Discover top writing scholarships for high school students. Learn how to find, apply, and win awards to fund your education. All the expert tips and resources you may need are here!
So, you’ve been looking for ways to fund your education and showcase your writing skills at the same time. Well, you’re in the right place!
Writing scholarships for high school students are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, and we’re here to help you find them like we recently did on scholarships for creative writing.
Let’s face it – college is expensive. But if you’ve got a way with words, you might just write your way to a more affordable education. Writing scholarships aren’t just about money (though that’s a pretty sweet deal). They’re also a chance to hone your skills, build your portfolio, and maybe even get some recognition for your work.
In this post, we’re going to uncover everything you need to know about writing scholarships. We’ll highlight some top scholarships you should definitely check out and give you some insider tips on how to apply.
So, whether you’re a budding novelist, a passionate journalist, or just someone who enjoys putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), stick around. By the end of this post, you’ll be armed with all the info you need to start your scholarship-hunting journey. Ready to turn your words into college funds? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Writing Scholarships for College & High School students
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- The Lewis Scholarship
- Davidson Fellows Scholarship
- YoungArts Grants & Awards
- Optimist International Essay Contest
- Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards
- Immerse Essay Competition
- NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship
1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
This is one of the longest-running, most prestigious recognition programs for creative teens in the US. It was founded in 1923, which means it has been celebrating young creatives for nearly a century! Past winners include famous names like Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, and Stephen King – pretty impressive company, right?
What’s great about this program is its variety. It’s not just for one type of writing. Categories include:
- Critical Essay
- Dramatic Script
- Flash Fiction
- Journalism
- Novel Writing
- Personal Essay & Memoir
- Poetry
- Short Story
- Humor
They also have categories for various types of visual art, so if you’re multi-talented, you can submit those too. Plus, your work might be published or exhibited nationally if you win one of the awards below:
- Gold Medal: $12,500 scholarships
- Silver Medal with Distinction: $2,000 scholarships
- Honorable Mention: Certificates
But it’s not just about the money. Gold Medal and Silver Medal with Distinction recipients are invited to a ceremony in New York City.
To be eligible, you must be in grades 7-12 in a public, private, or home school in the U.S. and be at least 13 years old.
If you’re eligible, you can apply by submitting your work to your local program or submit online through their digital platform. There’s usually a submission fee of about $10, but fee waivers are available if needed. Submissions are typically accepted from September through December every year.
Your work is judged on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. The judging is blind, meaning the jurors don’t know your name, gender, or background – it’s all about the quality of your work.
The cool thing about applying for this scholarship is that even if you don’t win the top prizes, being recognized by Scholastic can open doors. Many colleges and universities actively recruit Award recipients, and some even provide scholarships to winners.
2. The Lewis Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the National Press Club Journalism Institute to support student journalists of color who plan to intern at news media outlets in Washington, D.C. If you apply and win, you will receive free housing and a monthly stipend all valued at $10,000.
This writing scholarship is for college students so high school students may have to sit this one out.
The scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for college students pursuing journalism as a career. It not only provides financial support but also recognition from a prestigious journalism organization, which can be valuable for future career prospects.
To apply, you’d need to have your completed application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a sample of your journalistic work, and an essay on why you want to pursue a career in journalism.
You will submit your application through the National Press Club Journalism Institute’s website.
Your application will be judged based on your academic achievement, the quality of your journalistic work samples, demonstrated passion for journalism, and maybe financial need.
3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
This is an annual scholarship program that recognizes exceptional students who have completed a significant piece of work in various categories including Literature. It’s offered by the Davidson Institute, an organization dedicated to supporting gifted youths 18 years or younger.
If you can write poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, or multi-genre works you can apply for this scholarship and win up to $50,000 but you have to meet the following requirements:
- You must be a student 18 years or younger
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your work submitted must be an original piece of literature
- Your work must be at a level of excellence and sophistication comparable to the work of professionals in the field
- Your work should demonstrate depth of research, reflection, and insight
- Your project should show evidence of critical analysis and creative synthesis.
Your literature submission will be evaluated based on originality and creativity, use of language and style appropriate to the genre, potential impact of your work, and technical skill in the chosen form.
The application is done online via the link below. You will need to submit your literary work, a detailed essay about your work and its significance, letters of recommendation, and academic records.
4. YoungArts Grants & Awards
YoungArts is a foundation that identifies and nurtures the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, design, and performing arts. Their grants and awards program are highly prestigious and offer significant opportunities for young writers.
The application is open to writers ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12 who are US citizens or permanent residents. The writing category includes creative nonfiction, novels, plays or scripts, poetry, and short stories. If your writing skills fall into any of these subcategories.
To apply, submit a portfolio of your best work, provide an artist statement, and pay the application fee or apply for a waiver if you qualify.
If you’re selected among the winners, you could win up to $50,000 to help you pay for college. Of course, there are other cash prizes between $100 to $25,000 as well as honorable mention and other benefits that will open you to bigger opportunities.
The following tips will help you make a strong application:
- Submit your strongest, most polished work
- Show range and diversity in your writing samples
- Pay attention to the specific requirements for each subcategory
- Don’t wait until the last minute to apply
Winning a YoungArts award can be a significant boost to a young writer’s career. It offers not just financial support, but also recognition, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can be invaluable in the literary world.
5. Optimist International Essay Contest
The Optimist International Essay Contest is an annual competition that provides an opportunity for young people to write about their opinions regarding the world in which they live and to help young people develop and improve their writing skills.
The contest is sponsored by Optimist International, a worldwide volunteer organization that aims to bring out the best in youth, communities, and themselves.
You must be a high school student under 19 years old to be eligible to apply. You will only be required to write an essay on a chosen topic which typically focuses on an aspect of optimism. The scholarship value is $2,500 which is applied towards your college education.
6. Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards
Penguin Random House is one of the world’s largest book publishers and every year, they offer scholarships to recognize and support talented young writers from New York City public high schools.
The scholarship program began as part of the company’s aim to celebrate the creativity of young writers and provide them with opportunities for higher education.
So, if you can write poetry, fiction and drama, personal essays/memoirs, or graphic novels, you can apply for this scholarship and submit your work through your school.
Your work will be judged by a panel of Penguin Random House editors and publishing professionals based on the following:
- Originality
- Voice
- Craft
- The overall quality of the writing
If you’re selected as the winner, you could win up to $10,000 for first place or $2,500 and $1,000 for second and third place respectively. As part of the winners, you will be invited to a special awards ceremony in New York City and even meet with editors or publishing professionals.
7. Immerse Essay Competition
The Immerse Essay Competition is an annual writing contest that offers a unique opportunity for young writers. It is organized by Immerse Education, a provider of academic summer programs based in the UK. It’s designed to challenge high school students to explore academic topics beyond their normal curriculum.
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage academic exploration and critical thinking and to provide opportunities for talented students to win scholarships to Immerse Education summer programs.
The application is open to students aged 13-18 from around the world but you must be in high school or secondary school.
Applicants are required to write a thought-provoking essay that requires in-depth research and analysis. The topics change every year and are usually related to science, technology, philosophy, literature, or current global issues.
Your essay must be around 500 words, written in English, and your work must be original. To apply, you need to register on the Immerse Education website and submit your essay online.
If you’re selected as the winner, you will receive a 100% scholarship to an Immerse Education summer program which is usually held at prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, or Stanford. You will also have the opportunity to have your work read by experts in various fields.
The competition often runs multiple times a year, with deadlines typically falling in January, April, and September.
Tips for Participants:
- Choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in
- Research thoroughly and provide unique insights
- Structure your essay clearly with a strong introduction and conclusion
- Proofread carefully and consider having someone else review your work
8. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to recognize and reward high school students who demonstrate exceptional skill in creative writing. It is open to high school students who are members of NSHSS and plan to enroll in a college or university.
You could write a short story, poem, or other creative work but it has to be original and the limit should not be more than 1,000 words. Aside from your creative work, you will also write an essay explaining your interest in creative writing and future goals.
You will submit all these including your academic records when you start the online application through the NHSS website. You may be required to create an account or log into an existing account.
The scholarship amount can vary, but it’s often around $1,000.
Tips for Applicants:
- Start working on your creative piece well in advance of the deadline
- Choose a topic or style that showcases your unique voice and perspective
- Have a teacher or mentor review your work before submission
- Pay close attention to all guidelines and requirements
Tips for Applying to Writing Scholarships
Alright, you’ve found some awesome writing scholarships – now what? Let’s break down some key tips to help you put your best foot (or should we say, pen) forward:
1. Read and follow instructions carefully
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many applicants get tripped up here. Each scholarship has its own set of rules and requirements. Read them. Then read them again. Highlight key points like word count, formatting, and submission deadlines. Following instructions to the letter shows you’re detail-oriented and can follow directions – qualities scholarship committees love.
2. Brainstorm and outline before writing
Don’t just dive in headfirst. Take some time to brainstorm ideas and create an outline. This helps organize your thoughts and ensures your essay flows logically. Jot down key points you want to make, then arrange them in a way that tells a compelling story. Trust us, a little planning goes a long way.
3. Craft a compelling personal story:
Scholarship committees read tons of essays. Make yours stand out by telling a unique, personal story. What experiences have shaped your writing journey? What challenges have you overcome? Be genuine and let your personality shine through. Remember, they’re not just looking for good writers – they’re looking for interesting people with something to say.
4. Proofread and edit (then do it again)
Nothing sinks an application faster than typos and grammatical errors. After you’ve finished writing, step away for a bit. Then come back with fresh eyes to proofread. Read it out loud – this helps catch awkward phrasing. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to review it too. Different perspectives can catch things you might miss.
5. Tailor your writing to the prompt
Each scholarship will have its own prompt or theme. Make sure your essay directly addresses it. It’s not enough to submit a general “why I deserve this scholarship” essay. Show how your experiences and goals align with the scholarship’s mission.
6. Start early and submit on time:
Procrastination is the enemy of good writing. Give yourself plenty of time to write, revise, and polish your essay. Aim to submit your application well before the deadline. This allows for any last-minute tech issues and shows you’re proactive.
7. Be authentic and passionate:
Above all, let your genuine love for writing come through. Scholarship committees can spot insincerity a mile away. Write about what truly matters to you, and your passion will naturally shine through in your words.
Now remember, applying for scholarships is a bit like writing itself – it gets better with practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win the first few you apply for. Each application is a chance to improve your skills and refine your story. Keep at it, and soon you might find yourself writing your way to a more affordable college education!
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Writing Scholarships
1. Ignoring smaller scholarships
Don’t just chase the big-name, high-dollar scholarships. Smaller awards can add up, and they often have less competition. Remember, $500 here and $1,000 there can make a significant dent in your college expenses. Plus, winning these can boost your confidence and your resume for larger scholarships down the line.
2. Waiting until the last minute
Procrastination is the enemy of good writing and thorough applications. Rushing to meet a deadline often results in sloppy work, overlooked requirements, or missed opportunities. Start your search early, keep a calendar of deadlines, and give yourself plenty of time to craft thoughtful, polished submissions.
3. Not tailoring your writing to the prompt
One size does not fit all in scholarship essays. Avoid the temptation to use a generic essay for multiple applications. Each scholarship has its own specific prompt and criteria.
So, take your time to understand what each scholarship committee is looking for and craft your response accordingly, this is why you shouldn’t wait until the last minute before you begin applying. This shows you’ve put in the effort and increases your chances of standing out.
4. Misunderstanding the scholarship’s purpose
Make sure you understand the values and mission of the organization offering the scholarship. If your goals and values don’t align, it will show in your writing. Do your research and make connections between your aspirations and the scholarship’s purpose.
5. Neglecting to proofread
Typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing can undermine even the most brilliant ideas. Don’t rely solely on spell-check. Read your work aloud, have others review it, or even consider using a proofreading tool. A clean, error-free submission shows professionalism and care.
6. Focusing too much on accomplishments, and not enough on insight
While it’s important to highlight your achievements, don’t turn your essay into a list of accolades. Scholarship committees want to see reflection, personal growth, and an authentic voice. Show how your experiences have shaped your perspective and goals.
Conclusion
While winning scholarships is great, the skills you develop through this process – writing, critical thinking, meeting deadlines, and presenting your ideas clearly – will serve you well throughout college and beyond.
Whether you win scholarships or not, keep writing. It’s a valuable skill in any field, and who knows? You might be working on the first draft of your bestselling novel right now!