Contests

University of Maryland Extracurricular Math Opportunity for your Students

The University of Maryland Mathematical Motion Lab was founded in 2023 by Prof. Yanir Rubinstein (University of Maryland, Professor of Mathematics). The lab is hosting a high-school outreach event on Saturday January 31st at UMD College Park's School of Public Health (12:00pm - 4:00pm). It will feature hands-on sports analytics and motion capture demonstration using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

• Attendance is free

• Any students over the age of 13 are eligible to participate

• Parents and guardians are more than welcome

• No experience with sports or mathematics is necessary - just interest and enthusiasm!

Interested students need to fill out this Google Form with a parent or guardian, then they will be all set to join us on the 31st!

More information about our lab and the event is included below, and we would be happy to answer any additional questions. Please just reach out to us at this email (mobilemathlab@umd.edu).

LAB AND EVENT DETAILS

ABOUT THE LAB

Our Lab uses motion-tracking technology and mathematics to help athletes, specifically basketball players, improve their performance. You can read more about our work in this article. We are supported by grants from the University's Grand Challenges Initiative and the Do Good Institute.

LOCATION AND PARKING

The event will take place at UMD's School of Public Health (4200 Valley Dr, College Park, MD 20742) on Saturday January 31st from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Posted signs will direct you from the building entrance to the gym where the event is taking place.

Parking can be found in lot 2F just outside of the building (here on google maps), and overflow parking can be found at Regent's Drive garage (here on google maps). Because the event is taking place on a Saturday, parking will be free for the entire day.

EVENT DETAILS

The event will begin with a short presentation on motion capture and the work we do in our lab. Students will then have the opportunity to shoot a few shots for the recording session, to participate in a hands-on demonstration that illustrates the underlying mathematics of our work, and to speak with UMD undergraduate researchers about their academic paths.

Once we have run through all of that, we will start over and do it again until the end of the event! Feel free to show up at any point in the 12:00pm - 4:00pm window, but please understand that arrival too close to the end of the event may not allow for full participation.

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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 

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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. 

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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 

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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

The Dream U 2025

A College & Career Fair Experience

Saturday, November 15, 2025

10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Register at:  https://zionchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3118629

Bringing America's Ocean and Great Lakes Treasures to You!

Calling all Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors!

Are you a youth passionate about the ocean and the natural environment? Are you looking for a way to develop the skills you need to engage in conservation and stewardship opportunities? Do you want to connect with like-minded youth and become an environmental leader at your school or in your community?

Apply for Cohort 4 of the NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program!

Applications are due on January 4, 2026 by 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Download a flyer to print and post at your school or facility.

The NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador program provides a new level of engagement for youth aged 13-18 committed to ocean conservation and stewardship of our blue planet. We are looking for enthusiastic youth with new ideas and a unique perspective to learn more about America’s underwater treasures and to share their passion with others. 

What is a NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador's role?

• Attend monthly meetings to learn about the National Marine Sanctuary System, threats to the ocean, ocean optimism, NOAA programs and careers, opportunities for engagement, and future leadership programs

• Gain the confidence and skills to lead a project or event at your school or in your local community that supports ocean conservation and stewardship

• Track progress on your school or community project or event 

• Actively engage in discussions with other Ambassadors, post-webinar surveys, and evaluation of program content

• Check and respond to emails in a timely manner

• Complete the Climate Resilience in Your Community Activity Book over the course of the program

• Share your knowledge, passion, and skills with your school or community as an official NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador

See how past NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors have made a big impact at their schools or in their communities around the United States and U.S. territories. Together we can make a difference in the conservation and stewardship of the ocean through marine protected areas, and enhanced ocean and climate literacy.