Girls Write Now
A New York City nonprofit that pairs high school girls and gender-expansive youth from underserved communities with professional women writers for a year of one-on-one mentorship, culminating in a published anthology.
Become a Mentee or Mentor in a Fall 2026 Journey (November – January). Deadline is August 31.
Apply Now
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EmersonWRITES
A free creative writing workshop run by Emerson College for students in grades 8-12 from the Boston area, meeting each fall on campus and online to develop original fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
Bennington Young Writers Awards
Prestigious competition from Bennington College with categories in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction; winners/finalists often receive big scholarships if they attend Bennington.
CHSAA Speech & Debate State Championships
Colorado High School Activities Association's annual state speech and debate tournaments (3A, 4A, 5A) covering Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Extemporaneous, Interpretation events, and more. Compete for a state title via your high school's team.
International High School Writing Contest
Global analytical and creative writing competition with categories like short story, flash fiction, poetry, critical essay, and dramatic script; no entry fees.
John Estey Student Writing Competition (American Writers Museum)
Essay/narrative competition on topics related to American writers, literature, or culture, run by the American Writers Museum.
Lighthouse Young Authors Collective
Free weekly writers' group for teens at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver where students exchange written pieces and give and receive feedback. Drop-in academic support and writing groups are also available year-round, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ teens and young people of color.