Bennington Young Writers Awards 2026/27: fiction, nonfiction and poetry, grades 9-12, until 1 November

Bennington College accepts entries from students in grades 9-12 worldwide; international students may take part, and students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible. Submissions are accepted from 1 September (9:00 AM) to 1 November (11:59 PM US Eastern time). The categories are fiction, nonfiction or poetry, and a student may enter only one; fiction and nonfiction are capped at 1,500 words, poetry (1-3 poems) at 1,500 words in total, entries must be in English, AI tools may not be used, and a teacher or mentor must approve the submission. Entry is free. Prizes: cash prizes for first, second and third place and a "distinguished" designation with a $250 prize; winners who enroll at Bennington receive a four-year scholarship: full tuition for first place, half tuition for distinguished, and $25,000 a year for finalists. Grade 12 students must first submit the Common Application or Coalition Application.