Description
The Bennington Young Writers Awards is an annual writing competition hosted by Bennington College to recognize and promote excellence in writing among high school students in grades 9–12, both in the U.S. and internationally. Established to celebrate the college’s literary legacy, which includes alumni like Donna Tartt and Bret Easton Ellis, the contest is free to enter and accepts submissions from September to November, with winners announced in spring (typically April).
Requirements
Poetry: A group of three poems Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer) Word requirements are strict. They ask that participants submit in only one category and submit only one time per year. All must be reviewed and approved by a high school sponsor teacher.
Restrictions
Grades 9-12
Outcomes
Extremely competitive. A first, second, and third place winner is selected in each category. Over 7,000 students submit annually, with nine winners (three per category) and additional finalists selected.
Created: Jul 30, 2025, 8:41:47 PM EDT
Last update: Dec 31, 1969, 7:00:00 PM EST