Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 12/1/2026
In short
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the most prestigious literary and art competition for students in grades 7-12, offering national recognition, scholarships up to $10,000, and publication opportunities.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 12/1/2026125 days left
Grades 7-12 (ages 13+)
Eligibility
$10 per individual, $30 per portfolio
Entry Fee
28
Categories
Up to $10,000
Cash Scholarships
United States & Canada
Geographic Scope
Overview
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the longest-running and most prestigious literary and art competition in the United States, established in 1923. It aims to recognize and foster the creative works and original technical skills of students in grades 7-12, providing a platform for young individuals to express their talent. Receiving an award is a significant achievement that can help students distinguish themselves in university and scholarship applications. The competition celebrates vision, originality, and talent, offering participants a chance to earn academic awards and opportunities to develop their artistic and writing portfolios. It is an annual event that draws submissions from across the United States and Canada, culminating in regional and national recognition for outstanding works. Students can submit works across 28 diverse categories in both art and writing, ranging from digital art and film to critical essays and poetry. The awards provide valuable feedback, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to join an esteemed alumni network, contributing to their academic and professional growth.
What to build
Participants must create original works in 28 categories across art and writing. Art categories include Architecture & Industrial Design, Ceramics & Glass, Comic Art, Design, Digital Art, Drawing & Illustration, Editorial Cartoon, Expanded Projects Fashion, Film & Animation, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Art Portfolio (for graduating seniors). Writing categories include Critical Essay, Flash Fiction, Journalism, Novel, Personal Essay & Memoir, Poetry, Screenplays & Scripts, Short Story, Speculative Fiction, and Writing Portfolio (for graduating seniors).
Prizes
Regional Awards
Includes Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention.
Varies
National Awards
Includes Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and scholarship awards.
Varies
American Voices or Visions Awards
Selected from nominated Regional Gold Key students.
Varies
Cash Awards
Academic scholarships up to $10,000.
Up to $10,000
Tuition-based Scholarships
Can cover a portion or the entirety of tuition costs.
Varies
Exhibition and Publication
Award-winning students earn a chance to be featured in the annual exhibition and publication.
N/A
Key dates
- Submission DeadlineDecember 1, 2025 - January 6, 2026 (depending on the region)
- Regional Awards AnnouncementJanuary 28, 2026
- National Awards AnnouncementMarch 25, 2026
- National Awards WeekJune 9–June 11, 2026
Eligibility
Students must be in grades 7–12, age 13 years or older as of the date of entry, and residing in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada.
How to enter
- Prepare your creative works in one of the 28 eligible art and writing categories.
- Pay the entry fee: $10 per individual entry and $30 per portfolio.
- Submit your entries by the regional deadline, between December 1, 2025, and January 6, 2026.
Judging criteria
- Originality: Work needs to come from the student's own experience and imagination, expressing personal values and vision.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in the chosen art or writing discipline.