Contests

Here are some essay contests and other award-based programs that are open to more than just seniors.

Many involve cash awards. Get an early start on saving money for college!

Ongoing contests

(entries accepted year-round) 

Grades 9-12, essay contest - Next Step Magazine - www.nextstepmag.com/shoutout

November deadlines:

 11/01/09: Writing Costest, grades 10,11,12. Write a short story, one-act play, personal or academic essay, or a group of 3 poems. Prizes are $250 and $500. Visit http://www.bennington.edu/go/news/young-writers-competition for details.

11/02/09: Poster Contest, ages 14-18, Safe Jobs for Youth. Design a poster highlighting job safety and health for teens and you could win a cash prize of $200, $300 or $400. Your poster may be in any media. Visit www.youngworkers.org for details.

11/23/09: Essay Contest, grades 9-12, First Freedom Student Competition. Address a topic in 750-1200 words. Prizes are $750, $1500, $3,000. Visit www.firstfreedom.org for details.

December deadlines:

12/01/09: Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award, girls age 14-17. Volunteerism award. Club level winners are eligible for $1,000 awards at regional levels. Visit http://cougar.eduhsd.k12.ca.us/counseling/cc/SchRes.html for details & application.

January deadlines:

 01/11/10: Video contest, ages 14-18, Safe Jobs for Youth.  Design a 30-second video highlighting job safety and health for teens and you could win a cash prize of $200, $300, or $400. Use your creative talents... dancing, acting, scriptwriting, directing, or even singing to promote job safety for youth in the workplace! The winning video clip will be distributed around California including theaters and TV! Visit www.youngworkers.org for details.

01/15/10: Create a Greeting Card Contest, ages 14 and up. One $10,000 prize and $1,000 prize. www.gallerycollection.com

February deadlines:

 02/01/10: National Peace Essay Contest, grades 9-12, United States Institute of Peace. Write a well thought out essay to address this year's topic, "The Effectiveness of Nonviolent Civic Action." First place state winners receive scholarships and are invited to Washington for an all expenses paid five-day awards program. Visit www.usip.org for details.

March deadlines:

03/15/10: Save Me a Spot in College, grades 6-12. Three categories: written word, poster, tv ad. Scholarships of $500, $1000 & $2500 awarded in each category at each grade level. Visit www.collegecampaign.org/contest for details.

03/20/10: ANTHEM Essay Contest, grades 8-10. Write an essay addressing a topic concerning the novel "Anthem" by Ayn Rand. (The book is really short & I have it here in the Career Center) Visit. www.aynrand.org for details.

April deadlines:

04/02/10: Holocaust Remembrance Project, grades 9-12. Write an essay of no ore than 1,200 words addressing this year's topic. Ten scholarships of $2,500-$5,000 will be awarded. Visit http://holocaust.hklaw.com for details.

oops... too late for these (but look for them next school year!)

October deadlines:

 10/31/09: Photography Contest, all ages may enter, Folsom Patrons of the Arts. Photos must be of Folsom & must fit into the theme. Entry fee of $5 per entry is required. Visit www.patronsofthearts.org for details.