Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 12/1/2026
In short
The National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a prestigious competition for students in grades 7-12, aged 13 and up, residing in the US, US territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec). It features 29 categories across art and writing, offering regional and national recognition including Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and various scholarships up to $12,500. Submissions open in Fall 2026, with regional deadlines starting December 1, 2026, and national announcements in March 2027.
National Scholastic Art and Writing
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 12/1/202677 days left
Longest-running and most prestigious art and writing competition in the U.S.
Distinction
Open to students in grades 7-12 (ages 13+)
Eligibility
29 categories across art and writing
Breadth
Awards include Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention (regional) and Gold Medal, Silver Medal, scholarships (national)
Recognition
Scholarships up to $12,500 available
Scholarships
Overview
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is recognized as the longest-running, oldest, and most prestigious literary and art competition in the United States. Established in 1923, its primary goal is to identify and celebrate creative works and original technical skills demonstrated by students in grades 7-12. This competition offers a platform for young individuals to express their talent, vision, and originality. The awards provide significant opportunities and academic recognition, which can be particularly beneficial for students aiming to distinguish themselves in university and scholarship applications. The competition accepts submissions across 29 distinct categories, encompassing both visual arts and various forms of writing. Participants are judged on criteria such as originality, technical skill, and the effective expression of personal voice and vision. Submissions for the 2026-2027 cycle begin in Fall 2026, with varying regional deadlines.
Prizes
Regional Gold Key
Regional Silver Key
Regional Honorable Mention
National Gold Medal
National Silver Medal
American Voices & Visions Awards
Selected from nominated Regional Gold Key students.
$500
Herblock Award
Scholarships for editorial cartoons addressing current events.
$2,000
New York Life Award
Scholarships/travel stipends for works exploring grief, loss, or bereavement.
$2,500
Portfolio Scholarships
For high school seniors for portfolios of six works.
Up to $12,500
Best-in-Grade Award
Juror-selected favorites from each grade receive scholarships.
$500
Key dates
- Submission Deadline (general)October 1, 2026
- Earliest Regional Entry DeadlineDecember 1, 2026
- Submission Deadline (latest, depending on region)January 6, 2027
- Regional Awards AnnouncementJanuary 27, 2027
- National Awards AnnouncementMarch 31, 2027
- National Awards WeekJune 8–June 11, 2027
Eligibility
Students must be in grades 7–12, age 13 or older as of the entry date, and reside in the United States, U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec). Students attending boarding schools in eligible regions are assigned based on school location. Online school students must physically reside in eligible regions and provide an eligible residential address. Students attending school and residing outside of eligible regions are not eligible.
Submission requirements
- Grade 7-12 (ages 13 and up)
- $15 per individual entry
- $40 per portfolio
- Reside in the United States, U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Judging criteria
- Originality: Work should come from personal experience and imagination.
- Technical skills: Demonstrates proficiency in the chosen art or writing discipline.