Bennington Young Writers Awards Opening Soon
Offered by Bennington College
About This Scholarship
The Bennington Young Writers Awards is an annual writing competition run by Bennington College, a Vermont liberal arts school with one of the most decorated literary traditions in American higher education. The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and accepts entries in three categories: poetry (a group of up to three poems), fiction (a short story up to 1,500 words or a one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or expository essay up to 1,500 words).
Cash prizes are awarded in each category: $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, $500 for third, and $250 for distinguished submissions. There is no entry fee. Winners who later choose to enroll at Bennington College can also earn substantial merit scholarships on top of the cash awards, ranging up to full tuition for first-place winners.
Submissions for the 2026-2027 cycle open September 1, 2026, and close November 1, 2026. Because entries are judged by Bennington's literary community, this contest is a strong resume line for students considering creative writing programs.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in grades 9-12 (worldwide entries accepted)
- Submit in one category: poetry, fiction, or nonfiction
- Written work must be original and within category word limits
- No entry fee or purchase required
How To Apply
- Prepare your strongest work in one category: up to three poems, a short story or one-act play, or an essay up to 1,500 words
- Submit online through the Bennington Young Writers Awards portal between September 1 and November 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend Bennington College to win?
No. The cash prizes go to winners regardless of where they enroll. The additional scholarship awards apply only if a winner later chooses to attend Bennington.
Can I enter more than one category?
Students may submit an entry to one of the three categories per cycle, so pick the genre that shows your strongest work.