The YoungArts National Arts Teen Writing Competition invites high school students in grade 10-12 to submit original pieces of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Applying to YoungArts may be the first step in affirming “I am an artist.” YoungArts is one of the only organizations in the U.S. that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development, beginning with the critical moment when they decide to pursue a life in the arts, and continuing throughout their careers.
Recognition Levels
- Merit: The YoungArts Merit award level recognizes work that has been recognized as commendable by the panel, strong technically with a clear artistic point of view. Merit winners receive a monetary award of $100.
- Honorable Mention: The YoungArts Honorable Mention award level recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong sense of artistry; and a depth of thinking/performance that exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Honorable Mention winners receive a monetary award of $250.
- Finalist: The YoungArts Finalist award recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Finalist winners are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week and will have their work further evaluated and recognized as one of the following: Level 3 $1,000; Level 2 $1,500; Level 1 $3,000; Silver $5,000; and Gold $10,000. Finalists who attend National YoungArts Week and meet the eligibility requirements are also considered for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
In addition, select applications who reach the last round of the adjudication process but are not awarded, and who are in grades 10–11, will receive feedback on their submissions that they can use to inform their artistry for future competitions.
Location(s)
- Remote
Schedule
- Summer and Fall
Cost/Compensation
- $35 Application Fee
Eligibility Requirements
- High School students in grades 10–12 or ages 15–18 at the time of application
- Applicants must be either a United States citizen, a permanent resident or be legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S.
Deadline
- Mid October
Application or Entry Requirements
- The strongest submissions demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.
- Application requirements vary by category. Categories include:
Notifications of Decisions
- Winners are announced in December.
Financial Aid Details
- Fee waivers are are available.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- Application period runs from June to October.
Have other questions?
YoungArts is a program that identifies and supports talented young artists in a variety of disciplines including visual, literary, design, and performing arts. The program offers students ages 15-18 the opportunity to participate in a range of master classes, workshops, and performances led by some of the most renowned artists in the world. Each year, approximately 700 students are selected to participate in the program, with an acceptance rate of around 10%. The program has an impressive alumni network that includes over 20,000 artists, including Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winners, MacArthur “genius” grant recipients, and other notable figures in the arts.
