The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. Participants submit original work across 28 categories—ranging from painting and photography to poetry and critical essays—to be judged blindly on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice.

Submissions are first evaluated at a regional level, where students can earn Honorable Mention, Silver Key, or Gold Key distinctions. Gold Key works automatically advance to national adjudication, offering the chance to earn National Medals, have work published or exhibited, and access scholarships of up to $12,500.

https://www.artandwriting.org/