Writing Contests for Students

A student writing contest is an ideal way to ignite young imaginations as well as provide constructive feedback and validation that might ultimately encourage a future career as a journalist, novelist, speech writer or playwright. Many contests also offer cash prizes, reference books on the craft of writing and an opportunity for publication.

Screenwriting Competitions

Given Hollywood's fixation on youth, it's little wonder there are numerous screenplay competitions that are enthusiastically looking to promote the younger generation's talents. Websites such as MovieBytes offer the most comprehensive listings of new contest markets and have a category specifically geared toward today's student writers. For aspiring young filmmakers, competitions that award fellowships represent a chance to work at actual studios and hone their craft.

Scholarships and Study Abroad

Prestigious national competitions such as the Signet Classics Essay Competition and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards invite students to vie for scholarship money to put toward their college educations. For older students with plans to study overseas, Transitions Abroad annually serves up cash prizes for winning essays and networking opportunities to work abroad. The Community of Writers website is another solid resource for finding writing contests that award scholarships, grants and tuition.

Writing Conference, Inc.

For elementary, junior high and high school students, there are numerous categories in original fiction, poetry and essay writing that are eligible for award by Writing Conference, Inc. In addition to a plaque and publication, students are honored at an annual reception. Each year, there's a different topic or theme entrants are required to write about. Although guidelines are available online, this is a popular contest that many teachers are familiar with and often encourage their students to enter.

Homework Spot

Contest information is frequently updated at a website called Homework Spot. In addition to savings bonds, gift certificates and cash prizes for their short stories and essays, K-12 students who submit the best work may be eligible for merchandise from educational vendors, publishing opportunities and all-expense paid trips to national parks and historic venues.

Contests for Teens

At websites such as Teen Ink, Next Step Magazine, Teen Writers, Teen Lit, Teens Read Too and Smart Girl, there's not only a regular avalanche of writing contest information, but also opportunities to get feedback and support from peers prior to formal submission. There's also no shortage of teen-centric blogs and chatrooms that often share information about writing competitions, particularly for poetry and short stories. Though not specific to teens, websites such as writingforums.org are a good source of contest information; rarely is there a minimum age requirement to submit entries.

References

• Write Ways to Win Writing Contests; John Reid; 2004
• Creative Writing Contests
• Writing Forums

Resources

• Movie Bytes Contests
• The Writing Conference, Inc.
• Community of Writers