CONTEST | Youth Writers

Spark Stories

Writing CONTEST

Every year, Spark Stories submissions are reviewed and evaluated twice — on June 15 and December 15 — to celebrate exceptional writing by student authors.

Awards & Recognition:

🥇 1st Prize – 1 winner
🥈 2nd Prize – 3 winners
🥉 3rd Prize – 5 winners

Important Days:

• Submission Window: June 15 – November 15, 2025
• Results Announced: December 15, 2025

SUBMIT HERE

John Locke Essay Competition

○ Focus: Academic essays on politics, history, law, philosophy,
and more.
○ Grades: Ages 14–18.
○ Dates: Opens in spring; submission deadline is late June.
○ More Info & Registration
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

○ Focus: Creative writing (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, journalism, etc.).
○ Grades: U.S. students in grades 7–12.
○ Dates: Opens September; deadlines vary by region.
○ More Info & Registration
New York Times Student Editorial Contest

○ Focus: Opinion pieces on topics that matter to students.
○ Grades: Middle and high school (ages 13–19).
○ Dates: Opens in March; deadline in mid-April.
○ More Info & Registration

Youth Communication Writing Contest

○ Focus: Personal narratives and nonfiction essays.
○ Grades: Ages 14–19, U.S. based.
○ Dates: Multiple contests annually.
○ More Info & Registration

Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

○ Focus: Poetry writing.
○ Grades: Ages 11–17, international.
○ Dates: Opens in March; deadline usually in July.
○ More Info & Registration

Letters About Literature

○ Focus: Reflective letters to authors about a book that
impacted the student.
○ Grades: U.S. grades 4–12.
○ Dates: Opens in fall; deadline typically early January.
○ More Info & Registration