Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

About the Competition

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the longest-running and most prestigious writing and visual arts competition for middle and high school students in the United States. Since 1923, it has recognized the talents of young writers and artists who go on to become Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award recipients, and renowned creators across industries.

The competition is open to U.S.-based students in grades 7 through 12 (ages 13+), with regional and national recognition. Submissions are judged based on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

Writing Categories Offered

Students may submit original work in a wide range of genres. Our writing-focused prep courses emphasize:

Flash Fiction / Short Story
Journalism (feature reporting, investigative writing, profiles, etc.)
Personal Essay & Commentary (memoir, opinion, cultural reflection)

Other optional categories include: Poetry, Dramatic Script, Critical Essay, Novel Excerpt, and more.

Timeline & Deadlines

Submission Window: Typically September to December, deadlines vary by region
Regional Results: Announced in January–February
National Medalists Announced: March
National Awards Ceremony at Carnegie Hall (New York): June

Recognition & Awards

Gold Key (Regional Top Honor) – Automatically advances to national judging
Silver Key & Honorable Mention – Regional-level recognition
National Gold & Silver Medals – Top national awards
American Visions & Voices Medals – Best-in-show designations in each region

Winning works may be published, exhibited, and included in national anthologies, and are highly regarded by college admissions officers and scholarship committees.

Why It Matters

Over 100 years of legacy and credibility
Recognized by college admissions offices nationwide
Alumni include Stephen King, Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oates, and more
Winning a Gold or Silver Key gives students a significant edge in applications, and helps build a portfolio of original creative work

Official Website: https://www.artandwriting.org

Scholastic Writing Awards Prep

Fiction Writing – Short Story & Flash Fiction

In this fiction writing module, students will study award-winning short stories and develop their own original pieces for Scholastic’s Flash Fiction and Short Story categories. The focus is on voice, narrative structure, character development, and emotional impact. Includes guided revisions and peer workshops.

Learning Outcome: One original short story suitable for Scholastic submission
Recommended Grades: 7–12, with prior experience in English writing
Course Duration: 6 weeks

Journalism – Feature & Profile Writing

This module trains students to write journalistic pieces with clarity, accuracy, and style. Students will explore real-world topics, conduct interviews or research, and write compelling features or profiles suitable for Scholastic’s Journalism category. Emphasis on ethics, structure, and storytelling.

Learning Outcome: One complete and polished journalistic article
Recommended Grades: 7–12, ideal for students interested in social issues
Course Duration: 6 weeks

Personal Essay & Commentary

This module guides students through writing reflective and opinion-based pieces. Ideal for Scholastic’s Personal Essay & Commentary category, students will learn how to express their identity, beliefs, or cultural insights with authenticity, structure, and impact.

Learning Outcome: One structured and insightful personal essay or commentary
Recommended Grades: 7–12, ideal for students eager to express their voice
Course Duration: 6 weeks

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