Betty Awards Writing Contest (8-12 yrs）


Age Eligibility:  8–12 years old

    Submission Guidelines:  Fewer than 1,000 words

Accepts fiction, nonfiction, or poetry

    Content must be appropriate for children

Entry Fee: $20 per submission

Awards:

🥇 1st Prize: $300

🥈 2nd Prize: $200

🥉 3rd Prize: $100


Why Enter This Competition?

Unlike the many math and computer science competitions available, writing competitions for students aged 8–12 are extremely limited. This is a unique chance for young writers to shine.

Through the writing and revision process, students strengthen their self-confidence in writing. Winning entries will be recognized on the competition website and shared across social media platforms (Facebook & Instagram).


Participating in a targeted writing competition gives students structured practice with the key elements of strong writing—building skills for higher-level contests, honors classes, and even future AP coursework.


Students build creative writing skills that align with New York State Common Core Learning Standards, a core part of every year’s ELA curriculum.


Encourages creative thinking, leading to more thoughtful decisions and innovative ideas.


Writers learn to express complex ideas using advanced vocabulary that goes beyond everyday classroom language.


By writing from different perspectives, students build empathy and emotional depth—core elements of strong literary expression.


14-Session Competition Prep Course

To help students craft their strongest submissions, Ascend Advance Academy offers a 14-session preparation course that covers:

🏅 Award-Winning Story Analysis

Study successful past entries

Identify effective storytelling elements such as point of view, theme, and structure

Understand what makes a winning piece stand out

Creative Writing Development

Explore the core elements of story: setting, character development, plot, conflict, theme, climax, and resolution

Learn how to build believable characters by exploring motivation and conflict

Master the balance of foreshadowing and red herrings to make stories more engaging

Writing Technique Training

Review grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary development

Practice the “Show, Don’t Tell” technique using sensory detail

Learn how to write effective dialogue that serves character development, theme, and plot advancement

Submission Support

Receive personalized feedback and detailed revision guidance

Work toward a polished, ready-to-submit final piece