Writing Competitions for Middle School
"Welcome to Teen Ink, a national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums. For over 25 years, Teen Ink has offered teens the opportunity to publish their creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives – everything from love and family to school, current events, and self-esteem. Hundreds of thousands of students, aged 13 -19, have submitted their work to us and we have published more than 55,000 teens since 1989. " (from their website)
Connecticut Student Writers Competition
Sponsored by the CT Writing Project, this competition honors excellence in writing by K-12 students and provides a forum for Connecticut students to present their original work in poetry of prose. Winners are published in the Connecticut Student Writers magazine (CSW), and the highlight of the publication process is the Student Recognition Night, a celebration hosted by the CWP on the UConn campus. (late January deadline)
Poetry for Peace Writing Competition
This writing contest, sponsored by the Fairfield University’s Writing Center, is designed to encourage discussion of how the imaginative and original language of poetry relates to the creation of peace. It gives young writers a chance to express their own concepts of peace throughout the creative act of writing. The winning poems are published online and in a book, which is distributed to children and their families at the live-reading event at Fairfield University. (late January deadline)
Contact: Professor Carol Ann Davis cdavis13@fairfield.edu
Scholastic Art & Writing Competition
The PUSH novel contest is open to students in grades 7-12. Submissions must contain at least three and no more than five chapters from an original novel. The gold medal winner will win a Scholastic Art & Writing Award, and their manuscript will be worked on with PUSH editorial staff, with the hope of eventual publication. (mid-January deadline)
NCTE Promising Young Writers Competition
Open to 8th grade students only. This competition recognizes, as well as stimulates, writing talents and emphasizes the importance of writing skills among grade 8 students. Themed writing prompt announced each year. Nominated entries must be submitted by a teacher. Winners are published in the NCTE Magazine. (mid-February deadline)
Women’s History Month Essay Contest
Rep. Brenda Kupchick Website or contact Catherine Thomas at 860-240-8720
To celebrate Women’s History Month, all Fairfield 6th grade students are invited to participate in writing a 300-word essay on the topic, “How a Connecticut Woman Made a Contribution to the State and/or Nation and How it Affects Me.” Entries should focus on one notable Connecticut woman, detailing her life and accomplishments and what those contributions mean to the writer. Winners will receive a citation from the General Assembly and will be recognized in a ceremony. (mid-February deadline)
Students who are enrolled in middle or high schools in New England are eligible. Winners will be chosen from each category: nonfiction, poetry, and fiction, and published in The Leaflet, the publication of New Engliand Association of Teachers of English. Winners will also receive $50 for each category at each level.
Submissions need to be sponsored by a teacher. (early March deadline)
CHET Dream Big! Writing Competition
What do you want to be when you grow up? Let CHET know in a drawing or essay, and you can win a $1000 Grand Prize Account Contribution that can help pay for college. The CHET Dream Big! Competition encourages Connecticut K-8th grade students to think about how college may help them achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world. This competition runs from February 1st to March 29th. Winning entries will be published online. (late March deadline)
Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. The topic and detailed instructions for the contest are posted in the fall with a deadline for submissions early the following year. Winners are announced in the spring.
"That’s write! PBS SoCal wants to read your original stories and illustrations! We will be judging entries on their originality, creative expression, storytelling, integration of story and illustrations, and overall presentation. Time to start brainstorming some ideas and let your imagination shine!" from their website.
It's All Write Teen Writing Competition
"The Ann Arbor District Library is excited to host its 27th annual “It’s All Write!” Teen Writing Contest in Spring 2019! Young Adult authors take part as judges each year, who then read and select the winning stories. Stories are judged in three different categories: Grades 6-8, Grades 9 & 10, and Grades 11 & 12. The top three writers in each age group receive fabulous prizes. This is an ever-growing, international contest. Winners will be announced at our Teen Writing Festival on Sunday, June 9 from 1-3pm at the Downtown Library.
This year, we are excited to add a poetry category to our writing contest! Teens can now participate in one or all of three categories: short story, flash fiction and poetry!" (from their website)
Carl Sandburg Student Writing Competition - Poetry
"The contest is announced in December of each year with entries due late February. The contest encourages young students to write poetry based on a theme which changes each year. Educators are invited to submit original poems written by their students. Students in grades 3-12 are guided only by an annual theme. Submissions can be written in any style. Poems are judged within grade categories, 3-5th, 6-8th and 9-12th. Winning poets are then invited to share their work at a celebration in their honor. " (from their website)