Shine Bright with Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

 A Gateway to Scholarships for Creative Teens

In a world where creativity fuels innovation, nurturing young artistic and literary talent is more vital than ever. For nearly a century, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have served as a beacon for creative teens, offering not just recognition but life-changing scholarships and opportunities. Whether you’re a budding novelist, a visual artist, or a multimedia visionary, this prestigious competition could be your ticket to unlocking educational and professional success.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the Scholastic Awards work, break down submission guidelines, highlight scholarship benefits, and share tips to help your work stand out. Let’s ignite your creative journey!

What Are the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards?

Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. Administered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the awards have launched the careers of icons like Sylvia Plath, Andy Warhol, and Stephen King. Today, they continue to empower teens by:

• Celebrating original work across 28 art and writing categories.
• Offering scholarships, exhibitions, and publication opportunities.
• Connecting young creators with mentors and industry leaders.

Why Should You Apply? Scholarship Opportunities & Benefits

Beyond the honor of winning, the Scholastic Awards open doors to financial support and career-building resources:

1. Scholarships and Cash Awards

• National Medals: Gold Medal winners receive $1,000scholarships,whileSilverMedalistsearn$500.
• Special Awards: Partner organizations like the New York Times and Google sponsor additional scholarships (up to $12,500) for specific categories like journalism or climate-focused art.
• College Scholarships: Over 100 colleges and universities offer financial aid exclusively to Scholastic Award winners.

2. National Recognition

• Winning work is showcased in traveling exhibitions, including a prestigious display at the Carnegie Hall in New York.
• Select pieces are published in the annual Best Teen Writing and Best Teen Art anthologies.

3. Portfolio Building

• A Scholastic Award elevates college applications and résumés, signaling dedication and excellence to admissions committees.
• Past winners have leveraged their awards to secure internships, grants, and gallery representation.

4. Creative Community

• Join a network of alumni and peers through workshops, mentorship programs, and social media groups.

Categories to Showcase Your Talent

The Scholastic Awards welcome diverse forms of creativity. Here’s how you can shine:

Art Categories

• Painting, Drawing, and Illustration
• Photography, Film, and Animation
• Sculpture, Ceramics, and 3D Printing
• Digital Art, Game Design, and Comic Art
• Fashion, Jewelry, and Architecture

Writing Categories

• Poetry, Short Story, and Novel Excerpts
• Journalism, Memoir, and Critical Essays
• Science Fiction, Humor, and Dramatic Scripts
• Cross-genre experimental work

Pro Tip: Review past winners’ portfolios on the Scholastic website to gauge style and originality.

Submission Guidelines: How to Enter (2024 Edition)

1. Eligibility

• Open to students in grades 7–12 in the U.S., Canada, or U.S.-accredited schools abroad.
• All work must be original and created within the last three years.

2. Deadlines

• Regional Deadlines: Vary by state (typically December–January). Check your local affiliate here.
• National Notification: March 2024.

3. Entry Process

1. Create an Account: Register on the Scholastic Awards portal.
2. Upload Work: Submit digital files (art) or PDFs (writing).
3. Pay Fees: $7perindividualentry;$25 for portfolios (fee waivers available for eligible students).
4. Artist/Writer Statement: Include a 500-word reflection on your creative process.

4. Judging Criteria

• Originality: Does your work offer a fresh perspective?
• Technical Skill: Mastery of medium and execution.
• Personal Voice: Authenticity and emotional resonance.

Tips for Crafting a Winning Submission

1. Start Early: Refine your piece over weeks, not days.
2. Seek Feedback: Share drafts with teachers or peers.
3. Embrace Risk: Judges favor bold, unconventional ideas.
4. Polish Your Statement: Connect your work to personal growth or societal themes.
5. Submit Multiple Entries: Increase your chances by entering different categories.

Success Stories: Alumni Who Soared

• Amanda Gorman: The youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history won a Scholastic Award at age 16.
• Ken Burns: The acclaimed filmmaker credits the awards for validating his documentary passion.
• Lena Waithe: Emmy-winning screenwriter and producer honed her voice through Scholastic competitions.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I submit collaborative work?
A: Yes! The Awards accept group projects in categories like film or comic art.

Q: Is there a theme or prompt?
A: No—originality is key. Create work that reflects your unique perspective.

Q: How are regional and national awards different?
A: Regional winners advance to national judging. Only 1% of entries earn National Medals.

Q: Can I re-submit revised work from previous years?
A: Yes, if significantly improved.

How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap

1. Choose Your Best Work: Select pieces that showcase versatility or depth.
2. Review Guidelines: Double-check category rules (e.g., word counts, file formats).
3. Write a Compelling Statement: Explain your inspiration and goals.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: Late entries aren’t accepted.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Creativity Shine

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards aren’t just about winning—they’re about daring to share your voice with the world. Whether you earn a medal or not, the process of creating, refining, and submitting work builds confidence and skill.

Ready to take the leap? Visit Scholastic Awards to start your application today. Your masterpiece could be the next to inspire generations!