Competition Overview
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious creative competitions in the United States, founded in 1923. It provides middle and high school students with a platform to showcase their artistic and literary talents and gain recognition on a national scale. The awards have a history of celebrating notable alumni, including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Stephen King.
Eligibility
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Open to students in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up).
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Participants must be U.S. residents or attend U.S.-accredited schools abroad
Subject Categories
Scholastic offers 28 categories, divided into art and writing:
Art
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Architecture,
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Ceramics & Glass,
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Comic Art, Design,
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Digital Art,
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Drawing & Illustration,
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Editorial Cartoon,
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Expanded Projects,
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Fashion,
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Film & Animation,
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Jewelry,
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Mixed Media,
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Painting,
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Photography,
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Printmaking,
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Sculpture, and
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Art Portfolio (for seniors).
Writing
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Critical Essay,
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Dramatic Script,
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Flash Fiction,
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Humor,
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Journalism,
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Novel Writing,
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Personal Essay & Memoir,
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Poetry,
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Science Fiction & Fantasy,
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Short Story, and
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Writing Portfolio (for seniors).
Competition Topic Example
Each category offers a set of questions each year.
The competition is open-themed; students may submit original work in any of the available categories, allowing for a wide range of creative expression and subjects.
Requirements
Citation
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If referencing sources, proper citations are required
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Citation style is flexible, but must be clear and consistent
File Format & Form
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Follow the specific format required by each competition
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Each entry must include a signed form from a parent or teacher
Submission
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All work must be original and created by the student
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Submit digitally through the official online portal
Entry Fees
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$10 per individual submission
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$30 per senior portfolio
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Fee waivers available for students with financial need
Prizes
Awards are given at both the regional and national levels:
Regional Awards
Gold Key
Top regional honor;
Gold Key works advance to national judging
Silver Key
Standout work at the regional level.
Honorable Mention
Work demonstrating high skill and potential.
National Awards
Gold Medal
Top national honor, awarded to the most outstanding works.
Silver Medal
National-level recognition of high-quality work.
American Visions and Voices Medals
Top regional nominations from each region.
Senior Portfolio Awards: Gold or Silver Medals for senior portfolios, including scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships
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National medalists are considered for various scholarships, including the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers scholarships for seniors.