Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for Students

About the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition runs on an annual cycle, and the timing of the current window is not fixed to a single national date. Instead, deadlines are set regionally, so the exact date depends on where a student lives. As of 25 July 2026, the competition is confirmed for the 2026/2027 cycle, and students should check their regional deadline on the official website.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognises creative teenagers across the United States and Canada. Students in grades 7 through 12 submit work in visual art and writing, which is judged first at the regional level and then nationally.

Who Runs the Awards

The program is presented by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Judging happens in two stages. Regional partners review submissions in their local areas first. Top regional pieces then advance to national judging, where medals are decided.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

This competition is for high school and middle school students, specifically grades 7 to 12. It covers two broad creative fields: visual art and writing. Because the categories are wide, students can enter across a range of formats within art and writing.

How Many Awards Are Offered

The exact number of awards is not specified. Recognition is given at both regional and national levels, however, so many students receive awards each cycle. National Medalists sit at the top tier of this recognition.

Who Can Apply

Entry is open to students in the United States and Canada. To qualify, you must be enrolled in grades 7 through 12. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards focuses on young creators, so the age and grade range is the main filter for eligibility.

What the Awards Cover

The awards center on recognition rather than a set stipend. National Medalists become eligible for scholarships, which is a key benefit for students planning to fund further study. In addition, fee waivers are available, so cost does not have to block a student from entering.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a student in the United States or Canada.
• You must be enrolled in grades 7 through 12.
• Your work must fall within an eligible art or writing category.
• National Medalist status is required to be eligible for scholarships.

Because judging starts regionally, your submission must also meet any category rules set for your region.

Application Process for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

You apply directly through the official Scholastic Art & Writing Awards platform. This guide covers the 2026/2027 cycle; confirm the exact regional deadline on the official website, since dates vary by area rather than following one national date.

The general steps are straightforward:

1. Create or sign in to your account on the official site.
2. Choose the correct category for your art or writing.
3. Prepare your submission according to the category rules.
4. Request a fee waiver if you need one, since waivers are available.
5. Submit before your regional deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle.

If you miss your regional deadline, your work will not move to national judging for that cycle. The competition returns annually, however, so you can enter again the following year. The official website does not list a single contact email in this summary, so use the contact details published on the official site for questions about your region.

Official Website

You can review full rules and start your entry here: https://artandwriting.org/awards/how-to-enter/.