2026 Competition Details Announced!
For official rules, deadlines, and updates, please refer to the competition organizer. Aralia provides competition information for student reference and is not affiliated with the competition organizer.
National Scholastic Art and Writing
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the longest-running, oldest, and most prestigious literary and art competition in the United States, aiming to find creative works and original technical skills by students in grades 7-12. Since 1923, the Academic Art and Writing Award has recognized the vision, originality, and talent of young people, and has provided opportunities and academic awards for creative young people to express their talent. The high school award is a symbol for the pursuit of excellence and will help students stand out in university applications and scholarship applications.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
Eligibility
Grade 7-12 (ages 13 and up)
Entry Fee
$15 per individual entry and $40 per portfolio
Submission Deadline
October 1, 2026 – January 6, 2027 (depending on the region, earliest regional entry deadline is December 1, 2026)
Awards Announcement
Regional: January 27, 2027
National: March 31, 2027
National Awards Week: June 8–June 11, 2027
Competition Details
1. Eligibility
Students must be in grades 7–12, age 13 or older as of the entry date, and reside in the United States, U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec).
- Boarding School: Students attending boarding schools in the United States, U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec) will be assigned to the appropriate regional affiliate based on their school’s location.
- Online School Students: Students enrolled in online schools must physically reside in the United States, U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec). They must also provide an eligible residential address in order to participate in the appropriate regional competition.
Students attending school and residing outside of the United States, U.S. territories, military bases, or Canada (excluding Quebec) are not eligible for the competition, even if:
- They have attended another educational program in the United States, such as a summer program, after-school club or class, private tutoring, pre-college program, or portfolio review course.
They currently attend a U.S.-accredited school located outside the United States, U.S. territories, on U.S. military bases, or in Canada. This also includes U.S. Department of State overseas schools.
2. Categories
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards offer 29 categories of art and writing.
Writing Categories: Critical Essay, Flash Fiction, Journalism, Novel, Personal Essay & Memoir, Poetry, Screenplays & Scripts, Short Story, Speculative Fiction, Writing Portfolio (graduating seniors only).
Art Categories: Architecture & Industrial Design, Ceramics & Glass, Comic Art, Conceptual, Installation & Participatory Art, Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage, Drawing, Editorial Cartoon, Experimental Photography, Fashion, Film & Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Art Portfolio (graduating seniors)
3. Prizes
Students are eligible for many awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarships.
- Regional Awards include Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention
- National Awards include Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and scholarship awards
Below are Scholarships and Cash Awards:
- American Voices & Visions Awards: selected from nominated Regional Gold Key students. Students will receive $500 each.
- Herblock Award: $2,000 scholarships for editorial cartoons addressing current events.
- New York Life Award: $2,500 scholarships/travel stipends for works exploring grief, loss, or bereavement.
- Portfolio Scholarships: High school seniors can receive up to $12,500 for portfolios of six works.
- Best-in-Grade Award: Juror-selected favorites from each grade receive $500 scholarships.
Need help preparing for this contest?
Connect with our team for personalized guidance on registration and preparation strategies tailored to your goals.
Scan to add us on WhatsApp
How to Stand out in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards?
The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers has provided three resources: the Art Portfolio Panel, the Writing Portfolio Panel, and a walkthrough on Uploading Portfolios. In the videos, the panelists share their advice on what makes a strong portfolio and how to showcase your unique voice, vision, and thoughts.
One of the core values mentioned in the judging criteria is originality, meaning that although your work can be inspired by other things, in order to stand out, it needs to come from your own experience and imagination. Make sure to give yourself adequate time to develop your ideas and make sure they truly express your personal values and vision.
Technical skills in art and writing are often not as straightforward as other disciplines. The best art or writing comes from constant practice and learning from failure.
Prepare to compete at the highest level