The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, identifies teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and brings their remarkable work to a national audience through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates.
The Awards are an important opportunity for students to be recognized for their creative talents. Each year, the Alliance partners with more than 100 regional affiliates across the country to bring the program to local communities. Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published.
Eligibility
Students must be enrolled in:
- Grades 7 – 12.
- A public, private, parochial, home-school or out of school program.
- The U.S., Canada, or in an American school abroad.
How to Apply
Regional Programs
Students first submit work to regional programs administered by affiliates of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Deadlines for submitting work vary by region and generally range from December 15, 2011 through January 15, 2012.
At the regional level, students can receive Honorable Mention, Silver Key, Gold Key and American Voices & Visions Nominations recognition. Students who receive Gold Keys are automatically included in judging for national-level recognition.
REGISTER
Students create accounts at artandwriting.org/Registration. Click here to see what information you need to register.
UPLOAD ALL YOUR WORKS
Once students have logged in, they follow instructions to upload their work online. Every category has specific requirements so please read the Category Descriptions carefully. Some regional programs require that live work be submitted in addition to uploading work online. Students should read their region guidelines carefully before completing their application. Click here to find your region guidelines.
COMPLETE REQUIRED FORMS
After all work is uploaded, students print submission forms, acquire required signatures (student, parent and teacher/administrator), prepare payment (if applicable) and mail to the student’s local affiliate. Specific requirements vary by region so students should read the region guidelines carefully before completing their application. Region guidelines can be found here.