10 Free Writing Competitions for High School Students
Writing competitions for high school students are an excellent platform for young writers to showcase their creativity, develop their skills, and gain recognition for their talent. These competitions go beyond submitting essays, stories, or poems; they allow you to refine your critical thinking, research, and storytelling abilities.
Participating in these competitions often requires exploring complex themes, structuring compelling arguments, or crafting engaging narratives. Additionally, many competitions provide valuable feedback from judges, fostering improvement. Beyond skill development, winning such contests can enhance your college applications, build confidence, and connect you with like-minded peers. Whether you write fiction, journalism, or academic essays, free writing competitions create a space to experiment and grow into a thoughtful communicator.
Here are 10 free writing contests for high school students!
This international competition invites you to explore environmental issues through storytelling and personal expression. The 2025 contest challenges you to reflect on the theme, "Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside," and express your ideas through fiction or nonfiction writing. You will develop your creative writing skills by crafting compelling narratives, essays, or short stories exploring human relationships with the natural world. Submissions are evaluated based on originality, depth of insight, and the quality of writing. Winners receive cash prizes and have the chance to contribute to a growing community of environmentally conscious youth.
Eligibility: Open to students worldwide, ages 11–18, enrolled in middle or high school during the contest period.
Submission Deadline: June 9
Location: Online submissions only.
This contest invites you to engage with current events through reflective writing. Each week during the summer, participants select an article, essay, or multimedia piece from The New York Times and craft a 150–300 word response explaining why it resonated with them. This competition encourages you to develop your critical thinking and analytical writing skills by connecting your personal perspectives to global issues. Weekly winners are chosen based on originality, clarity, and depth of thought. Winning entries are published on The New York Times website. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your communication skills and connect with a larger community of readers!
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Weekly contests run from mid-June to late August.
Location: Online submissions only.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation's longest-running and most prestigious contest recognizing the creative achievements of high school students. This competition encourages you to submit original works in categories such as poetry, journalism, short stories, essays, and more. You will develop critical skills in writing and storytelling by creating works that reflect originality, technical skill, and personal voice. Regional winners are honored with Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions, and Gold Key recipients advance to the national level. National Medalists receive scholarships and receive opportunities for their work to be exhibited or published. Notable alumni include Sylvia Plath and Joyce Carol Oates.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Submission deadlines vary by region, typically December through January.
Location: Regional programs are hosted across the U.S. and Canada, with national recognition events in New York City.
Cost: $10 per individual entry; $30 per portfolio. Fee waivers are available for those with financial need.
The Young Authors Writing Competition, hosted by Columbia College Chicago's English and Creative Writing Department, encourages high school students' creativity and storytelling abilities. This annual competition invites submissions in three categories: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry. You can submit up to two pieces per category, each limited to ten pages. Submissions are evaluated on originality, technical ability, and the strength of the writer's voice. Winners receive recognition, and select works may be featured by the college. This competition fosters literary excellence and encourages you to engage with a community of peers and mentors.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Submission deadlines are typically in December; specific dates vary annually.
Location: Online submissions only.
The River of Words Youth Art and Poetry Contest, hosted by the Center for Environmental Literacy at Saint Mary’s College of California, encourages you to express your connections to local watersheds and the natural world through poetry and art. This international competition combines environmental education with the arts, fostering creativity and environmental awareness. You will develop your writing skills by crafting poems reflecting personal observations, environmental themes, and unique perspectives on the natural world. Submissions are judged on originality, vivid imagery, and the ability to evoke emotion. Selected works are featured in the annual River of Words Anthology and other publications.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Contest opens October 15 and closes January 31
Location: Online submissions are accepted; mailed artwork submissions are required.
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges you to explore the concept of political courage by writing an essay about a U.S. elected official who demonstrated this quality. You will analyze how your chosen official risked their career or reputation to take a stand for the greater good. Through researching historical or contemporary figures and crafting well-argued essays, you will develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Submissions are evaluated based on originality, quality of analysis, and clarity of expression. Winners receive scholarships, with the first-place recipient earning $10,000.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12.
Program Dates: Contest opens September 1 and closes January 17
Location: Online submissions only.
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, organized by The Poetry Society, is one of the most prestigious poetry competitions for high school students. This competition allows you to submit original poems on any theme or style. You will improve your writing skills by crafting poems that showcase originality, emotional depth, and technical skill. Each year, 15 top winners have their works published in an anthology distributed internationally to schools, libraries, and poetry readers. Additionally, 85 commended poets receive certificates and recognition for their submissions. Winners gain access to mentorship opportunities, poetry workshops, and further craft development.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Submissions open in March and close on July 31 annually.
Location: International; online submissions accepted.
The Write the World Nature Poetry Competition 2025 invites you to craft poems inspired by your experiences and observations of the natural world. This competition encourages you to use poetic techniques such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm to reflect on your relationship with nature. Submissions are evaluated based on originality, technical proficiency, and emotional impact. Upon winning the competition, you will receive cash prizes, publication opportunities, and personalized feedback from poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: The submission period runs from February 3–24.
Location: Online submissions only.
HIEEC, organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association, invites you to explore pressing economic issues. You will select one of four prompts on topics such as environmental economics, income inequality, workforce education, or digital currencies, and write an essay of up to 1,500 words. This competition challenges you to engage with economic theories and apply them to real-world scenarios. Through research and writing, you will develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Essays are evaluated based on originality, depth of analysis, and clarity of expression. If you win, your essay may be published on the HUEA website!
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Submissions open November 2 and close January 5
Location: Online submissions through the HUEA website.
Cost: $20 for U.S. applicants; $30 for international applicants. Fee waivers are available upon request.
The World Historian Student Essay Competition, hosted by the World History Association (WHA), invites you to explore your personal connections to world history. You are encouraged to write essays that relate family stories, cultural backgrounds, or regional histories to global historical themes. Through this competition, you will craft essays that demonstrate clarity of thesis, thoughtful use of evidence, and personal engagement with historical topics. Submissions are judged on the ability to connect individual narratives to broader world history contexts. Upon winning, you will receive a $500 prize and a one-year membership in the WHA!
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Entries must be emailed by May 1 annually.
Location: Submissions can be made via email or postal mail.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.