The Benefits of Submitting Your Work to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

History enthusiasts often find outlets for their research through esteemed journals like The Concord Review, gaining scholarships, national recognition, and a pathway to prestigious academic careers. These avenues reward students who exhibit strong analytical thinking, meticulous research skills, and a passion for historical inquiry.

However, equally deserving of recognition are the students whose passions lie not in historical research, but in creative pursuits—those who channel their imagination into poetry, painting, sculpture, photography, filmmaking, or storytelling. For these students, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards provides an unparalleled platform to showcase their talents, validate their creative efforts, and open doors to a future rich with academic and professional opportunities.

A National Stage for Creative Students

Creativity, much like scholarly research, demands discipline, dedication, and vision. Yet creative students have historically had fewer prestigious, nationally recognized venues to display their talents at the secondary school level. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards bridges that gap by offering young artists and writers a credible, respected opportunity to have their work assessed by leading professionals, celebrated by national audiences, and recognized by future academic institutions.

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1923

Established in 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards has become one of the most prestigious and influential creative competitions for teenagers across the United States and Canada. Over its century-long history, the program has celebrated and nurtured the talents of countless luminaries who later made indelible marks on the worlds of literature, visual arts, and popular culture—including Stephen King, Amanda Gorman, Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, and Sylvia Plath. Their journeys often began with the confidence and credibility that recognition from the Scholastic Awards provided.

Beyond Certificates: Real Visibility and Recognition

The Awards offer more than a certificate or a scholarship; they provide unparalleled visibility for young creatives. Students who earn regional or national honors through the Scholastic Awards distinguish themselves not only to college admissions committees but also to professional communities within the arts. Their works are often showcased in curated exhibitions, published in annual anthologies, and celebrated in national ceremonies attended by major figures from creative industries.

The Nova Scholar Advantage

For students at Nova Scholar Education, where mentorship and individualized growth are central pillars of the academic experience, participating in the Scholastic Awards can be a natural extension of their creative journeys. With personalized guidance from mentors affiliated with world-leading institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT, Nova Scholar students have the tools, encouragement, and strategic insight needed to transform a creative spark into an award-winning submission.

Whether students are preparing visual art portfolios, refining short stories, or composing original poetry collections, entering a competition as prestigious as the Scholastic Awards validates their hard work and accelerates their growth, both as artists and as scholars.

Signaling Professionalism in the Creative Arts

Participating in nationally recognized competitions such as the Scholastic Awards signals to colleges and future employers that students are not merely hobbyists—they are emerging professionals capable of producing original work at a high level. It reflects essential qualities such as perseverance, creativity under pressure, adaptability, and a readiness to engage deeply with challenging projects.

The Prestige of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Awards have become one of the most respected platforms for recognizing the talents of young artists and writers in the United States and Canada. Alumni of the program, including Stephen King, Sylvia Plath, Ken Burns, and Amanda Gorman, exemplify the powerful trajectory that early creative recognition can help spark.

Students who participate share their work with audiences beyond their schools and local communities. This exposure not only validates their efforts but also builds a public record of their commitment to creativity—an increasingly important differentiator in today’s competitive college admissions landscape.

A Showcase of Talent at the National Level

Recognition through the Scholastic Awards can take many forms, from Honorable Mentions at the regional level to National Gold Medals. Students who achieve national honors are invited to prestigious celebrations, have their work exhibited in major venues through events like the Art.Write.Now National Exhibition, and may see their pieces published in anthologies such as The Best Teen Writing.

Beyond accolades, students join a national network of young creatives, gaining access to workshops, mentorship opportunities, and broader exposure that can open doors in higher education and beyond.

Scholarships and Financial Support

One of the most tangible advantages of participating in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the opportunity to earn scholarships that directly support a student’s educational journey. Each year, the program distributes more than $300,000 in scholarships, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $12,500.

In addition to national awards, many regional affiliates offer their own scholarships, increasing the total financial support available to participants. For students planning to pursue creative arts at the collegiate level, these scholarships can make a significant difference.

College Opportunities and Academic Recognition

Many universities recognize the prestige associated with the Scholastic Awards and actively seek out award recipients. Some institutions offer automatic scholarships, advanced placement in arts programs, or invitations to honors colleges for students who have been recognized at the national level.

Admissions officers view Scholastic Awards honorees as students who demonstrate exceptional dedication, creative rigor, and leadership potential—qualities that align closely with the missions of selective institutions.

Professional Development and Industry Exposure

Award recipients are often invited to participate in exclusive workshops, conferences, summer programs, and exhibitions. These opportunities allow students to receive professional feedback from leading artists, writers, editors, and educators.

Through these experiences, students sharpen their technical skills and develop the confidence and communication abilities essential for success in creative industries.

Learning from Esteemed Judges and Creators

One of the defining strengths of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the caliber of the individuals involved as judges, mentors, and speakers. Literary legends such as Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, and Joyce Carol Oates have participated in the program or served as judges.

At past National Ceremonies, prominent cultural figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Alec Baldwin have delivered keynote addresses. Their insights into the creative process, artistic challenges, and professional perseverance provide deep inspiration.

Personal Growth Through Submission

Preparing work for submission requires students to engage in essential professional practices—meeting strict deadlines, curating portfolios, crafting thoughtful artist statements, and adhering to detailed guidelines. These skills mirror the expectations students will encounter later in life.

Students learn to think critically about their work—making intentional choices about presentation, theme, and style—while articulating their vision clearly. This process encourages self-awareness and professionalism.

Building Resilience Through Rejection and Revision

Not every student who submits work will receive recognition, and this offers a powerful lesson in persistence and self-evaluation. Learning to process disappointment and refine one’s craft in response to feedback is an invaluable part of the creative journey.

Even non-awarded pieces can serve as strong portfolio work for future opportunities such as college applications or publication in other venues.

Community, Collaboration, and Lifelong Networks

Beyond personal recognition, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards foster community. Students become part of a national network of young artists and writers, sharing ideas and forming lasting creative relationships.

For Nova Scholar students, this includes attending showcases, presenting work publicly, and participating in collaborative creative projects. These experiences help build leadership, advocacy, and communication skills.

How to Get Started

Registration opens each September. Students in grades 7–12 can create an account at the Scholastic Awards website, select from 28+ categories, and submit work online. Fees are low and waivers are available for financial hardship.

To maximize success, students should begin early, revise thoroughly, and seek mentorship. Nova Scholar offers one-on-one guidance from creative professionals to help refine submissions.

Final Takeaways: Why Enter the Scholastic Awards?

• National Recognition: Bolster college applications and gain artistic visibility.
• Scholarship Awards: Access over $300,000 annually in financial aid.
• Professional Growth: Learn to present work like a creative professional.
• Community and Networking: Join a nationwide creative network.
• Resilience and Personal Development: Grow from feedback and setbacks.

With expert mentorship from Nova Scholar Education and a commitment to creative excellence, students can confidently submit their best work to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, turning artistic passion into real-world recognition and lifelong opportunity.