Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2023-2024

Bennington College has long been the torchbearer for literary prowess, with a lineage that boasts twelve Pulitzer Prize laureates, three U.S. poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, numerous New York Times bestsellers, and a duo that graced Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential individuals. Such a rich literary tapestry serves as the backdrop for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2023-2024, a competition aimed at nurturing and recognising the budding talents at the high school level.

Embracing the Legacy of Literary Greatness

Drawing inspiration from its illustrious alumni and their contributions to the world of literature, Bennington College initiated the Young Writers Awards. This competition isn’t merely an award; it’s an endeavour to spot and laud the writing prowess of high school students who embody the spirit of storytelling and creativity.

Awards and Recognitions

The accolades reserved for the winners are both commendable and motivating:

• First-place winners: A prize of $1,000.
• Second-place winners: A reward of $500.
• Third-place winners: An award of $250.

Moreover, the Young Writers Award doesn’t end with these cash prizes. It opens the gateway to further academic opportunities at Bennington College. Finalists and winners of the YWA stand a chance to receive significant undergraduate scholarships at Bennington, with YWA finalists being eligible for a cumulative scholarship of $40,000 over four years, while the winners can avail a grand total of $60,000 spread across the same duration.

Eligibility Criteria

Students aiming for the stars through their literary talents must adhere to the following guidelines:

• The competition is open to students from the 9th-12th grades or those in secondary school for international applicants.
• Submission Categories:
  • Poetry: Submit up to three poems, with no restrictions on length or style.
  • Fiction: Craft a compelling short story or a riveting one-act play.
  • Nonfiction: Pen a personal or academic essay that resonates.
• International Eligibility:
  • Both US-based and international students can participate.
  • All entries should be submitted in English.

Submission Guidelines:

• Short stories and nonfiction pieces must not exceed 1,500 words.
• All written works should be typed, with double spacing.
• Plays should not have a runtime of more than 30 minutes.
• The author’s name should be clearly mentioned on each page of the submission.
• All submitted works must be original.
• A high school teacher must review, approve, and sponsor all entries. For homeschooled students, a mentor can fulfil this role.

How to Participate

To dive into this world of literary competition and stand a chance to gain recognition and rewards, start your application journey here (https://admissions.bennington.edu/register/youngwriters).

For a more in-depth insight into the competition and its nuances, please visit the official page of the Bennington College Young Writers Awards.

Submission Deadline: November 1, 2023.

To all young writers and poets, this is your platform. Unleash your creativity, share your stories, and let the world witness your literary genius. The stage is set; now, it’s your turn to shine.