Top 8 International Writing Competitions for Middle Schoolers
Creative writing is an amazing way to show off your literature skills, especially when the prize is cash or publication! If you want to start collecting awards early on in your education career, here’s a list of 10 of the most prestigious writing competitions for middle schoolers--don’t worry, they’re all free.
The Benefits
But first, why should you even apply to writing competitions as a middle schooler? Maybe you’re confident in your writing skills and don’t need the validation of an award, or on the flip side, don’t think your writing is good enough. We’ve all been there. But participating in writing competitions, especially when you’re younger, is a wonderful opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and try a new topic or style of writing that you’re not used to.
Trying is how we grow, so don’t shy away from these opportunities. Best case scenario, you win! Worst case, you step away with an abundance of new writing skills that you can use for your next competition. The earlier you start learning, the more you’ll know by the time you reach high school; so start now! You never know where clicking one of these links might take you.
New York Times Writing Competitions
If you live in the US (and even if you don’t), I’m certain you’ve heard of the New York Times. It’s an online and physical newspaper that covers everything from international news to opinion articles to comics, word games, and so much more. They even have a student section--which is where you come in.
The Times holds regular annual contests for middle and high school students, with different prompts ranging from creating a one-pager to filming a video explaining a Times vocabulary word. There are a bunch of writing-based prompts as well, of course, but even if you don’t show your creativity through your words, the Times still has a contest for you.
Different contests have different deadlines, so check out the NYT Contests page for more information about a specific competition that interests you.
Foyle Young Poets Contest
As the name suggests, the Foyle Young Poets Contest is a writing competition for students 11-17 to create a poem that speaks to their innermost being, something that they feel passionately about. Past winners have written about everything from pancakes to girls to the feeling of being in a waiting room.
This competition not only presents you with the opportunity of being published but also has a wide variety of prizes, including a bag of books, a membership into the Youth Poetry Society, and potentially an invitation to a writing course that has the potential to change your life. Sound interesting? Just start writing!
Kids Philosophy Slam
If you find yourself navigating the labyrinth of middle school and yearning to delve into deep questions that challenge the mind, the Kids Philosophy Slam will be your intellectual playground. Entry into this middle school writing competition goes beyond philosophical bragging rights; it's an avenue where your thoughts could lead to recognition and a chance to be celebrated as a philosophical prodigy.
As a participant in the Kids Philosophy Slam, you will craft a piece that not only distinguishes your thoughts but sets you on a path of philosophical exploration, where recognition becomes a natural byproduct of your intellect. You will be introduced to a lifelong community of academics through this competition regardless of whether you win, so get your pen and start drafting! The Kids Philosophy Slam has the potential to change your life.
Note that although the competition was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, it will potentially return in 2024 or the following year. Keep an eye on the website to stay updated!
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is a call to all young writers aged 13 to 18 who are citizens of Commonwealth countries. This writing competition for middle and high schoolers is an amazing opportunity to share your unique tales and perspectives with the world. Envision your words transcending borders, connecting hearts and minds across continents.
For young storytellers, the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is an opportunity to not only be recognized as one of the top student authors of the world but also have the chance to win physical awards as well. While certificates are fine, the prospect of substantial prizes adds an extra layer of allure. Dive into the richness of the Commonwealth, let your words be the bridge that spans nations, and find yourself not just with the satisfaction of winning but also with priceless international recognition.
D.H Lawrence Children’s Prize
The D.H. Lawrence Children's Prize offers a literary playground for creative minds aged 7 to 11. If you have a passion for weaving enchanting tales and unleashing the power of your imagination, this is your golden opportunity to step into the world of literary exploration.
This competition is a celebration of the boundless creativity that young minds possess. Picture your words taking flight, creating stories that captivate and inspire readers of all ages. Whether you're a budding poet, a storytelling genius, or someone who loves to explore the magic of words, the D.H. Lawrence Children's Prize can be your canvas.
Beyond the satisfaction of seeing your work recognized, there's the possibility of claiming physical prizes that add an extra layer of excitement to your storytelling journey! So dive into the world of the D.H. Lawrence Children's Prize, where creativity knows no bounds, and let your words become the keys that unlock the door to a world of literary wonder.
World History Student Essay Competition
In this writing competition for middle schoolers, your words become a time-traveling guide. The contest isn't just about writing; it's about bringing the past to life through your narratives. Your words will not only be written on your page but also resonate with readers who embark on a journey through time with you, transporting them back a few years, a decade, or maybe even a couple of centuries.
And winning is not just about satisfaction. Cash prizes await those who master the art of historical storytelling, turning this competition into the perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts to showcase their narrative prowess. Winning this middle school writing competition means taking home $500 and a one-year membership in the famous World History Association--how cool is that?
NASA’s Scientist For a Day
I’m sure you know NASA, as it is an internationally renowned space association--so why are they hosting a writing contest? They have a program called NASA Scientist for a Day and although it is not exclusively a writing competition, NASA invites students from 5th to 12th grade to write a short exploration into space. Your words will not just discuss the wonders of the universe but also take readers on a celestial journey through your vivid descriptions and cosmic musings.
This isn't your typical writing contest; it's a cosmic adventure where scientific inquiry meets creative expression. Whether you are crafting prose that dives into the science of space or spinning a cosmic yarn that sparks the imagination, NASA's Scientist for a Day opens the door for you to share your cosmic enthusiasm.
Young Reporter for the Environment International Competition
The Young Reporter for the Environment International Competition is calling out to young minds aged 13 to 21 who have a passion for environmental advocacy and storytelling. If you find yourself compelled to be the voice for the planet, this is your chance to wield your pen in the service of our environment.
Through this competition, you will not just write but use your words to tell stories that matter—stories that echo the call for sustainable living and environmental consciousness. The middle school to college age range ensures that the competition captures the passion and unique perspectives of young environmentalists, creating a platform where your journalistic endeavors become a powerful tool for inspiring positive change.
This writing competition for middle schoolers is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on environmental issues. Through the Young Reporter for the Environment International Competition, your words become a beacon, illuminating the path toward sustainable living and inspiring others to take action. Your stories could be the catalyst that sparks change in our current world.
Final Thoughts
With all of these wonderful, prestigious writing competitions for middle schoolers in mind, it’s important to note that hundreds, if not thousands, of students participate in these contests each year. This means two things--it’s incredibly difficult to win one of them, but if you do emerge as a victor, that is an honor that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
However, know that it is completely normal to not win any of these contests; the anomaly is when you do get a prize. So don’t be too hard on yourself and have some fun writing for these competitions! The different prompts will spark ideas that you do not normally entertain, which will strengthen your writing pricelessly.
There is no better satisfaction than watching your writing improve throughout the years; so pick up that pen, choose one of these middle school writing competitions, and get going with your writing journey!
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