Welcome writers, artists, podcasters, coders, performers, change-makers, and dreamers!


Do you have a love for learning, curiosity, and critical thinking? 

Are you looking to explore new topics OR expand upon your current interests?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you have come to the right place.


This site provides K-12 students with ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES -- anything from

writing and art competitions to podcasting and coding challenges. If something for your grade

 level sparks your interest, click on the information link to learn more. 


Students who actively engage in enrichment activities are more likely to develop a habit of seeking knowledge throughout their lives.

NPR's Student #Podcast Challenge is back! 


The sixth annual Student Podcast Challenge is now open for entries. Student podcasters in grades 4-12 are encouraged to compete for prizes and a chance to hear their stories on NPR. #STUDENTPODCASTCHALLENGE 


Our judges will choose winners in three categories: grade 4, grades 5-8, and grades 9-12.


For more information, click here.  

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 3, 2024

aSap Celebration of Young Writers!

A.S.A.P.’s 19th Annual Celebration of Young Writers empowers grades K-12 students to share their love of writing with the world. Students from across Connecticut are invited to submit poetry and prose for the chance to read their work in front of a live audience at the Spring Hill Arts Gathering Festival in New Preston, Connecticut on Friday, June 21, 2024. Top selected works will also be published on A.S.A.P.'s website.


Deadline for submission is April 1st. 


For more information, or to submit an entry, visit asap celebration of young writers.


ENERGIZE CT CONTEST

The annual *eesmarts contest invites grades K-12 students to answer grade level-specific prompts regarding how they would promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprints to their families, fellow students and schools.

Students can express their energy smarts through a variety of formats, including posters, Limericks, letters, picture books, X (tweets), comic strips, poems, and persuasive images. Submissions are due March 29, 2024. Register by March 22, 2024.


At each grade level:

The contest is open to students living or attending school in an Eversource or Avangrid community in Connecticut. Fairfield is an eligible town. For more information, visit Energize CT Contest .

CODING ANYONE? 

Connecticut students in grades 3 - 12 are encouraged to create applications designed to inspire health, wellness, and positive change. This year’s Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge includes three options for submission: concept challenge, prototype challenge and development challenge. Students can work individually or as a team to submit to one challenge. 


The deadline to submit is Friday, April 26, 2024.

 

There are no traditional winners or rankings based on first, second, or third place. However, student will be recognized and rewarded for their many innovative and impressive submissions. Click here for more information. 


Calling All Environmentalists! 


The 2024 International Young Eco-Hero Awards are open to students ages 8 to 16 years old taking personal action for nature. Winners receive a cash prize of up to $500 and a certificate of achievement. Applications close on February 28th.


Learn how to apply here. 

Complete an application here. 


Women's History Month Essay Contest

Senator Tony Hwang of Fairfield recently announced a Women's History Month Essay Competition for all 7th graders! 

To participate, write a 350-400 word essay describing an important woman in Connecticut’s history and how her contributions to the state/nation affect you. Focus on one notable Connecticut woman, detailing her life and accomplishments and what those contributions mean to them and their community. 


Each entry should include:


Three essays will be selected from each school based on form, style, research, grammar, insight, etc. Student winners will be recognized for their achievements and be presented with an official legislative citation. 


Essays need to be shared with your ELA teachers by February 26, 2024. 

SPLASH AT YALE IS COMING BACK THIS SPRING!


Splash at Yale invites high school and middle school students in grades 7-12 to come to the Yale campus and take courses taught by undergraduates on anything and everything! In past programs, we’ve had exciting classes including:


Who:        Students, grades 7-12

When:      Saturday, April 6, 2024 (10 AM - 3:30 PM)

Cost:        $30 - This price includes the Splash t-shirt and lunch.

Where:     New Haven, Connecticut on Yale’s campus! 


Check-in location and class locations will be announced after registration is complete. For more information, visit Splash At Yale.