Introduction
The Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2027 offers high school students a unique opportunity to showcase their writing talents on an international platform. This competition is designed to recognize and celebrate the creativity and originality of young writers from around the world, providing them with a chance to win substantial financial awards and potentially secure scholarships for further education at Bennington College.
Scholarship Overview
The Bennington College Young Writers Awards is an annual competition that invites high school students in grades 9-12 to submit their original works in three categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. The competition aims to encourage young writers to express their creative ambition and to honor their literary achievements.
Host Country
USA/Online
Host Institution or Organization
Not provided
Degree Level
Not provided
Available Fields of Study
The competition accepts submissions in three categories:
- Poetry: Submit 1-3 poems with a combined word limit of 1500 words.
- Fiction: Entrants can submit one short story or a standalone excerpt from a longer work, with a word limit of 1500 words.
- Nonfiction: Submissions should take the form of a personal or creative nonfiction essay or a standalone excerpt from a longer work, with a word limit of 1500 words.
Scholarship Benefits
- First-place winners receive a cash prize of $2,000.
- Second-place winners receive $1,000.
- Third-place winners receive $500.
- Distinguished designation recipients receive a $250 award.
- First-place winners who enroll at Bennington College receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years.
- Finalists who enroll receive a $25,000 scholarship each year for four years.
- Distinguished designation recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years.
- Winning and distinguished entries may be featured on Bennington’s website and social media channels.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to high school students in grades 9-12 worldwide.
- No entry fee is required.
- Graduated high school students are not eligible.
- Submissions must be original and supported by a high school teacher or mentor.
- Submissions must adhere to a 1500-word limit and be typed in English.
- AI tools may not be used in any part of the submission process.
Required Documents
Not provided
Application Process
- Choose one category: Poetry, Fiction, or Nonfiction.
- Collaborate with a high school teacher or mentor who will endorse the submission.
- Ensure the submission adheres to the guidelines, including the 1500-word limit.
- Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
- Submit entries between September 1 at 9:00 AM ET and November 1 at 11:59 PM ET.
Important Dates and Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards is November 1, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET.
Tips for Applicants
- Start your writing early to allow ample time for revision.
- Seek feedback from your teacher or mentor to refine your work.
- Ensure your submission is original and free of AI-generated content.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Bennington College Young Writers Awards?
High school students in grades 9-12 from around the world can apply. - Is there a fee to enter the competition?
No, there is no entry fee for the competition. - What are the submission requirements?
Submissions must be original, typed in English, and adhere to a 1500-word limit.
Conclusion
The Bennington College Young Writers Awards 2027 is a prestigious competition that offers young writers the chance to gain recognition and financial rewards for their creative work. By participating, students not only have the opportunity to win cash prizes but also to potentially secure scholarships for their undergraduate studies at Bennington College.
Official Application Link
The official application link was not provided. Applicants are advised to check the official website of Bennington College for more details and to access the application portal.



