Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: 6 Reasons Why You Should Apply

For high school students who are passionate about creative writing, visual arts, or interdisciplinary expression, few programs offer the reach, prestige, and educational value of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Founded in 1923, this program has championed youth creativity for over a century, celebrating the next generation of cultural thinkers and storytellers. It has recognized talents like Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, Robert Redford, and Amanda Gorman—all while they were still teenagers discovering their voice.

Yet the Scholastic Awards are not simply about recognition or résumé lines. They provide students with a framework for personal growth, portfolio development, and national exposure—all while cultivating skills that apply across disciplines and careers. For students with big ideas, bold perspectives, or untold stories, this program provides an unmatched launchpad.

Below, we explore the full spectrum of what the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offer—and why every creative high school student should consider submitting their work.

What Are the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards?

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for teen creatives in grades 7–12. Organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the program honors original work across over 45 categories in both art and writing, including:

• Writing: Poetry, Short Story, Personal Essay & Memoir, Journalism, Dramatic Script, Critical Essay, Science Fiction & Fantasy, and Novel Writing.
• Art: Drawing & Illustration, Painting, Photography, Film & Animation, Digital Art, Editorial Cartooning, Fashion Design, Ceramics & Glass, and Mixed Media.

Students compete in regional contests first. Top regional submissions receive Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention recognition. Gold Key recipients advance to the national level, where a panel of professional artists, writers, curators, and educators selects students for National Gold and Silver Medals, American Visions & Voices Awards, and sponsored prizes.

With over 300,000 entries annually, even reaching the regional award stage places students in the top echelon of creative youth nationwide.

1. National Recognition and Creative Credibility

Being honored by the Scholastic Awards isn’t just a résumé booster—it’s a marker of creative excellence acknowledged by institutions, colleges, and professionals across the country. In an academic landscape where students are encouraged to stand out through their passions, Scholastic recognition signals deep engagement, authenticity, and sustained effort.

What This Means for Students:

• College Applications: Recognition by a nationally renowned program sets students apart in competitive applicant pools. Admissions officers view Scholastic awards as indicators of initiative, intellectual curiosity, and originality.
• Career Launchpads: Many professional writers, artists, and designers still cite their Scholastic wins as defining moments. It demonstrates that your work has been judged—and validated—by working professionals in your field.
• Public Recognition: Regional and national winners may be featured in exhibitions, online galleries, local news, and Scholastic publications—helping students gain exposure early in their creative journeys.

Example: A student applying to a dual-degree program in English and design could list a Scholastic Gold Key in Flash Fiction and a Silver Key in Digital Art, demonstrating not only talent but also interdisciplinary strength.

2. Meaningful Scholarships and Sponsored Awards

Creativity is not only celebrated—it’s funded. The Scholastic Awards offer a broad range of scholarships and special prizes that recognize excellence, originality, and thematic engagement.

Scholarships Offered:

• National Gold Medal Portfolio Awards: $12,500 for the most outstanding graduating seniors who submit portfolios in art or writing.
• Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolios: $1,000 awards for high-achieving seniors.
• Regional Affiliate Scholarships: Many regional programs offer awards and tuition support for local winners.

Sponsored Awards Include:

• Civic Expression Award: Recognizes writing that engages with political and social issues.
• New York Life Award: For students whose work explores loss and personal growth.
• Herblock Award for Editorial Cartooning: Honoring work that critiques public figures and policies through visual satire.

These awards not only provide financial support but also create specialized platforms for students to engage with critical real-world issues through art and writing.

Tip: Sponsored categories are often under-entered relative to general categories. If your work fits a theme like civic engagement, mental health, or social equity, submitting in a sponsored category may increase visibility and potential for recognition.

3. Expert Feedback That Fuels Growth

Unlike many high school competitions focused solely on winning, Scholastic prioritizes creative development. Every piece is evaluated against a set of rigorous criteria: originality, technical skill, and emergence of voice or vision. These are the same elements emphasized in university programs and professional arts careers.

Even students who do not receive awards gain invaluable experience:

• Learning to self-edit: Preparing a submission requires students to revise, seek feedback, and polish work to meet high standards.
• Reflecting on intent: Artists and writers often clarify their creative goals through this process, deepening their understanding of their medium and message.
• Developing discipline: Working toward a formal submission deadline fosters time management and resilience—skills essential in any field.

Pro Tip: Document your revision process. This not only strengthens your submission but can be repurposed in personal statements or college essays about creative growth.

4. Portfolio Building for College and Creative Careers

Whether applying to a BFA program, submitting a creative supplement, or pursuing scholarships that require samples of work, a strong portfolio is your most important asset. Scholastic entries are ideal for this.

Why Scholastic Submissions Are Portfolio-Ready:

• Work must meet specific category criteria, encouraging students to produce pieces that reflect clarity, originality, and polished technique.
• Feedback and awards serve as quality benchmarks—college admissions teams often recognize the Scholastic brand.
• Students can build portfolios with genre diversity (e.g., pairing narrative writing with journalism or visual art with animation).

Real-World Strategy: Use your Scholastic portfolio to anchor an interdisciplinary narrative in your college application. For example, pairing an award-winning personal essay with a photography series on identity could powerfully express your academic and artistic interests.

5. Connection to a National Network of Creatives

Beyond awards, Scholastic provides a platform for belonging—especially for students whose schools may lack robust creative programs. The program cultivates a dynamic national community that includes:

• Regional Celebrations: Award ceremonies, gallery exhibitions, and workshops bring together students from across the region.
• National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall: National Medalists are invited to New York City for an immersive celebration of the arts.
• Digital Exposure: Top works are showcased on the Scholastic Awards website, reaching teachers, peers, and institutions worldwide.
• Publications and Collaborations: Students may be featured in anthologies or invited to contribute to ongoing projects sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

For many, this is their first taste of what it means to participate in a broader creative movement—a validation of both their individual talent and their place in the larger artistic conversation.

6. Personal Discovery, Confidence, and Creative Voice

Perhaps the most profound impact of participating in the Scholastic Awards is internal. Submitting work for national review is not just an act of expression—it’s an act of bravery. It challenges students to own their perspective, take risks, and speak to something meaningful.

What Students Gain:

• Creative Confidence: The act of preparing and submitting builds belief in one’s voice, especially when exploring sensitive or complex topics.
• Resilience and Discipline: Students learn to overcome doubt, commit to deadlines, and grow from critique.
• Vision: Through creating, reflecting, and sharing, students often develop a clearer understanding of the kind of artist or thinker they want to become.

This mindset has ripple effects across all aspects of life—from academics to leadership to civic engagement. As one past winner reflected, “Scholastic didn’t just make me a better writer. It helped me see myself as a writer.”

How to Apply: Timeline, Strategy, and Practical Tips

When to Apply:

• Submissions Open: September
• Regional Deadlines: Vary by region (typically December–January)
• Regional Awards Announced: February
• National Awards Announced: March
• National Ceremony (for Gold Medalists): June in New York City

Strategic Tips:

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until winter break. Draft, revise, and get feedback in the fall.
2. Choose the Right Categories: Read category descriptions carefully—some work may fit multiple areas.
3. Proof and Polish: Errors can distract from otherwise strong work. Edit thoroughly.
4. Seek Diverse Feedback: Teachers, peers, and mentors can help fine-tune tone, message, and presentation.
5. Document Your Journey: Keep track of what you learn. This can support college essays, research projects, or future competition entries.

Final Thoughts: Take Your Creativity Seriously

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are not simply a contest—they are an invitation. An invitation to take your creativity seriously, to see yourself as part of something bigger, and to use your voice in a way that moves others.

For students who want to refine their ideas further, develop portfolio-quality projects, or prepare for future publication, mentorship through programs like Nova Research or Nova Fundamentals can provide the structure and guidance to elevate student work to new levels.

Ultimately, whether you win an award or not, the act of participating means you’ve stepped into the arena. You’ve shared your voice. And that’s where the creative journey truly begins.

Apply. Reflect. Grow. Let your work be seen. The world is listening—and the Scholastic Awards are ready to showcase what you have to say.