The Bennington College Young Writers Awards is open to all nationals. Bennington initiated the Young Writers Awards program to encourage and celebrate exceptional writing among high school students. The objective of this writing competition is to acknowledge and reward remarkable writing accomplishments among students at the high school level. This initiative reflects Bennington College’s profound literary legacy, which includes achievements such as Pulitzer Prize winners, U.S. poet laureates, MacArthur Geniuses, and influential New York Times bestsellers. So, if you want to participate in this literary competition 2024-2025, you must read till the end. 

The Essay and Fiction Writing Competition by Bennington College provides a unique platform for young writers to showcase their creative and literary talents, offering them a chance to be acknowledged for their dedication to the written word. Every year, 9-12 grade students may submit their writing pieces in three categories. Through the Young Writers Awards 2024-2025, Bennington College aims to inspire and foster a new generation of writers and honor its commitment to literary excellence. Therefore, by allowing high school students to share their voices and stories, the program helps shape the future of literature and gives these budding authors a chance to shine on the literary stage. Similarly, this writing competition for high school students is a chance that should not be missed. 

• Winners and finalists of the Young Writers Award receive recognition for their outstanding writing abilities, showcasing their talent to a broader audience.
• First, second, and third-place winners in each category receive cash prizes, with first-place awardees receiving $1,000, second-place recipients $500, and third-place achievers $250.
• Moreover, Young Writers Award finalists and winners are eligible for valuable undergraduate scholarships at Bennington College.
• YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a $10,000 scholarship each year, renewable for four years, amounting to a total scholarship of $40,000.
• Young Writers Award winners who follow the same path receive an even more substantial scholarship of $15,000 per year, renewable for four years, totaling $60,000.
• Participation in the writing competition allows students to further develop their writing skills, gain valuable experience, and refine their craft.
• Being part of the Young Writers Award allows students to connect with mentors and teachers who can guide and support their writing journey.
• Furthermore, winning entries will be published on the Bennington College website and may be published in local newspapers or magazines.

• The writing competition for international students is exclusively for students of 9-12 grade.
• Students from all over the world are eligible to apply for this international competition.
• There is no fee for entering the Young Writers competition.
• Graduated and gap year students are not eligible to apply.
• Every submission should comprise original work and must be assessed, endorsed, and supported by a high school teacher.
• The sponsoring teacher will be the primary contact for the competition should any inquiries arise.
• In the case of homeschooled students, it is vital to establish contact with a mentor who can serve as the sponsor for the writing submission.
• All candidates must submit their writing piece in accordance with any of the three categories (Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction).
• Students must also adhere to the word limits for the different categories of this international writing competition.
• Meeting these criteria makes students eligible for the Bennington College Young Writers Award competition.