For ambitious high school artists and writers, competitions offer structure, deadlines, portfolio development, and—most importantly—recognition that can propel a student’s confidence and college applications. Whether your focus is painting, poetry, photography, or fiction, there is a competition designed to amplify your voice.
Below is a comprehensive guide to some of the most respected and accessible contests available today.
*Not in any order of importance
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Website: https://www.artandwriting.org
Submission Portal: https://www.artandwriting.org/submit/
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the oldest and most prestigious creative competition in the United States, dating back to 1923. Alumni include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, Ken Burns, and Joyce Carol Oates.
Who can enter: Grades 7–12
Categories:
- Art: Drawing, Painting, Digital Art, Film & Animation, Photography, Jewelry, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Architecture
- Writing: Personal Essay, Poetry, Short Story, Dramatic Script, Journalism, Humor, Flash Fiction
- Special Awards: Portfolio Awards ($12,500 scholarships)
Why it’s important:
- National Medalists are celebrated at Carnegie Hall.
- Work is reviewed by top-tier artists and writers.
- Highly respected in college admissions (especially portfolios).
- Regional and national recognition levels ensure many chances to win.
Key Tip: Submit in multiple categories—Scholastic rewards breadth and risk-taking.
2. Progressive Young Artist Awards (PYAA)
Website: https://pya-awards.org
Submission Page: https://pya-awards.org/competition
The Progressive Young Artist Awards (PYAA) is one of the fastest-growing international art and writing competitions, designed to spotlight creativity, originality, and social imagination. Unlike contests that reward only technical skill, PYAA emphasizes creative voice, conceptual thinking, storytelling, and impact.
Who can enter: Middle and high school students (grades 6–12)
Categories:
- Visual Art: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Digital Art, Illustration, Printmaking
- Creative Writing: Poetry, Short Story, Memoir, Personal Essay
- New Media: Graphic storytelling, experimental forms
- Teacher Awards: Recognizing educators who support their artists
Why it stands out:
- Transparent judging rubrics centered on creativity and resonance.
- Winners receive international recognition, digital badges, teacher certificates, and publication opportunities.
- A growing global community of young creators and art teachers.
- Clear written feedback for finalists (rare among competitions).
Key Tip: PYAA values bold creativity. Students with unique concepts or unconventional styles often shine.
3. National YoungArts Competition
Website: https://youngarts.org
Apply: https://youngarts.org/apply
YoungArts is one of the most selective arts competitions in America and serves as a pipeline to major arts fellowships and programs.
Who can enter: Ages 15–18 (U.S. citizens/permanent residents)
Categories: Visual Arts, Writing, Photography, Film, Design, Voice, Dance, Theater, Classical Music
Why it matters:
- Winners join a lifelong network of professional artists.
- Students can earn cash awards up to $10,000, participate in national programs, and receive mentorship opportunities.
- YoungArts winners are eligible for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
Key Tip: Judges prioritize artistic maturity and risk-taking over polish.
4. The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
Website: https://poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/foyle
Submit: https://poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/foyle/enter
The Foyle Award is one of the largest and most influential youth poetry competitions in the world.
Who can enter: Ages 11–17 (international)
Focus: Poetry only
What makes it special:
- Over 6,000 entries per year from 100+ countries.
- Winners attend specialized poetry workshops.
- Selected poems are published in a global anthology.
Key Tip: Judges love strong voice and original imagery over flowery language.
5. MIT INSPIRE (No Longer Active)
(Note: This competition ended in 2019)
6. The Bennington Young Writers Awards
Website: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards
Submit: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards/submit
Created by the college that produced seven Pulitzer Prize winners.
Categories:
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
Who can enter: Grades 9–12 (U.S. and international)
Why it’s great:
- Generous cash prizes.
- Judges include faculty from Bennington’s renowned writing program.
- Submissions that feel introspective and emotionally piercing do very well.
Key Tip: Bennington rewards quiet power—subtlety, texture, and emotional insight.
7. The New York Times Student Writing Contests
Website & Submissions: https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning/contests
The New York Times Learning Network hosts multiple writing contests throughout the year, including:
- Personal Narrative Contest
- STEM Writing Contest
- 100-Word Tiny Memoir Contest
- Review Contest
- Editorial (Opinion) Contest
Who can enter: Ages 13–19 (global)
Why it’s valuable:
- Feedback from NYT editors
- Real-world relevance
- Winners are published in The New York Times
Key Tip: Follow the NYT’s concise journalistic style: clear, vivid, and persuasive.
8. The National PTA Reflections Program
Website: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections
Submit: Through local PTA chapters
A long-standing arts program encouraging interpretation of an annual theme.
Categories:
Visual Art, Photography, Dance Choreography, Literature, Film Production, Music Composition
Who can enter: Pre-K through 12th grade
Why it’s accessible:
- Multiple levels of judging (school → regional → state → national)
- Open-ended annual theme (e.g., “I Am Hopeful Because…”) sparks creativity
- Great for students looking to gain early recognition
Key Tip: Judges care about interpretation of the theme more than technical mastery.
9. Alliance for Young Artists—Future New Artist Awards
(Varies each year; tied to specific exhibitions and partnerships.)
Website: https://youngarts.org
Focus: Visual arts submissions for themed exhibitions
Why it’s notable:
- Exhibitions in major galleries
- Professional mentorship
- Helps build competitive art portfolios
10. Ocean Awareness Contest (Bow Seat)
Website: https://bowseat.org
Submit: https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/
A global competition blending art + environmental activism.
Who can enter: Ages 11–18
Categories:
Art, Poetry, Filmmaking, Interactive Media, Writing, Music, Spoken Word
Why it’s impactful:
- Focus on ocean conservation and climate issues
- Winners receive large cash prizes
- Strong emphasis on storytelling, research, and social impact
Key Tip: Combine creativity with real-world science for a standout entry.
11. The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers
Website: https://kenyonreview.org
Submit: https://kenyonreview.org/kenyon-review-young-writers
Hosted by The Kenyon Review.
Who can enter: High school sophomores or juniors
Focus: Poetry only
Why it matters:
- Winner receives full scholarship to the prestigious Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
- Publication in The Kenyon Review
Key Tip: Poems that blend intellect with emotional resonance perform very well.
12. The River of Words Poetry & Art Contest
Website: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/river-of-words
Submit: On website
Focuses on the theme of watersheds and the natural world.
Who can enter: Ages 5–19
Categories: Art & Poetry
Why it’s special:
and create new pages for your content. Have fun!
One of the largest eco-poetry contests
Winners are published in the yearly anthology