A distinguished national writing contest running for over three decades, hosted by Bennington College. High school students submit high-caliber portfolios in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction prose, evaluated by the college's premier faculty and undergraduate literary boards to win substantial cash prizes and publication.
A prestigious annual writing competition hosted by The New York Times Learning Network. High school students choose a contemporary social, political, or economic topic and craft a short, persuasive essay modeled after professional NYT editorials, requiring evidence-based arguments, compelling hooks, and rhetorical mastery.
An elite literary prize organized by the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University. High school juniors are invited to submit original, unpublished poems to be evaluated by the university's world-renowned creative writing faculty, recognizing exceptional poetic voice and technical literary execution.
A Department of Defense-sponsored STEM competition that challenges high school students to present original scientific and engineering research before a panel of university faculty. Regional finalists advance to present formal oral or poster presentations, vying for tuition scholarships and a place at the National JSHS finals.
A massive year-long academic program where more than half a million middle and high school students conduct deep historical research on a chosen annual theme. Students analyze primary and secondary sources to present their findings across five competitive categories: historical papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites.
The gold standard for creative writing summer programs, hosted by the renowned University of Iowa Writers' Workshop. Selected high school students gather for a highly competitive, intensive residential workshop to hone their craft in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction under the guidance of published authors and graduate mentors.
A major global writing competition organized by the staff of Harvard University’s daily student newspaper. Young writers from around the world showcase their skills across journalistic, creative, or argumentative categories, receiving feedback from Harvard undergraduates and competing for exclusive mentorship opportunities and cash prizes.
The premier quarterly journal dedicated to publishing exemplary, book-length history research papers authored by secondary school students. Widely recognized as one of the highest academic honors a high school humanities student can achieve, acceptance requires exceptional historiographical research, exhaustive citations, and professional-level academic prose.
Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest: A prestigious global essay competition focused on international affairs and global policy. High school students choose from a variety of contemporary global topics, conducting rigorous journalistic and academic research to submit a short-form essay evaluated by the editorial board of the Harvard International Review.
The nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is one of the most prestigious academic writing competitions in the world, inviting students to explore complex questions in the humanities and social sciences.
A simulated courtroom competition where students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses to argue a fictional legal case. Participants must master the Rules of Evidence to deliver opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations, and present closing arguments before a panel of real judges and legal professionals.
An academic competition that allows students to develop critical thinking and communication skills through structured argumentation or individual performance. Participants compete in a variety of categories, ranging from fast-paced debates on global policy and philosophy to polished theatrical interpretations and persuasive original speeches.
An academic simulation of the United Nations where students step into the shoes of diplomats to solve global issues. Representing specific countries or organizations, "delegates" engage in research, public speaking, and negotiation to draft and vote on resolutions, written proposals that address global topics