Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2023-2024

3 min read

Can a school project pave the way to global literary acclaim? Does the world of Pulitzer Prize winners and U.S. poet laureates seem unreachable? Bennington College's Young Writers Awards aims to elevate high school writing to new heights. Celebrating a legacy of literary excellence, this competition beckons the next generation. Are you prepared to take the leap?

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.

Legacy 12 Pulitzer Prize winners, 3 US poet laureates, 4 MacArthur Geniuses, Time’s influential people
Award 1st: $1,000; 2nd: $500; 3rd: $250. Plus Bennington undergraduate scholarships
✒️ Categories Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction
Requirements Original work; Teacher/mentor sponsorship; Typed & double-spaced; Adherence to word/page limit
Eligibility 9th-12th grades; Both US & international; Entries in English
Scholarships Up to $60,000 for YWA winners enrolling at Bennington
Application Visit Bennington College Young Writers Awards website
️ Deadline November 1, 2023

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.

Bennington College Young Writers Awards

Awards and Recognitions

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

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:

Submission Guidelines:

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.

Olusegun Fapohunda