Do you want to showcase your writing skills as a high school student? For talented young authors, the Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2027 offer an excellent opportunity. The awards recognize outstanding students in grades 9 through 12 whose work demonstrates creativity, originality, curiosity, strong writing skills, and creative ambition. This long-running program is now part of the Bennington Young Creators Awards and continues to celebrate exceptional poetry, fiction, and nonfiction from the next generation of writers.
The Bennington Young Writers Awards 2027 provide high school students with an important platform to present their literary and creative work. Students in grades 9 through 12 can submit their writing in three categories and gain recognition for their talent and dedication to writing. The competition is open to students worldwide and is free to enter.
Additionally, finalists and winners of the Bennington College Young Writers Awards may be eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington College as well as substantial financial awards. The prizes are $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place in each category. First-place winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years. Finalists who enroll receive $25,000 annually for four years, while Distinguished designation recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years.
As a result, the Bennington Young Writers Awards 2027 provide high school students with an opportunity to showcase their writing, gain recognition, and potentially receive significant financial support for their undergraduate studies.
Bennington Young Writers Awards 2027 – Quick Details
Region: Online, USA
Opportunity Type: Writing Competition / Award
Funding Type: Paid Awards
Eligible Applicants: High School Students Worldwide
Eligible Grades: 9–12
Entry Fee: Free
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Categories of the Young Writers Awards
Students may submit their work in one category from the following options:
Poetry: Submit 1–3 poems with a combined maximum of 1,500 words.
Fiction: Submit one short story or a standalone excerpt from a longer work, with a maximum of 1,500 words.
Nonfiction: Submit a personal or creative nonfiction essay or a standalone excerpt from a longer work, with a maximum of 1,500 words.
The 1,500-word limit is strict and includes the submitted text, including titles, headers, footers, and citations.
Eligibility Criteria for Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2027
- The competition is open to students currently enrolled in grades 9–12.
- Students from all countries worldwide are eligible to participate.
- There is no entry fee for the Young Writers Awards.
- Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
- Each submission must be original work reviewed and approved by a sponsoring high school teacher or mentor.
- The sponsoring teacher will serve as the primary contact if Bennington has questions about the submission.
- Homeschooled students must arrange a mentor to sponsor their work.
- Applicants must submit their work in Poetry, Fiction, or Nonfiction.
- Entries must follow the strict 1,500-word maximum.
- Submissions must be typed and written in English.
- Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process.
- AI tools cannot be used to brainstorm, create, draft, revise, or collaborate on submissions. Entries that use AI may be disqualified.
Benefits of the Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2027
- Winners and finalists receive recognition for their outstanding writing talent.
- First-place winners receive $2,000, second-place winners receive $1,000, and third-place winners receive $500 in each category.
- Selected Distinguished submissions receive a $250 award by category and grade level.
- Finalists and winners may be eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington College.
- First-place winners who enroll at Bennington receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years.
- Finalists who enroll at Bennington receive $25,000 per year for four years.
- Distinguished designation recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years.
- Students can develop their writing skills, gain experience, and showcase their creative work.
- Winning and Distinguished entries may be featured on Bennington’s website, social media, publications, and other showcase opportunities.
Required Documents for Bennington Young Writers Awards 2027
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Original writing submission in Poetry, Fiction, or Nonfiction.
- Typed submission in English.
- Writing submission of 1,500 words or less.
- Approval from a sponsoring high school teacher or mentor.
- Grade 12 applicants must complete the required Common Application or Coalition Application process.
- Homeschooled students should have a qualified mentor who can sponsor their submission.
- Any additional information requested through the official submission process.
Application Procedure for Bennington Young Writers Awards 2027
- Select one category: Poetry, Fiction, or Nonfiction.
- Prepare an original writing submission that follows the 1,500-word limit.
- Ensure the work is typed and submitted in English.
- Ask a high school teacher or mentor to review and approve the submission.
- Students in grades 9–11 can submit through Bennington’s Young Writers Awards submission process.
- Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process.
- Complete the required submission information.
- Submit your entry before November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Selection Process
Bennington College evaluates submissions through multiple stages. Entries are reviewed by a panel of Bennington readers, including students, faculty, and alumni. The judging considers:
- Originality of the work
- Strength of voice and point of view
- Craft, structure, and use of language
- Imagination and insight
- Emotional impact
- Engagement with complexity
- Overall quality of the writing
The official schedule indicates that Round 1 judging takes place during November–December, followed by Round 2 judging in January. Winners are announced in spring 2027.
Deadline
November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2027?
The Bennington Young Writers Awards are an international writing competition for high school students in grades 9–12. Students can submit poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
Who can apply for the Bennington Young Writers Awards?
Students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 from around the world can participate. Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
Is there an application fee?
No. The Young Writers Awards are free to enter.
What are the categories?
Students can choose from Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction and may submit to only one category.
What is the word limit?
The maximum is 1,500 words. The limit is strict and applies to all submitted text.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The competition is open to eligible high school students worldwide.
Can students use AI to write their submission?
No. Bennington states that AI tools cannot be used to brainstorm, create, draft, revise, or collaborate on Young Writers Awards submissions. Entries using AI may be disqualified.
What are the cash prizes?
First-place winners receive $2,000, second-place winners receive $1,000, and third-place winners receive $500 in each category. Distinguished submissions receive $250.
What scholarships are available?
First-place winners who enroll at Bennington receive full tuition for four years. Finalists who enroll receive $25,000 annually for four years, while Distinguished designation recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years.
What is the deadline for the Bennington Young Writers Awards 2027?
The deadline is November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Winners will be announced in spring 2027.
When will the winners be announced?
Bennington College plans to announce the winners in spring 2027.
