Bennington Young Writers celebrates high school poets, fiction, and nonfiction writers worldwide by awarding cash prizes, publication or showcase opportunities, and scholarships for students who enroll at Bennington College. The Bennington Young Writers competition accepts original, English-language submissions and prohibits the use of AI in the creation or drafting of entries.
The awards are administered by Bennington College as part of the Bennington Young Creators Awards. Bennington highlights the work of exceptional students in grades 9–12, offering recognition, cash prizes, and scholarship opportunities tied to enrollment at Bennington College.
Benefits of Bennington Young Writers Scholarship 2026
- First place: $2,000
- Second place: $1,000
- Third place: $500
- Distinguished designation by category and grade level: $250
- First Place Winners who enroll at Bennington receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years
- Distinguished Designation Recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years
- Finalists who enroll receive a $25,000 annual scholarship for four years
- Winning and distinguished entries may be featured on Bennington’s website, social media channels, publications, and other showcase opportunities
Eligibility Criteria for the Bennington Young Writers Scholarship 2026
- There is no entry fee.
- Only one submission per discipline award is allowed per student.
- Open to students in grades 9–12 worldwide.
- All entries must be original work and will be reviewed for authenticity. AI may not be used in any way.
- Entries must be reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor.
- Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process (no application fees required, non-binding, no supplemental essays required).
- Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
How to Apply for the Bennington Young Writers Scholarship 2026
- Submissions are accepted beginning September 1 at 9:00 AM ET through November 1 at 11:59 PM ET.
- Submit your entry using the ‘Submit Your Entry (Grades 9-11)’ or ‘Submit Your Entry (Grade 12)’ links provided on the awards page.
- Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application; follow up email will provide YCA submission instructions.
- All entries must be reviewed and approved by a high school sponsor teacher or mentor before submission.
- Submissions must be typed, in English, and meet the 1500-word limit (including titles, headers, citations).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Bennington Young Writers Awards. These answers cover eligibility, submission rules, prizes, deadlines, and how to apply.
Who is eligible to enter the Bennington Young Writers Awards?
The awards are open to students in grades 9–12 worldwide. Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible. All entries must be original, reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor, and may not use AI in any way.
What are the submission categories and limits?
Students may submit in one category: Fiction (one short story or excerpt, limit 1500 words), Nonfiction (personal or creative essay or excerpt, limit 1500 words), or Poetry (1–3 poems with a combined limit of 1500 words). The word count is strict and includes titles and citations.
When can I submit my entry and what is the deadline?
Submissions open September 1 at 9:00 AM ET and the submission deadline is November 1 at 11:59 PM ET. Use the submission links on the awards page for Grades 9–11 and Grade 12.
Are there any fees to enter the competition?
There is no entry fee. Grade 12 students who submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process will not be charged application fees for this submission and the process is non-binding.
What prizes and scholarships are awarded?
Cash prizes per category are First place $2,000, Second place $1,000, and Third place $500. Distinguished designations receive $250. First Place Winners who enroll at Bennington receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years; Distinguished Designation recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years; Finalists who enroll receive a $25,000 annual scholarship for four years.
Can I use AI tools to help with my submission?
No. All submissions will be reviewed for authenticity and originality. No Artificial Intelligence tools may be used to brainstorm, create, draft, revise, or collaborate in any way; submissions that utilize AI will be disqualified from the Young Writers Awards.
How are entries evaluated and who judges them?
A panel of Bennington readers—including students, faculty, and alumni—reviews submissions for originality, quality of writing, and strength of voice and perspective. Judging criteria include originality, strength of voice, craft and structure, imagination, insight, and overall quality.
How many submissions can a student enter?
Only one submission per discipline award is allowed per student. Students must select only one submission category to enter and may not submit multiple entries in different categories for the same award.
What are the technical requirements for submissions?
Submissions must be typed (no handwritten or scanned work), in English, and 1500 words or less. The word count restriction is strict and includes all submitted text including titles, headers, footers, and citations.
Who should I contact if I have questions about eligibility or submissions?
If you have questions about eligibility, submissions, or awards, you can email the program at [email protected]. The awards page also provides links and additional information for applicants and sponsors.
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