Contests

New! Encourage Students to Apply for Lily McKee High School Fellowship

The Lily McKee High School Fellowship at the Folger is back this year. We're seeking 25 students from around the DMV to explore As You Like It through the lenses of performance, research, and scholarship. Fellows will perform on the Folger Theatre stage, research using rare materials in our Reading Room, and work with cutting edge scholars of the Early Modern Period to explore connections to our present moment in 2026. This year, fellows will earn a stipend for their time, talents, and contributions to the Folger. You can find more information about the fellowship at the website below. But please let me know if you have any specific questions. The application deadline is Monday, December 2nd at 11:59 pm.

For More Info: https://www.folger.edu/teach/student-programs/lily-mckee-high-school-fellowship/

Oct. 22-Dec. 3, 2025

My Tiny Memoir: Our 100-Word Personal Narrative Contest

What story from your life can you tell in just 100 words? Based on the storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories, we invite you to write a miniature personal narrative about a meaningful life experience.

Here are last year’s rules and guidelines, which will remain largely the same. For more inspiration, read the work of our past winners or follow this step-by-step guide for participating.

New! Write Your Power: Superheroes and Science Fiction with Tony Weaver, Jr.

Inside all of us lives a story waiting to be told. In collaboration with author Tony Weaver Jr., 826 National’s anthology project invites students in grades 5—12 to explore the stories they carry, as well as the limitlessness of their imaginations, by writing and submitting science fiction and superhero tales for a chance to become published authors! Science fiction and fantasy are more than genres—they are radical tools for transformation. In a world shaped by crisis and injustice, students are encouraged to own their power, resist, reimagine, and rebuild in this writing space. By creating futures where their identities are centered and their voices lead, students claim agency over the world as it is—and as it could be. Learn More  Submissions are open now through Dec. 5, 2025! 

2026 HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRITING CONTEST

Who should enter?  9-12th graders in a public, private or charter school in the Washington, DC metro area including, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, or Northern Virginia

What should I write about? Anything! We want to encourage you to share your unique voice and imagination with us! Write about space, history, sports, your favorite food, anything! The main goal of the contest is for you to share your creativity with others.

How much should I write? Plays should be 10-20 minutes in length and no more than 25 pages long. They should have no more than 6 characters, ideally closer to 3-4.

Deadline: Please email jacob@mosaictheater.org with your submission. Submissions are due by 11:59 PM on January 16, 2026. https://mosaictheater.org/playwriting-contest 

Rule of Law Writing Competition Now Open!

This month's competition is sponsored by Supreme Court Historical Society (SCHS) and invites teens ages 13-19 to write in three genres: personal narrative, opinion writing, and creative writing. Through these genres, students will consider how the rule of law relates to their lives, local communities, countries, and role as global citizens. Their work will be judged by real US federal judges and will be eligible for republication through SCHS outlets. Students are welcome to enter more than one genre category. 

NCTE Student Writing Awards

• Achievement Awards in Writing For 10th- and 11th-grade students

This school-based writing program encourages high school students in their writing and publicly recognizes some of the best student writers in the nation. Prompt now available for the 2026 awards! Annual deadline: February 15

• Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM)

This program for middle schools, high schools and universities/colleges recognizes students, teachers, and schools for producing excellent literary magazines. It provides encouragement for all schools to develop literary magazines with excellence in writing and school-wide participation. Annual deadline: July 31 

NYT Learning Network 2025-26 Student Contest Calendar

Eight challenges that invite teenagers to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.

To download a PDF version of this contest calendar, click here.

5th Annual EcoAction Art Contest

Sent on behalf of the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center (Camp Schmidt):

The 5th Annual EcoAction Art Contest for PreK -12 is live!!! 

This year's theme is: "Nature's Voice, Our Choice: Greening Prince George's County Together"

The EcoAction Art Contest challenges PreK–12 students across Prince George’s County to imagine: What is nature telling us—and how can we respond right here at home? Through art, students will give voice to the environment and show how our local actions can make a big impact. From riding electric school buses, to composting and recycling, reducing energy use at home and school, and more, students will explore how we can all take action to protect ourselves, the planet and build a greener Prince George’s County.

EcoAction Art Contest flyers are linked here and the contest description, rules and how to enter are linked here.

Scholarships

• November 12 - NSLI-Y to Study Language Abroad 

• January 9 - PG County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc 

• October 31 - Voice of Democracy Scholarship - $35,000 scholarship available to students in grades 9 through 12 who prepare an audio essay on the assigned topic.

• October 31 - 1st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship - $2,000 scholarship available to students 18 years or older who write a 500-word essay on the assigned topic.

• Big Future Scholarships - Scholarships are available beginning December of your sophomore year.

Other Opportunities

Suited for Success (College Resource)

Youth Career Connections Family Resource Guide 

• Spanish version

College Career Cru--Next Generation Youth Programs 

Two-Week Yale Summer Program [Financial Aid Available]

• Prince George's County Police Department Youth Advisory Council

  • Are you interested in your commuity? Are you a natural leader, serve in a ledership position, or are interested in gaining leadership experience? Do you enjoy gathreing together with like-minded individuals or going on field trips? If so, then do not delay, complete the Prince George's Police Departmetn Youth Advisory Council Google Form today! All reponses are due by Tuesday, November 11th.

Home Depot’s Path to Pro Program

Looking to start a career in the skilled trades? Home Depot’s Path to Pro program is a free training opportunity that helps students and young adults build hands-on skills in construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more! Through the Path to Pro Skills Program, you can learn at your own pace online, gain industry knowledge, and prepare for real-world trade careers. Once you complete the training, you can join the Path to Pro Network, a free online platform that connects you with local employers and contractors looking for skilled workers. Whether you’re exploring your options after graduation or want to gain valuable career-ready skills, Path to Pro is a great place to start—no experience or cost required.

Learn more or sign up at:

https://vshow.on24.com/vshow/HomeDepot_ve_01/registration/19432