirt design will be sold as a charity fundraiser; Free t-shirt; Razor Pro Model Scooter | Design a t-shirt and write a short essay to tell the world about your dream for the future | 1-2 paragraphs | 5/15/10* | -- | Wacky Dream Story Contest | Ages 17 and under | $10 gift card to store of your choice, publication in magazine, autographed books/posters, and a "Dream Share button" | A wacky dream you or a character in your story had | 1,200 | 5/30/09 | -- | Mothers' Day Gift Idea Contest | Open | 4 lb retro candy | The story of a Mothers' Day gift you gave your mom | Open | 5/30/09 | Entries with photos are given special attention. | Youth Eco Writing Contest | Ages 6-16 | Inclusion of your Ocean Protector character in a book, autographed copy of that book | Answer both questions: 1) Why is it important to save oceans? 2) If you were an Ocean Protector, what creature would you be, what power would you have, and why? | 250/question | 5/31/09 | -- | The Schubmehl-Prein Prize for Best Essay on Social Impact of Computing | High school junior | $250-$1,000 | Social Impact of Computing; What Should Individual Privacy Rights Be With Respect To Services Such As “Street View”? | Approx. 2,500 words or 10 pages | 5/31/10*** | -- | Social Impact of Computing Schubmehl-Prein Contest | High school juniors | $250-$1,000 | Social and ethical implications of the $100 laptop | 10 pages (about 2,500 words) | 5/31/09 | -- |
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June 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | HSLDA Poetry Contest | Ages 7-10, 11-14, 15-19 | $25-$200 | Poem on one of quotes on site. | 1 single spaced page | 6/1/09* | $10-$15 fee used toward prizes & special needs children fund | The Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award
for Young Writers | 9th-12th | $500 and publication in literary journal | Poem on any topic, in any style | Any length under 10 pages for 2 poems | 6/1/09** | -- | Fire Escape Writing Contest | Ages 13-19 | $15-$50 | Poem/short story on any topic | 800 | 6/1/09*** | You must be from another country or have at least 1 birth parent born outside North America (and live in US/Canada yourself). | Fraser Institute Essay Contest | High school | $250 | "Economic Freedom and Global Prosperity" | 1,000-1,500 | 6/1/09*,*** | -- | 7 Reasons I Love My Dad Contest | Ages 7-9, 10-12 | $50 Amazon gift card for your dad | "7 reasons I love my dad" | Open | 6/6/09* | Include a photo of you & your dad with your entry | Subway Make It Happen! Contest | PreK-8th | $5,000 athletic equipment for school, Scholastic gift baskets ($100-$500 value), $100 Subway® gift card | How you eat healthy, stay active, or limit recreational screen time. | 500 | 6/30/09*** | First 1,000 entries w/ Subway receipt code get free Scholastic book. |
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August 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | City Kidz Short Story Contest | 9th-12th | $50 restaurant gift card, lifetime magazine subscription, publication | Any short story | At least 500 words | 8/1/09*** | (Scroll to bottom of page for contest info) | Creative Communications Poetry Contest | K-3rd, 4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $50 savings bonds, free anthologies | Open | 21 lines | 8/18/09, 12/10/09, 4/13/10*,*** | -- | Girls Horse Club Fiction Competition | Ages 11 and under; ages 12-17 | Prize packages including t-shirts, CDs, autographed books, dolls, and more, all having to do with horses. List of prizes | Narrative fiction (not poetry) with a horse as a main character | 6,000 | 8/23/09*** | 3 winners per age category | "The Early Bird Catches the Worm" Scholarship Essay Contest | Rising seniors | $500, essay review services (valued @ $200) | "Which cliché (common or not so well-known) best describes you, or a turning point in your life?" | 500 | 8/28/09*** | -- | Inventors Digest 2059 Innovative Essay Contest | Ages 12-17 (2 categories: middle school & high school) | Laptop, publication, magazine subscription, opportunity to be on PBS TV, more! | What new technology, tool, product or service will shape our lives in the year 2059? | 500 | 8/31/09* | NC & SC residents wil automatically be entered in an additional regional contest with iPod prize. |
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September 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | The Big Write | 4th-5th, 6th-8th | $25-$100 (3 prizes per age group) | Story beginning with line, "It sounded like someone was scratching at the window." | 250-500 | 9/4/09* | -- | Horticulture Essay Contest | Ages 15-18, 19-22 | $100, plaque | Any horticultural subject that interests you (ideas on website) | 1500-2000 w/ @ least 5 references. | 9/15/09* | -- | AnthologyBuilder's Match-That-Artwork Contest | 18 and under | $30-$100, publication online, detailed critique by a professional editor | Choose your favorite cover art from the online collection and write any story to match it | 1,000-50,000 | 9/20/09*** | -- | Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest | 5th-6th, 7th-8th, 9th-12th | Winners participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists | Watch 3 online videos about targets around Saturn which the Cassini spacecraft could image, then write an essay on which target is best. | 500 | 9/30/09*** @ 3:00 p.m. EDT | 1-4 people/project |
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October 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | Be-A-Famous Writer Contest | Ages 4-8, 9-13 | Stories made into illustrated video; $25 gift certificates to bookstore | Any story | 250-1,000 | 10/15/09*** | Great videos at www.MrsP.com of her introducing and reading classic stories. | American Veteran, the Power of One Essay and Scholarship Project | Ages 13-17 | Summer camp experience @ the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia; $50; publication in a book | Veteran you know/admire | 1000 | 10/15/09 | First ten teachers whose students sumbit essays receive Office Depot gift cards for classroom supplies! | Creative Communications Essay Contest | K-3rd, 4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $50 savings bond, copy of anthology, publication | Any topic | 250 | 10/15/09, 2/17/10*,*** | -- | Earth Science Week Essay Contest | 6th-9th | $300 & DVD | Interaction of climate and earth's systems (atmosphere, biosphere, etc.) | 300 | 10/16/09*,*** @ 5 p.m. | -- | Old Possum's Children's Poetry Competition | Ages 7-8, 9-11 | 50-250 British pounds, 2-6 children's poetry books, publication on website and in booklet | Poem on "Heroes and Heroines" | 25 lines | 10/19/2009***,** | -- | EPIC New Voices Writing Competition | 6th-8th, 9th-12th | $100, publication in anthology, other prizes vary (eg. e-book reader, PDA, gift certificates) | 3 categeries: Story, poem, or essay (on any topic) | Varies by age. Story and essays: 750 or 1000 Poems: 20 or 30 lines | 10/20/09*** | You may sumbit one entry in each category. | The Big Break Young Scriptwriting Competition | Ages 13-15 and 16-18 | A masterclass in scriptwriting at London's National Theatre, tickets for a play at the London National Theatre | Adapt the novel "How I Live Now" into a script for the stage. | Submit a 150 word treatment and one scene of dialogue. | 10/30/09*** | -- | What's Your Favorite Zoo Animal? Contest | All | Family four pack to NC zoo | What is your favorite zoo animal and why? | 50 | 10/31/09 | -- | "Education Matters" Scholarship Contest | Ages 13-college | $5,000 scholarship | “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?” | 250 | 10/31/09*** | -- |
back to top *Postmarked date **Received date (US mail) ***E-mail date Unspecified Date/Ongoing More ongoing contests can be found at: Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | National History Day Contest | 6th-8th, 9th-12th | Up to $5,000 in scholarships | Contact your state coordinator | Contact your state coordinator | Varies by state; Most contests end in mid-late April | Research can be presented as exhibits, documentaries, performances or papers, individually or in small groups | American History Essay Contest | 5th-8th, Individual grade level competitions | Cash & certificates | Message and modern relevance of Gettysburg Address | Grade 5: 300 - 600 Grades 6, 7, and 8: 600 - 1,000 | Contact local chapter (search online by your state) | Sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution Society | Christopher Columbus Essay Contest | 9th-12th, Individual grade level competitions | $300-$1,200 and free trip to D.C. | "Five perils that challenged Christopher Columbus" | 750 | Contact local chapter (search online by your state) | Sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution Society | Stone Soup Publishers Writing Program | Ages 13 and under | $40; Publication; 2 copies of magazine; discounts on other purchases | Stories and poems; any topic | 2,500 | None | -- |
back to top *Postmarked date **Received date (US mail) ***E-mail date November 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | HSLDA Essay Contest | Ages 7-10, 11-14, 15-19 | $25-$200 | Ages 7-10: Why were you born when you were?
Ages 11-14: How would you invest $100,000?
Ages 15-19: How does the news media affect your perception of America? | 700 | 11/1/09* | For homeschooled students only. $10-$15 fee used toward prizes & special needs children fund | Bennington College Young Writers Competition | 10th-12th | $250-$500 | Poetry (a group of 3 poems) Fiction (a short story or one-act play) Nonfiction (a personal or academic essay) | Poems: unspecified Short story/essay: 1500 One-act play: 30 min. | 11/1/09*** | -- | Patriot's Pen Essay Contest | 6th-8th | $1,000-$10,000 savings bond & trip to D.C | "When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?" | 300-400 | 11/1/09** | -- | Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $1,000-$30,000 and a free trip to Washington, D.C. | "Does America Still Have Heroes?" | 3-5 minute audio essay | 11/1/09** | Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States | Lego Click Awards Essay Contest | Ages 6-13 | $5,000 savings bonds | What you'd like to invent, how, and why. | 150-300 (varies by age) | 11/2/09** | -- | NABE "Being "Bilingual" Essay Contest | 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th | $1,000-$2,000 | Choose from several bilingual-related topics | 150-500 (varies by age) | 11/7/09 | Essay must be written in the student's second language, not their primary language. | Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest | High School Sophomore and Junior Girls | (7 prizes total) $25-$200, free tuition for university's two-week Hollinsummer program with creative writing class, publication in Cargoes, 2-10 copies of Cargoes | Poem on any topic | Unspecified | 11/15/09*** | -- | Speakable Gifts Writing Contest | 2nd-4th, 5th-6th | $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble; certificate | Response to an Aesop's Fable or proverb on the website | 100-200 words, depending on age group | 11/16/09*,*** | -- | FIRE’s “Freedom in Academia” Essay Contest | High school seniors | $1000 - $5000 college scholarships | Why free speech rights are crucial to higher education and how infringements on these rights betray the purpose of a university education. | 700 - 1200 | 11/6/09*** (or snail mailed - not specified whether this is a postmarked or received date) | -- | First Freedom Student Competition | 9th-12th | $750-$3000 | The USA's advancement of international religious freedom | None | Entry deadline: 11/28/09* | Registration deadline: 11/23/09*** | Young Voices of America Speak Their Muse Contest | K-2nd, 3rd-6th, 7th-12th | $5-$75 | Any poem (see site for tips) | Unspecified | 11/27/09****/* | Entry must be previously unpublished | Young Adult Literature Review Fiction Contest | Ages 12-17 | Signed book by Scott Westerfeld, publication in magazine, work with editor to get piece ready for publication, be guest on the YA Lit Review Podcast | Any story | 5,000 | 11/30/09*** | -- | Tapestry of Bronze Fall Contest | Under age 18 | $50 | Poem about the Greek goddess Demeter/Ceres | 30 lines | 11/30/09*** | -- | The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers | High school sophomore or junior | Full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop, publication in The Kenyon Review | A poem (more details available starting Nov. 1) | Unspecified (more details available starting Nov. 1) | 11/30/09*** | Approx. 1,000 entrants per year |
back to top *Postmarked date **Received date (US mail) ***E-mail date NEW!!! Homeschool Writer of the Year Competition Who can enter the most writing contests this year? Get out your pens and join in the race! Deadline is December 31.
December 2009 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | Patrick Henry College Journalism Scholarship | High school seniors | $5,000-$10,000 scholarships at Patrick Henry College | Short essay describing your interest in journalism | unspecified | 12/1/09 | Need strong academics, references, and journalism experience. | River of Words Poetry Contest | K-2nd, 3rd-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th (ages 5-19) | Trip to DC for the RoW Award Ceremony at The Library of Congress; ribbons, books and/or art supplies, t-shirts and other prizes | Poem about nature | 32 lines | 12/1/09* | May enter more than one piece. May enter as an individual or as a group. | Duke TIP Talent Search Writing Contest | 4th, 5th | $25-$250 | A short story about time machine travel | 600-800 words | 12/1/09*** | To participate, you must first join the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) | FRA Americanism Essay Contest | 9th-12th (winners in each grade) | Up to $2,000 per region; participation prizes (books) based on percentage of school's eligible students who participate in the contest Other prizes will be announced on the website 9/17/09 | "What Memorial Day Means to Me" | 350 | 12/1/09*,*** | Must submit to local Branch Americanism Chairman. See website to find local branches. | "Being an American" Essay Contest | Ages 13-19 | $250-$5,000 (for student) $250-$5,000 (for teacher) Free trip to D.C. for awards ceremony | "What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?" | 750 | 12/1/09 | -- | Drexel University High School Ten-Page Playwriting Contest | Junior or senior in high school | $1-5K scholarship; professional notes & feedback for 20 winners | Any screenplay or stage play | 10 pages | 12/1/09* | -- | NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund Writing Contest | K-9th, 10th-12th | $100-$1,000 in savings bonds | “The Second Amendment to the Constitution: Why it is important to our nation.” | About 1,000 | 12/1/09* | -- | Speakable Gifts Writing Contest | 5th-6th | $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble; certificate | Response to an Aesop's Fable or proverb on the website | 100-200 words, depending on age group | 12/2/09*,*** | -- | Creative Communications Poetry Contest | K-3rd, 4th-6th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $50 savings bonds, free anthologies | Open | 21 lines | 12/10/09*,*** | -- | Pasta Tales Essay Contest | 1st-12th (judged by individual grade levels) | Grand Prize: $2500 savings bond and trip to NY City; Each grade level winner: $500 savings bonds and free family dinner | Describe a teacher who has inspired you in school & how they have impacted your life | 50-250 | 12/11/09*,*** | Sponsored by Olive Garden Restaurants | Letters About Literature | 4th-6th, 7th & 8th, 9th-12th | Not listed on website yet | Letter to any author, living or dead | 100-800 (varies by age) | 12/12/09* | -- | Guayabera Press Writing Contest | Ages 12-18 | $25-$100 | "What does being Latino in America mean to you?" | None | 12/15/09*** | Open to Latino youth only | Rider University Annual High School Writing Contest | High school | $25-$100; publication | Essay, fiction (short story), or poetry. Topic of your choice. | Essay and fiction: 5 double-spaced pages. Poetry: 50 lines | 12/18/09* | -- | Good Story Contest | Under age 20 | Courses & publishing services valued from $100-$25,000 (over $3 million total in prize value to be distributed) | Story with a central focus of goodness | 200-1,000 | 12/21/09 | May be submitted by individuals or groups | Homeschool Writer of the Year Competition (Sponsored by Homeschool Writers.com) | K-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th | Certificate & online publication | n/a | n/a | 12/31/09 | Competition is actually a race: Who can enter the most writing contests this year? | Knight Essay Contest (sponsored by Sons of the American Revolution) | high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | $500-$2,000; airfare and one night hotel stay for the winner and a chaperone at the SAR Annual Congress | Event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or framing of US Constitution | 800-1200 words | 12/31/09 | Local chapter deadline is usually but not always 12/31/09. See here for specific info for your state. | National Creative Society Literary Competition and Awards | 7th-12th(ages 12-18) 2 categories for prizes- middle and high school | $100-$1000 | Essay or fiction, or poems. Any topic. | 3-5 double spaced pages | 12/31/09* | -- | Write On! Contests | Age 18 and under | Uunspecified prizes and potential publication | Short story (any topic) Poetry (any topic) Essay (your happiest memory) | Short story: 1000 words Poetry: 2 pages Essay: 500 words | 12/31/09*** | -- | Shankar's International Children's Competition | Under age 16 | Gold medals, silver medals, certificates of merit | poems, plays, short stories, essays, descriptive writing, and the like; any topic | unspecified | 12/31/09** | May submit up to 6 entries. Must be in English. |
back to top *Postmarked date **Received date (US mail) ***E-mail date January 2010 Contest | Grade Groups | Prizes | Topic | Word Max | Deadline | Comments | The UN Association of the United States 2010 National High School Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $500-$1500 scholarship, free trip to UN | Letter to the President about how the US can promote positive development overseas (see website for more details) | 1,500 | 1/5/10*** | -- | Irish History Writing Contest | 6th-8th, 9th-12th | $25-$1,000 | 6th-8th grade: Role of women in the 1916 rebellion 9th-12th grade: The Irish playing the Game: The Sports of the World | 6th-8th grade: 500-1,000 9th-12th grade: 750-1,500 | 1/5/10 | -- | The Writing Conference, Inc. Contest | Elementary, middle school, high school | Plaque, publication in The Writers' Slate, and invitation to Celebration of Writing Reception | A poem, narrative, or essay about "courage that would qualify someone as a hero" | none | 1/8/10 | -- | Elks Club Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest | 5th-6th, 7th-8th | $250-$1000 savings bond | “The American Dream: What Is It?” | 250 | Submit to local lodge on or before 1/10/2010 | -- | The John F. Kennedy Essay Contest | 9th-12th | $500-$10,000. Teacher of winning student gets $500. | Essay about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage | 1,000 (not including citations & bibliography) | 1/10/10*,*** | -- | OddContest | under 18 as of 1/1/10 | $50, convention membership, and books | Science fiction/fantasy | 500 | 1/15/10*** | -- | | The Book Arts Bash | K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th | $100 (more prizes coming soon) | A novel | 1000-10,000 words | 1/1/10*** | For homeschooled students or parents only | National Right to Life Pro-Life Essay Contest | 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $100-$200 | Answering the Pro-Abortion Arguments | 300-500 | 1/16/10* | -- | The Old Creamery Theatre's Writing Contest | 1st-6th | $25-$100 bookstore gift card | Story, poem, or song about characters who resolve a conflict by making a choice to do the right thing | 5 typewritten pages | 1/22/10* | Can work individually or as a group | Frank E. Bolden Literary Contest | Middle school, high school | $100 savings bond | Describe an example of faithfulness, courage, or persistence in racial issues | 200 words | 1/30/10 | -- | | Link Institute YouthWorker Journal | High school juniors and seniors | Publication, $75-$250, and $2,000-$4,000 annual scholarship to Huntington University | Reaching My Generation for Christ | 1,200-1,500 | 1/31/10 | -- | Dupont Challenge Science Essay Competition | 7th-9th, 10th-12th | $200-$5,000 savings bond; free trip to Kennedy Space Center and Disney World | Essay on science-related topic | 700-1000 | 1/31/10*** | -- | Sampad International Writing Competition | Ages 8-15, 16 and over | Publication, book, 200 British pounds (300 pounds for ages 16+) | Any style (short story, poetry, etc.) on Journeys | 250 | 1/31/2010 **,*** | Open to any writer with an interest in South Asian culture |
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