Bennington College Young Writers Awards: A Prestigious Writing Competition for High School Students
Calling all high school writers! The Bennington College Young Writers Awards (YWAs) is a prestigious writing competition that celebrates excellence in high school writing.
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit their work in one of three categories: poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
The YWAs have a long and distinguished history, dating back to 1988.
Over the years, the competition has attracted talented writers from all over the world, and many YWA winners and finalists have gone on to successful careers in writing, publishing, and other creative fields.
Why enter the Bennington College Young Writers Awards?
There are many reasons why you should consider entering the Bennington College YWAs. Here are just a few:
Prestige: The YWAs are one of the most prestigious writing competitions for high school students. Winning or placing in the competition can be a major boost to your college applications and your future writing career.
Scholarship opportunities: YWA finalists and winners are eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington College. These scholarships can be a significant help to offset the cost of college.
Feedback from professional writers: All YWA entries are judged by a panel of professional writers, editors, and teachers. You will receive detailed feedback on your writing, which can help you improve your craft.
Publication opportunities: Winning and finalist entries in the YWAs are often published in Bennington College’s literary magazine, The Bennington Review. This is a great opportunity to get your work published and to reach a wider audience.
How to enter the Bennington College Young Writers Awards
To enter the Bennington College YWAs, simply submit your work online by the deadline of November 1, 2023. You can submit up to three pieces of writing, one in each category.
Here are some tips for writing a winning entry
• Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you can write about with authority.
• Be original and creative. The judges are looking for writing that stands out from the crowd.
• Write with clarity and precision. Make sure your writing is easy to read and understand.
• Proofread your work carefully before submitting it.
To apply for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards, please visit the following link: Bennington College Young Writers Awards Application: https://www.bennington.edu/events/young-writers-awards
FAQs
What are the deadlines for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards?
The deadline for submitting entries is November 1, 2023. Winners will be announced in spring 2024.
What are the categories for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards?
The categories are poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Students in grades 9-12 can submit work in any of the three categories.
What are the prizes for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards?
First-place winners in each category receive a prize of $1,000; second-place winners receive $500; third-place winners receive $250. Finalists and winners are also eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington College.
What are the tips for writing a winning entry for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards?
• Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you can write about with authority.
• Be original and creative.
• Write with clarity and precision.
• Proofread your work carefully before submitting it.
