Writing Contests for Young Writers – the NewPages Guide
Updated November 10, 2024
View Publications for Young Writers
Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers.
Safety Matters! We expect sites listed in this guide to adhere to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. This includes a transparent method for obtaining parental/guardian permission when collecting information from contributors under the age of 13 years old.
This is a select list of contests from reputable sources. There are many contests that charge fees, but for this resource, I have sought contests which mean to recognize and encourage young writers and do not charge reading or entry fees. Of those listed that do charge a fee, some provide a publication subscription in return as they are trying to gain new readers; that seems fair and the publishers are upfront about it. Other fee-based contests are from reputable members of the literary community, and the fee is considered reasonable in relation to the prize winnings being offered.
Please avoid contests that tell you you’ve won and then want you to purchase expensive copies of the book in which you have been published. These types of “scam” contests publish hundreds, even thousands of entrants, and profit greatly from book sales. These contests take advantage of young writers and inexperienced writers of all ages.
Also see the NCTE Guidelines for Contests, which is helpful for contest organizers who want to reach out to K-12 students and for teachers assessing the legitimacy of contests for their students.
Contest Deadlines: I make every effort to update the contest list monthly and update deadline dates as the contest sponsors update them on their websites. Contest dates may change without anyone notifying me, so users of this guide should check the contest website for the most accurate information. If a previous year’s date is noted here, then the contest sponsor may not have updated their website yet, but they will likely be running the contest again. Please check back here or on the contest sponsor’s site if you are interested in that contest.
Please note: NewPages does our best to vet these contests and organizations and provide a thorough list of reputable opportunities for young writers. If you have any concerns about a contest listed here or if you are a contest sponsor and need to update your listing, please contact us.
January February March April May June July
August September October November December
The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Grades 7-12 during the current school year
Deadline: Varies by Region – Enter zip code to find deadline
The Earth Chronicles
Monthly Summer Writing Contests June/July/August
Grades 9-12
Future Scholars Foundation
Short Story, Fan Fiction, Story Art, Story Review, Math
Elementary and Middle School Grades
Deadline: Monthly on the 28th
Homer Humanities
Prompt-based
Ages 10-22
Bimonthly
Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest
National Federation of State Poetry Societies
Grades 6-12
Each participating state conducts its own contest with deadline.
Each participating state sends its top entrants to the national contest.
Click here for a list of participating states.
NAACP ACT-SO Program
Open to U.S. citizen students of African descent grades 9-12
Multiple categories within academic, scientific, and artistic achievement
Requires local program oversight and participation that culminates in a national competition.
National History Day Project Competition
Junior Division (grades 6, 7, 8) and Senior Division (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Categories: Paper, Performance, Documentary, Exhibit, Website
Check the website for an affiliate region near you for timelines.
National PTA Reflections Awards
Grades Pre-K to 12
Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts
Each state holds its own contest, submitting winners to the national contest.
National Writing Invitational
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Essays
Ages K-12
Chosen submissions published online monthly with “Best of” awards made on October 1.
The New York Times
Ages 13-19
Various contests with varying deadlines
Editorial Cartoon Contest, Civil Conversation Challenge, Review Contest, Year in Rap Contest, Vocabulary Video Contest, Editorial Contest, Found Poetry Contest, Summer Reading Contest
Poetry in Voice
A monthly poetry contest for Canadian students grades 9-12.
Based on a monthly prompt.
All poems submitted are considered for publication in Voices/Voix.
Six Word Memoirs
Six Words hold monthly contests for which writers must respond to a prompt in exactly six words.
Stone Soup Flash Contest
Stone Soup holds a monthly flash contest challenge based on a prompt for writers 13 and under.
Under the Madness Magazine
A magazine for and by teens under the mentorship of the New Hampshire Poet Laureate. They offer multiple contests per year for writers ages 13-19.
Write the World
WtW holds monthly contests based on an idea or genre (poetry, fantasy, sports journalism, fiction, etc.). For young writers 13-18 years old.
WriteCause
An organization that runs quarterly writing contests with topics centered around different world issues, encouraging charity donations, and prompting teens 12-18 years old to reflect on current crises and inspiring solutions.
Young Writers Project
A free online community of writers and visual artists ages 13-18 (12-year-olds with permission). Teachers are also invited and have a “For Teachers” space on the site. YWP holds regular challenges and seasonal contests.
Youth Communication
Every three months, YC will highlight five recent articles and ask readers ages 14-19 to write a response to the author of a story (up to 300 words). Three winners will receive prizes of $150 (1st prize), $75 (2nd prize), and $50 (3rd prize.)
Arizona Mystery Writers
Mary Ann Hutchison Memorial Story Contest for Youths
Ages 9-13; 14-17 Both age groups awarded prizes.
Deadline: January 1, 2025
Northeastern University – London
Essay Competition
Prompts provided in humanities and social sciences.
Grade 12 only
Deadline: October 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Quantum Shorts
Short Story
“Entries must take inspiration from quantum physics and be no longer than 1000 words.”
Ages 13+
Alternates between sci-fi and sci films each year.
Deadline: January 8, 2024
National Youth Foundation
Amazing Women Writing Contest
Theme: Local Heroines
Grades K-8
Deadline: January 9, 2025
VSA Playwright Discovery Competition
Grades 6-12 / Ages 11-18
Ten-minute play, screenplay, or music theater exploring the disability experience
Written by young writers with disabilities and collaborative groups that include students with disabilities
Deadline: January 10, 2024
Atkins Center for Ethics Essay Contest
Carlow University
Grades 11 and 12
Deadline: January 15, 2023 [Sent inquiry 12/2]
International Bipolar Foundation
High School Essay Contest
Ages 13-29
Deadline: January 15, 2024
Ringling College of Art and Design
High School Creative Writing Contest
High School Age Writers
Deadline: January 15, 2024
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Sponsored by the JFK Memorial Library and John Hancock
Grades 9-12
Deadline: January 17, 2025 postmark
Columbus State University
The Carson McCullars Literary Award
Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Expository Essay, Playwriting, Screenwriting
High School Age Category for Georgia and Alabama High School Students
Deadline: January 17, 2025
Power to Explore Writing Challenge
California Institute of Technology
U.S. Students in grades K-12
Deadline: January 26, 2024
Saint Mary’s College
River of Words Poetry and Art Contest
Grades K-12 (Ages 5-19)
Deadline: January 31, 2024
The Stirling Review
The Rising Voices Awards
Poetry, Fiction, Critical Writing
Ages 13-18
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Follow on Instagram for updates @thestirlingreview
Outdoor Writers Association of America
Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards
Grades 6-8 or 9-12
For outdoor-oriented works.
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Bluefire 1000-word Story Contest
Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation
Grades 6-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024
EngineerGirl Writing Contest
Fiction in which the main character is a female who uses engineering skills to solve a problem.
Grades 3-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Gannon University
High School Poetry Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Go On Girl! Scholarships
Aspiring Writer and Unpublished Writer
Each has unique criteria; See website
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Narrative High School Writing Contest
Prompt provided in guidelines.
Grades 9-12
Deadline: February 5, 2025
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
Open to books published in the previous year FOR young readers.
Categories: Pre-K to Grade 3; Grades 4-6; Grades 7-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Holocaust Art and Writing Contest
Chapman University
Grades Middle and High School
Deadline: Postmark February 2, 2024 or by February 5, 2024 for digital submissions
North Carolina Poetry Society
Student Poetry Contest
Grades 3-College Undergraduate
North Carolina Residents Only
Deadline: February 2, 2024
U.S. Kids Annual Cover Art Contest
Ages 2-12
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Write On! Story Writing Contest
Ann Arbor District Library
Flash Fiction and Short Story Grades 3-5
Open to Michigan Residents Only
Deadline: February 5, 2024
[See March for Grades 6-12 contest.]
ukiaHaiku Festival
Haiku Contest
All Ages – Some Regional to California Counties
No Fee (except for Adult Contemporary Haiku)
Deadline: February 8, 2024
The website includes helpful guidelines for writing haiku.
Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project
Nationwide Essay Contest
Topic provided on website.
Middle School and High School
Deadline: February 15, 2024
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Davidson Institute, Reno, NV
Ages 18 and under as application date
For completion of a significant work in STEM or Humanities categories
Deadline: February 14, 2024
NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing
For Juniors in the current academic school year
Students must be nominated by their school’s English Department
Deadline: February 15, 2024
NCTE Promising Young Writers Program
For 8th grade students in the current academic year
Students must be nominated by a school committee or department
Deadline: February 15, 2024
West Chester University
Iris N. Spencer Poetry Award
Myong Cha Son Haiku Award
Rhina P. Espaillat Award for Poetry
Sonnet Award
Villanelle Award
Undergraduate student poets who are enrolled in a United States College or University
Deadline: February 16, 2024
Society of Professional Journalists and Journalism Education Association
Essay based on prompt.
Grades 9-12 U.S. Public, Private, & Home Schools
Deadline: February 19, 2024
Curieux Research Scholarship Award
Middle or High School Students
Deadline: February 20, 2024
Polyphony Lit Black History Month Contest
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open February 1-February 28, 2024
Polyphony Lit Winter Contest
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open February 1 – February 28, 2024
The Sejong Cultural Society
Essay, Sijo (Poetry)
Open to Pre-college and Young Adults
Deadline: February 29, 2024
Cancer Unwrapped Teen Essay Writing Contest
Cancer Pathways
Grades: 9-12
Deadline: March 1, 2024
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society
University of Central Florida
Middle & High School Writing Contest
Story, Poem, Essay
Deadline: March 1, 2024
Project Yellow Light
Scholarship Competition
Grades High School or College
Video, Billboard, Radio PSA on not driving distracted
[Also listed under April]
Deadline: March 1, 2024
West Chester University
Writing Contest Grades 3-12
Poetry
Deadline: March 1, 2024
It’s All Write! Teen Writing Contest
Ann Arbor District Library
Flash Fiction and Short Story Grades 6-12
Open to Michigan Residents Only
Deadline: March 3, 2024
[See February for Grades 3-5 contest.]
Carl Sandburg Student Poetry Contest
Grades 3-12
Deadline: March 4, 2024
Elephant Aid International Essay Contest
Essay Prompts
Grades 3-5 and 6-8
Deadline: March 4, 2024
American Society of Human Genetics
DNA Day Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: March 6, 2024
Taradiddle Youth Writing Contests
Animal-themed prompt-based fiction
Age Categories: Elementary under 13; High School 14-18
Deadline: March 14, 2024
The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival Competition
Original Plays or Musicals on any subject
Ages 19 years or younger
Deadline: March 15, 2024
Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition
The Word Works
Grades 9-12
Deadline: March 15, 2024
The Haiku Society of America
Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition
Grades 7-12
Deadline: March 27, 2024
Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction/Memoir
Online Flexible Dates June 20-August 1
High School and Gap Year Students
Financial Aid Available
Deadline: March 31, 2024
The Caterpillar
Best Poem for Children Contest
This contest is for adults writing for readers ages 7-11(ish).
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Sarah Mook Poetry Prize
Grades K-12
Deadline: March 31, 2024
American Foreign Service Association
High School Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: April 1, 2024
Princeton University
Lewis Arts Center
Ten-Minute Play Contest
Grades 11 and 12 in the current school year
Deadline: April 1, 2024 (or as soon as 250 entries are received)
Project Yellow Light
Scholarship Competition
Grades High School or College
Video, Billboard, Radio PSA on not driving distracted
[Also listed under March]
Deadline: April 1, 2024
United States Institute for Peace
High School Essay Contest
Deadline: April 3, 2023
[Sent inquiry 3/17]
#USvsHate
All-Media Public Anti-Hate Message Contest
Grade Categories: K12; 7-12 Grade; Higher Education
Individual and Class Group Submissions
Deadline: December 1, 2023 and April 5, 2024
The Legacy Project
“Listen to a Life” Writing Contest
Ages 8-18
Deadline: April 12, 2024
We the Students Essay Contest
Bill of Rights Institute
Ages 14-19
Deadline: on hiatus for 22-23
Americans Against Gun Violence
National High School Essay Contest
Theme provided on website.
Deadline: April 20, 2024
Dear Poet Project
Grades 5-12
Letters written in response to poets reading poems
Select letters will be published online; Select letters will receive a response
Deadline: April 22, 2024
Short on Words
Poetry or Prose in response to one of ten photographs.
Age Categories 17 and under, 18 and older
$10 Nonprofit fundraising entry fee
Deadline: Hiatus for 2024
fingers comma toes
National Flash Fiction Day Youth Competition
All ages
Deadline: April 30, 2023
The Wilbur & NISO Smith Foundation
Author of Tomorrow Adventure Writing Contest
Ages 11 and under; 12-15; 16-21
Deadline: April 30, 2024
LIGHT
Leaders Igniting Generational Healing & Transformation
Under 18 category
Art, Letters, Poetry, Stories
Deadline: May 1, 2024
Stone Soup Contest Series
Ages 80-13
Short Story, Poetry, Artwork
Deadline: May 1, 2024
New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights
YouthPLAYS
Non-musical, one-act play suitable for HS audience
Written by Playwrights 19 years and under
Deadline: May 1, 2024
World Historian Student Essay Competition
World History Association
Grades K-12
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Skipping Stones Asian Celebration Haiku Contest
Ages 7-18
Deadline: May 5, 2024
Skipping Stones Youth Honors Award
Promoting Multicultural Awareness, International Understanding and Nature Appreciation
Original Writing and Art
Ages 7-17
Deadline: May 5, 2024
Holocaust Center for Humanity
Holocaust Art Contest
Open to ages 9-18 in WA, OR, ID, AK
Deadline: May 17, 2024
Last House Writing Contest for Emerging Writers
Sponsored by Audubon Canyon Ranch
Essay, Short Story, Poetry
Age Categories 8-12 years old and 13-17 years old
Deadline: May 17, 2024
Quills and Keyboard
Poetry, Song Lyrics, SciFi, Fantasy, Short Story, Personal Essay, Memoir, Novel Excerpts, Journalism, Humor, Flash Fiction, Dramatic Script, Critical Essay, Horror, Philosophy, Speeches, Classic Literary Adaptations
High School Students 14+
Deadline: May 20, 2023
Humane Education Network
A Voice for Animals
Essay Contest for 14-15 and 16-18-year-olds
Video Action Project for 16-18-year-olds
Essay with Photos for 16-18-year-olds
Deadline: May 31, 2024
The Adroit Journal
Prizes for Poetry and Prose
Open to Secondary and Undergraduate Students
Fee Waiver Request Form available
Deadline: May 31, 2023
California Young Playwrights Contest
Open to residents of California only.
Ages Under 19 as of June 1
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest
Open to students studying in Canada and Canadian students studying abroad.
High School / Undergraduate / Graduate Categories
Topic changes each year
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest
Ages High School / College / Graduate School
Topic changes each year
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest
“Youth” Category of High School Age and Younger
Deadline: June 1, 2024
Natures Wild Neighbour Society
“Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors”
Art, Writing, Photography, Videography, Music
Ages 11-18
Deadline: June 1, 2024
John Estey Student Writing Competition
American Writers Museum
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Cross-Genre, Drama/Playwriting, Hybrid
Elementary, Middle, and High School Categories
Deadline: June 7, 2024
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Art, Poetry, Prose, Film, Music, Multimedia, Performing Arts, Spoken Word
Ages 11-18
Deadline: June 10, 2024
The Earth Chronicles
Theme Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
Deadline: June 15, 2024
Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest
Theme Essay Contest
Ages 25 and under
Deadline: June 15, 2024
National Teen Storyteller Contest: Solidarity
The Center for Fiction and The Decameron Project
Ages 13-18
Deadline: June 1-June 25, 2022
Earth4All Creative Challenge
Writing, Art, Video (any language)
Ages 15 and under, 16-18, 19-21
Deadline: June 30, 2024
The Geek Partnership Society
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural and Alternate History Fiction
Poetry, Fiction, Graphic Novel
Various age categories (K-Adult)
Deadline: [on hiatus for 2023]
Polyphony Lit Pride Month Contest
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open June 1-June 30, 2024
Polyphony Lit Summer Contest
Theme: “2020 Hindsight”
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open June 1-June 30, 2024
Embracing Our Differences
Art Exhibit and Quote Contest
For all ages
Deadline: July 1, 2024
Stony Brook Short Fiction Prize
State University of New York
Only undergraduates enrolled full-time in American and Canadian universities and colleges for the academic year are eligible
Deadline: July 14, 2024
Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Award
Ages: Adult; Youth (13-18); Youth (12 and under)
No fee for 12 and under.
Deadline: Postmark July 15, 2024
Student Book Scholars
National Youth Foundation
Theme: Anti-Bullying
Grades K-8
Deadline: July 15, 2024
Black Voices in Children’s Literature
Con Todo Press & Free Spirit Publishing
Children’s books for ages 0–4 (50–125 words); for ages 4–8 (300–800 words)
Black Authors 18+
Deadline: July 22, 2024
“I Matter” Poetry Contest
National Youth Foundation
Topic: “Black Lives Matter”
Grades: K-12
Deadline: July 23, 2024
Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award
The Poetry Society
Ages 11-17
Deadline: July 31, 2024
NCTE Excellence in Student Literary Magazines
Open to all accredited middle and secondary schools (US, CA, VI, US schools abroad)
Deadline: July 31, 2024
Hindus for Human Rights
Essay and Art Contest on Human and Civil Rights
Open to South Asian American students in grades 6-12
Deadline: August 20, 2024
Wax Poetry and Art Poetry Contest
Ages under 25
Deadline: August 20, 2024
The Lincoln Forum
Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest
Specific topic posted on the website.
For full-time college/university students.
Deadline: August 31, 2024
William Faulkner Literary Competition
Student Short Story Category
Open to Mississippi High School Students
Deadline: August 31, 2024
Youth Free Expression Film Contest
National Coalition Against Censorship
Ages 19 and under
Deadline: September 9, 2024
Taradiddle Youth Writing Contests
Animal-themed prompt-based fiction
Age Categories: Elementary under 13; High School 14-18
Deadline: September 19, 2024
Art of Unity Creative Award
International Human Rights Art Festival
Poetry, Short Story, Essay as well as any creative media
Youth Age Category 18 and under
Deadline: September 30, 2023 (will not be held in 2024)
Creators of Justice Literary Awards
International Human Rights Art Festival
Poetry, Short Story, Essay 2500 words or less on Human Rights Theme
Youth Age Category 18 and under
Deadline: September 30, 2023 (will not be held in 2024)
National YoungArts Foundation
Ages 15-18
Various Arts Categories
Receive up to $10k + educational support
Deadline: October 17, 2024
American Geosciences Institute
Earth Science Week Essay Contest
Theme: “Finding ‘Art’ in Earth”
Grades 6-9
Deadline: October 18, 2024
Polyphony Lit Latin Heritage Contest
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open September 15 – October 15, 2024
Latino Voices in Children’s Literature
Con Todo Press & Free Spirit Publishing
Children’s books for ages 0–4 (50–125 words); for ages 4–8 (300–800 words)
Latino Authors 18+
Deadline: Open September 9 – October 14, 2024
International High School Writing Contest
Writing Waves, Inc.
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Cross-genre, Screenplays
Grades 9-12; Ages 14+
Deadline: October 25, 2025
Polyphony Lit Fall Contest
Open to High School Students Globally
Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: Open October 1 – October 31, 2024
VFW Patriot’s Pen
Themed Essay Competition
Grades 6-8
Deadline: October 31, 2024
VFW Voice of Democracy
Audio Essay Competition
Grades 9-12
Deadline: October 31, 2024
Hollins University
Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest
For High School Sophomore and Junior Girls
Deadline: October 31, 2024
Bennington College
Young Writers Competition
Grades 10-12
Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction
Deadline: November 1, 2024
Interlochen Arts Academy
Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Competition
Fiction, Poetry, Spoken Word Personal essay or memoir, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Comics, Experimental or unclassifiable writing
Grades 8-11
Deadline: November 15, 2024
Lions International
International Peace Essay Contest
Ages 11, 12, 13 years old on November 15, 2024
Open to students who are considered visually impaired according to their national guidelines.
Rachel Carson Sense of the Wild Contest
Poetry and Prose w/ or w/o Photograph
Intergenerational Team of two or more only
Deadline: November 16, 2024
Rattle Young Poets Anthology
Open Call for Submissions
Ages 15 or younger
Deadline: November 15, 2024
The Telling Room
Themed Poetry and Fiction
Grades 6-12 / Ages 11-18
For Maine Residents only
Deadline: November 15, 2024
Princeton University
Leonard Milberg ’53 Secondary School Poetry Prize
Any student who is in the eleventh grade in the academic year is eligible.
Deadline: November 10, 2024
Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers
The Kenyon Review
High School Sophomores and Juniors
Award: First place: Full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop and publication. Second and third place: Publication.
Deadline: November 1 – 30, 2023
NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program
National Novel Writing Month
November 1 – 30, 2024
Many free events year-round; visit their website for details.
The Upper New Review
Essay Contes: A Sense of Place
Ages 13-17; 18-older
Deadline: November 30, 2023
#USvsHate
All-Media Public Anti-Hate Message Contest
Grade Categories: K12; 7-12 Grade; Higher Education
Individual and Class Group Submissions
Deadline: December 1, 2023 and April 5, 2024
Literacy In Place
Rural Teen Writing Contest
Fiction, Nonfiction
Grades 9-12
Deadline: July 1 – December 1, 2024
Smith College
The Poetry Center High School Prize
An annual prize for sophomore & junior girls in New England
Deadline: September 1 – December 1, 2024
One Teen Story Contest
Open Call for Submissions
Ages 13-15, 16-17, 18-19
Deadline: December 2, 2024
Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest
Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation Essay Contest
High School Students
Deadline: December 10, 2024
Rider University
Annual High School Writing Contest
Grades 9-12
Essay, Short Story, Poetry
Deadline: December 20, 2023
The Fitzgerald Museum
Fiction, Poetry, Multi-Genre
High School and College Students
Deadline: September 1 – December 31, 2023
The Lyric Magazine
Poetry Contest
Undergraduate Students – USA and Canada
Deadline: Postmark December 31, 2024
Poetry Society of America
Louise Louis/Emily F. Bourn Student Award Poetry Award
Teacher/Administrator Nominated unpublished poem by 9-12 grade student.
Deadline: Postmark October 1-December 31, 2024
The Society of Classical Poets
Poetry Competition
Ages 13-19
Deadline: December 31, 2024
Looking for a list of publications that publish young writers? Check out our guide here.
The NewPages Young Writers Guide to Contests is a free and ad-free resource for anyone looking for writing contests for teens, writing contests for high school students, scholastic writing contests, writing contests for middle school students, writing contests for kids, high school writing contests, writing contests for elementary students, creative writing contests for high school students, poetry contests for high school students.