The Bennington College Young Writers Awards is a prestigious annual competition that invites high school students from around the world to showcase their writing skills. Known for fostering literary talent, Bennington College has produced numerous acclaimed authors, including Pulitzer Prize winners and U.S. Poet Laureates. The competition in the United States encourages young writers to submit their original work, providing them with an excellent opportunity to gain recognition on a global platform.
With categories in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit their creative works. Submissions are open to students worldwide, making this a truly inclusive contest. Entrants may submit three poems, one short story, or one essay. Best of all, there is no fee to participate, making this competition accessible to all young writers.
The awards for writers not only offer substantial cash prizes but also scholarship opportunities at Bennington College. The first-place winner in each category receives $1,000, while the second and third-place winners receive $500 and $250, respectively. Additionally, students who apply to Bennington College and are accepted may be eligible for scholarships based on their participation and success in the Young Writers Awards.
Bennington College’s Young Writers Awards is more than just a contest. It’s a chance for emerging writers to receive recognition, publication opportunities, and significant scholarships, setting the stage for future literary success. Bennington College will showcase the winning entries on its website, providing winners with an esteemed platform to share their creative achievements.
Quick Overview of Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2024-25
- Host Country: United States (open to international students)
- Host Institution: Bennington College
- Deadline: November 1, 2024
- Programs: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction writing competitions for high school students
- Value: Cash prizes up to $1,000 and potential scholarships up to $60,000 for college
- Age Limit: High school students (grades 9-12)
- Eligibility: Open to students worldwide, including U.S. and international applicants
Perks of Writers Awards for High School Students
- Recognition from a prestigious literary institution
- Cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 for first, second, and third-place winners, respectively
- Scholarship opportunities of up to $60,000 for four years at Bennington College
- Global competition open to all high school students worldwide
- Publication of winning works on the Bennington College website, offering great visibility
- Networking and prestige as part of a literary community with strong ties to renowned authors
Benefits of Writing Awards for Internation Students
- Winning entries are awarded cash prizes, recognizing the exceptional talent of the participants.
- The competition is a gateway to major scholarships at Bennington College for finalists and winners who decide to enroll.
- Winners have their work published on the college’s official website, providing exposure to a wider audience.
- Being part of a competition with a history of producing literary giants adds to a student’s credibility and future opportunities in literature and beyond.
Exclusions of Young Writers Competition in the USA 2024
- Strict word count limits (1,500 words) apply to fiction and nonfiction categories. Entries exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- All entries must be original. Plagiarized work will be disqualified.
- Submissions must be in English. Other languages are not accepted.
- Students currently taking a gap year or who have already graduated from high school are not eligible to participate.
- Participants may only submit in one category per year.
Eligibility Criteria of Bennington College Writing Competition
- Open to students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 (or equivalent for international students).
- Entries must be the student’s original work and submitted under one of the following categories: poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
- You must write entries in English.
- A sponsoring teacher or mentor must approve and support each submission.
Important Dates of Young Writers Awards at Bennington College
- Application Period: September 1, 2024 – November 1, 2024
- Announcement of Winners: Spring 2025
- Scholarship Awards: Awarded to winners and finalists who apply to and enroll at Bennington College
How to Apply to the Bennington College Young Writers Awards
- Visit the official competition page.
- Select one submission category: poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
- Submit your work through the application portal.
- Ensure your sponsoring teacher has reviewed your work.
- Complete and submit the online application before November 1, 2024.
Required Documents for Bennington College Young Writers Awards
- Original submission (three poems, one short story, or one essay)
- Sponsoring teacher approval
- Signed application form
For more details and to apply, visit the official Young Writers Awards website.
