Categories
Art Categories
Instructions for All Art Categories
SELECTING YOUR CATEGORY
Art categories each have different upload requirements. Review each specific category listing for complete details.
Works might fit more than one category description. However, a single work should only be entered once, into a single category.
Traditional arts and crafts (practices tied to a distinct cultural heritage) are welcome in any whatever category they best fit, including, but not limited to, Fashion, Jewelry, and Sculpture.
Use your best judgment when determining where to enter a work. We recommend reviewing the descriptions below and viewing the Online Gallery. These resources will help in your choice.
DOCUMENTING YOUR WORK
For 2D works, enter as high quality of a photo as possible. You might consider asking an educator for help with the documentation process.
3D work categories typically ask for multiple images. We recommend you include one image that shows the work from the front at a slight angle against a white or neutral-colored background. For the remaining images, include one detail shot, an image with a ruler for scale, and an image from the back of the work.
We also recommend taking in-progress photos of entries. While these are not required, they may be requested if an entry is flagged for potential plagiarism or AI violations. For more information, refer to the Participation Terms.
CITING YOUR SOURCES
Every entry includes a “Work Sources” section for teens to list sources that have influenced or inspired their work and creative process. It is imperative that participants honestly and thoroughly list their sources.
COLLABORATIVE WORKS
Each entry can only be linked to one participant. Works created collaboratively between two or more eligible teens should list the co-creators in the Work Sources section of their entry by selecting “Yes” to “Did you gain inspiration from another artist/writer?” and entering their information below.
Some Regional Affiliates may offer ways to acknowledge additional teen contributors in their celebrations, but this is not guaranteed. Contact your Affiliate for more information about their specific policies.
Architecture & Industrial Design
Category Description
This category includes industrial design plans for models of structures, environments, systems, or products.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Building designs, landscape designs, interior designs, urban plans, or product designs. Can include 2D work such as hand-drawn sketches, computer-aided designs, blueprints, and floor plans, OR 3D work such as handmade or 3D-printed scale models, conceptual models, sketch models, or prototypes.
Special Instructions
Plans may be hand-drawn or computer-generated. Models must be sturdy and able to endure shipping and exhibition.
Works that depict or stage scenes (dioramas) using prefabricated materials should be entered into the Sculpture category.
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to four images of your piece. We strongly encourage you to upload a variety of images that showcase the scale and details of your work, i.e., include pictures from different angles.
For 2D works, show your plans in detail. You may choose to include concept drawings, sketches, material palettes, sections, elevations, site plans, and renderings in your image selection.
For 3D works, include one image that shows the work from the front at a slight angle against a white or neutral-colored background. For the remaining images, include one detail shot, an image with a ruler for scale, and an image from the back of the work.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
If you enter a 2D design rather than a 3D model, input “0” for “Depth.”
If you enter a digital design, list the dimensions that the design would be if it were to be printed. This will help guide exhibitions and curatorial teams should your work be considered for regional or national exhibition.
Ceramics & Glass
Category Description
Handcrafted objects made from ceramics or glass. Anything made exclusively out of ceramics and/or glass belongs in this category.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Busts, figures, abstract forms, vases, teapots, bowls, plates, cups, tiles, tableware, or other vessels. Ceramic pieces may include earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, etc. Glass pieces may include stained glass, cast glass, fused glass, blown glass, etc.
Special Instructions
Unfired ceramics and oil-based clay works should not be entered.
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to four images of your piece. We strongly encourage you to upload a variety of images that showcase the scale and details of your work, i.e., include pictures from different angles.
Include one image that shows the work from the front at a slight angle against a white or neutral-colored background.
For the remaining images, include one detail shot, an image with a ruler for scale, and an image from the back of the work.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
Comic Art
Category Description
A pictorial narrative in deliberate sequence—with or without text—that tells a story or develops an idea using single or multiple panels. Concepts for characters should be entered in Illustration.
Work directly depicting political or social commentary should be entered to the Editorial Cartoon category.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Comic strips, comic books, storyboards, webcomics, or selections from graphic novels.
Special Instructions
Do not base characters and plots on already published comic books or published series.
There are no requirements regarding how many panels can be included in one image. See our Copyright & Plagiarism guidelines for more information.
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to eight images for each Comic Art entry.
There are no requirements regarding how many panels can be included in one image. Use your best judgment when determining the layout. Pay attention to how easy it is to read any text in your comic.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
Conceptual, Installation & Participatory Art
Previously known as Expanded Projects
Category Description
This category may include the documentation of live art, installation, research-based practices, or interactive visual art. It does not include dance, music, theater, or spoken word poetry.
Original work in this category will explore new genres, ideas, or experimental methods that could not be represented in other categories. The evaluation of skill may include both the way the work is documented and the conceptual background of the work in addition to the work’s construction.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Documentation of live art, experimental video art, installation, site-specific or research-driven processes, conceptual art, social discourse, or community projects.
Special Instructions
Individual three-dimensional works that do not create an environment or are not built at room scale should be entered in the Sculpture category.
Murals should be entered into the Painting category.
Entry Requirements
You must upload 1–8 files that clearly present the work: .pdf, .jpg, .png, or .mpeg. The file size limit for each upload is 350 MB.
There will also be space to provide a brief “Concept Art Written Statement” that summarizes and contextualizes the work. Introduce your work to the jurors! You will not be judged on your writing ability or style. There is no length requirement; we recommend aiming for between 50–250 words. Though optional, it is strongly recommended.
Each entry can only be linked to one participant. Works created collaboratively between two or more eligible teens should list the co-creators in the Work Sources section of their entry by selecting “Yes” to “Did you gain inspiration from another artist/writer?” and entering their information below.
Some Regional Affiliates may offer ways to acknowledge additional teen contributors in their celebrations, but this is not guaranteed. Contact your Affiliate for more information about their specific policies.
Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage
Previously known as Digital Art
Category Description
Artwork created digitally and intended to exist in a digital space or images that are heavily collaged or manipulated from found image(s) (i.e., not photographs taken by the participant) to produce a new image using digital tools.
This category is meant for drawings, paintings, and collages created using exclusively digital tools; other works created with digital tools may fit better in a different category, including, but not limited to, Comic Art, Illustration, or Graphic Design.
Manipulated images that are derived from a photo or photos taken by the participant should be entered into the Experimental Photography category.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Digital collages, CGI, VR, and digital painting.
Special Instructions
Identify the software used to create the artwork in the “Materials” section of your entry (ex: Adobe Suite programs, Sketchbook, Procreate, Corel PaintShop, Clip Studio Paint, Blender, etc.).
Digital artwork may contain text, but entries that contain text for commercial purposes should be entered in the Graphic Design category.
Consider entering the Conceptual, Installation & Participatory Art category if your work has a strong interactive element.
If you are using collaged images, refer to the Copyright & Plagiarism guide.
Digital image uploaded must be at least 300 dpi.
Entry Requirements
You can upload one image for each Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage entry.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
For digital entries, list the dimensions that the work would be if it were to be printed. This will help guide exhibitions and curatorial teams should your work be considered for regional or national exhibition.
Drawing
As of the 2026 Awards, the category “Drawing & Illustration” has been split into two separate categories. Participants should use their best judgment and artistic perspective to determine if they will enter their work as Drawing or Illustration. Do not enter the same work twice to both categories.
Category Description
Art that is composed of marks made with dry materials on a 2D surface. Drawings include all renderings made by a manual or mechanical instrument on a surface and may include formal, realistic, and/or abstract imagery. Ink drawings that are not illustrations can be entered into this category, including those with paint, such as watercolors.
In contrast to illustrations, drawing works prioritize the exercise and exploration of skill, technique, and the specific used medium (pencil, ink, charcoal, etc.).
We recommend reviewing the guidelines for Illustration entries, which focus on entries that convey specific information or narratives.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Pencil, ink, charcoal, pastel, crayon, scratchboard, marker, ink drawings colored with paint, etc.
Special Instructions
Drawings copied from published photographs, the internet, or existing works should not be entered and will be disqualified. Refer to the Copyright & Plagiarism guide for more detailed information.
Sequential illustrations depicting an evolving story should be entered in Comic Art.
Common classroom assignments that focus on recreating other artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, do not fit our originality criteria and should not be entered.
Work created using wet materials should be entered to Painting.
Entry Requirements
You can upload one image for each Drawing entry.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
Editorial Cartoon sponsored by The Herb Block Foundation
Category Description
A drawing or illustration, series of artworks, or animated film that offers commentary or criticism on current events or political topics.
About Herb Block
This category is sponsored by The Herb Block Foundation in honor of Mr. Block’s remarkable contribution to the genre of political cartoons.
Visit herbblockfoundation.org to learn more and see examples of his work.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Single panel drawings with captions, sequential comic art, illustrations, digitally created drawings, or animated films with a political theme or message.
Special Instructions
Multi-panel cartoons or other narrative illustrations that do not contain commentary or criticism of a political event or current event should be entered in Comic Art.
Illustrations that do not contain commentary or criticism of a political event or current event should be entered in Illustration depending on the tools used.
Animations that do not contain commentary or criticism of a political event or current event should be entered in Film & Animation.
For animated films, refer to the Film & Animation category for special instructions.
List all reference images in the work sources section of your entry. Refer to the Copyright & Plagiarism guide for more detailed information
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to eight images or one .mp4 or .mov file for each Editorial Cartoon entry.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
For digital entries, list the dimensions that the work would be if it were to be printed. This will help guide exhibitions and curatorial teams should your work be considered for regional or national exhibition.
Experimental Photography
Category Description
Images captured by either analog or digital camera that are then collaged, cloned, layered, merged, distorted, or heavily manipulated either physically or digitally. This category also includes images captured via experimental methods (including, but not limited to, cyanotype photographic images, pinhole camera, etc.)
Examples (including but not limited to)
Alteration of negatives to create a new image (burning, scratching, layering, collaging, etc.).
Creating layouts of juxtaposed multiple images, or that include text as part of the image.
Any alteration in Photoshop (or similar programs) that is outside simple adjustments in image tone, contrast, brightness, etc., should be entered to this category (i.e., warped images, dramatically colored images, images which contain cloned aspects or heavy use of filters, etc.).
Special Instructions
Images where the photograph is physically printed and cut-up and woven by the participant should be entered in the Mixed Media category.
Identify the type of photographic techniques used in the “List Materials” section of your entry.
Entry Requirements
You can upload one image for each Experimental Photography entry.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
For digital entries, list the dimensions that the work would be if it were to be printed. This will help guide exhibitions and curatorial teams should your work be considered for regional or national exhibition.
Fashion
Category Description
Articles of clothing or fashion accessories other than jewelry (which should be entered in the Jewelry category).
Examples (including but not limited to)
Sketches, tech packs, fully realized articles and outfits, jackets, dresses, shirts, gowns, scarves, hats, bags, belts, shoes, etc. as well as experimental designs, wearable art, and work made from found materials.
Special Instructions
Garments not intended to be worn on the body should be submitted to the Sculpture category.
When using found materials, be mindful of copyrighted materials, like logos, that might appear in your work. Review our Copyright & Plagiarism guidelines for more information.
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to four images of your design.
We strongly encourage you to upload a variety of images that showcase the scale and details of your work and include pictures from different angles.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
If you enter a 2D work (a design as opposed to a model), select “0” for the “Depth” field.
Film & Animation
Category Description
A sequence of moving images viewed with a monitor, television, or projector.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Documentary films, narrative films, commercials, experimental videos, as well as hand-drawn, computer-generated, or stop-motion animations, etc.
Special Instructions
Do not include any credits in film entries. Works are judged without knowledge of gender, age, or hometown.
Each entry can only be linked to one participant. Works created collaboratively between two or more eligible teens should list the co-creators in the Work Sources section of their entry by selecting “Yes” to “Did you gain inspiration from another artist/writer?” and entering their information below.
Some Regional Affiliates may offer ways to acknowledge additional teen contributors in their celebrations, but this is not guaranteed. Contact your Affiliate for more information about their specific policies.
Copyrighted Music
The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers strongly encourages the use of original or public domain music. You cannot use copyrighted music in your work without the permission of the original artist.
Teens who obtain copyrights to music must obtain documentation from the artist and reference it in the work sources section of your entry.
If you use non-original music in your work, you must cite your source.
View our Copyright & Plagiarism guidelines for more information.
Entry Requirements
Your film must be in one of the following formats: .mp4 or .mov.
Your entry must be five minutes or shorter. The file size limit is 350 MB. Entries that are longer than 5 minutes will not be judged in their entirety.
Entries can also contain an optional second video with no runtime restriction. The file size limit for this video is 750 MB. This longer cut of the entry may be used by jurors at their discretion when evaluating work; however, priority will be given to the five minutes or shorter versions.
Work Type
Time-based Work (Minutes:Seconds)
Graphic Design
Category Description
Art created for commercial or applied purposes. This includes graphic design work that has a defined use such as advertising or communications.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Magazine layouts, book covers, greeting cards, fonts, letterhead, business cards, calendars, or signage.
Special Instructions
Work that is based off preexisting brands is discouraged. If your work references preexisting brands, your design must represent a new, original idea or contribute added value to the source material according to our Copyright & Plagiarism guidelines.
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to four images of your piece. We strongly encourage you to upload a variety of images that showcase the scale and details of your work and include pictures from different angles.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
If you enter a 2D work, select “0” for the “Depth” field.
For digital entries, list the dimensions that the work would be if it were to be printed. This will help guide exhibitions and curatorial teams should your work be considered for regional or national exhibition.
Illustration
As of the 2026 Awards, the category “Drawing & Illustration” has been split into two separate categories. Participants should use their best judgment and artistic perspective to determine if they will enter their work as Drawing or Illustration. Do not enter the same work twice to both categories.
Category Description
An image that conveys a piece of information or describes and informs about a specific scene, place, narrative or character.
Illustrations can be created from a variety of mediums, including both mechanical and digital techniques.
In contrast to drawings, illustrations attempt to convey a story, often in a single frame. Illustration entries prioritize a message, often narrative or informational, over demonstrations of technical skill.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Picture book illustrations, concept art, magazine/publication illustrations, character studies.
Special Instructions
Illustrations that directly depict political or social commentary should be entered to the Editorial Cartoon category.
Illustrations that are done in multiple frames, or panels, and depict a narrative over time should be entered to the Comic Art category.
Entry Requirements
You can upload one image for each Illustration entry.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
Jewelry
Category Description
Art objects worn for personal adornment.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Bracelets, rings, brooches, earrings, cufflinks, necklaces, etc.
Special Instructions
Please list all materials when entering your work. Materials may be handmade or purchased and include metal, semi-precious stones, plastic, beading, glass, found objects, etc. If you are using purchased materials, please indicate that in your materials (ex: “bead from craft store” vs “handmade clay bead”).
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to four images of your jewelry. Showcase the scale and details of your work and include pictures from different angles.
Include one image that shows the work from the front at a slight angle against a white or neutral-colored background.
For the remaining images, include one detail shot, an image with a ruler for scale, and an image from the back of the work.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
Mixed Media
Category Description
Artwork made from more than one medium, with a 3D or readymade element. These works should be wall-mounted and designed to hang in a similar fashion to a painting. This includes works made with physical and digital materials, found objects applied to 2D surfaces, and non-traditional found materials.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Collage, assemblage, cut paper, handmade paper, batik, fiber-based art, etc.
Special Instructions
Works that are three-dimensional and not meant to be mounted on a wall should be entered in the Sculpture category.
Mixed media pieces meant to be viewed in the round should be entered in the Sculpture category.
Combinations of painting and drawing applied only to one surface should be entered into either the Painting or Drawing categories.
Entry Requirements
You can upload up to four images of your Mixed Media piece. Showcase the scale and details of your work and include pictures from different angles.
Include one image that shows the work from the front at a slight angle against a white or neutral-colored background.
For the remaining images, include one detail shot, an image with a ruler for scale, and an image from the side of the work.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
If your Mixed Media entry does not have a 3D element, select “0” for the “Depth” field.
Painting
Category Description
Art created by applying wet materials to a 2D surface. This includes illustrations made with any type of paint. If you use more than two non-paint materials or if you create a collage, your work should be entered in Mixed Media.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, encaustic, fresco, spray paint, etc. applied on canvas, canvas board, paper, or any flat surface.
Special Instructions
Paintings copied from published photographs, the internet, or existing works should not be entered and will be disqualified. For more detailed information, check out the Copyright & Plagiarism guide.
Entry Requirements
You can upload one image for each Painting entry.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
Photography
Category Description
Images captured by either an analog or digital camera.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Black and white photographs, color photographs, digital or analog photographs, etc.
Special Instructions
Images where the photograph is physically printed and cut-up and woven by the participant should be entered in the Mixed Media category.
Editing software (Adobe Suite programs, Procreate, Corel PaintShop, Clip Studio Paint, etc.) is acceptable to use for minor touch-ups and image correction, such as for adjustments in image tone, contrast, brightness, etc.
Works that are digitally collaged, cloned, layered, merged, distorted, or heavily manipulated with computer software (i.e., warped images, dramatically colored images, images that contain cloned aspects of heavy use of filters, etc.) must be entered in the Experimental Photography category.
Entering multiple similar images from the same series of photographs is highly discouraged.
Entry Requirements
You can upload one image for each Photography entry. Participants can enter up to 16 individual photography entries.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
For digital entries, list the dimensions that the work would be if it were to be printed. This will help guide exhibitions and curatorial teams should your work be considered for regional or national exhibition.
Printmaking
Category Description
Work made by transferring ink from one prepared surface (plate, screen, etc.) onto paper or another flat surface.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Woodcut/linocut, monotype, intaglio, lithography, etching, silkscreen printing, collagraph, Styrofoam printmaking, etc.
Special Instructions
Identify the printmaking technique used in the “List Materials” section of your entry.
Entry Requirement
For each Printmaking entry, you can upload one image.
Work Type
2D Work (Height x Width)
Sculpture
Category Description
Three-dimensional art objects created by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques that can have interactive qualities.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Modeled, carved, cast, constructed, or assembled objects, including artist books. Materials may include but are not limited to clay, cardboard, metal, acrylic, wood, glass, stone, marble, textiles, plastics, and found objects.
Special Instructions
Large-scale installation art should be entered into the Conceptual, Installation & Participatory Art category.
Anything made exclusively out of ceramics and/or glass belongs in the Ceramics & Glass category.
Entry Requirements
Each entry requires four images of your sculpture. Showcase the scale and details of your work and include pictures from different angles.
Include one image that shows the work from the front at a slight angle against a white or neutral-colored background.
For the remaining images, include one detail shot, an image with a ruler for scale, and an image from the back of the work.
Work Type
3D Work (Height x Width x Depth)
Art Portfolio
(For Graduating Seniors Only)
Category Description
A collection of 6 works that communicate a single cohesive idea or visual investigation. Works can come from one category or any combination of multiple categories.
If you have strong works that are not part of a themed collection, please enter those works individually. Do not enter six unrelated works to the portfolio category.
Graduating seniors may enter up to two Art Portfolios, but may not enter the same work in both portfolios.
Special Instructions
Each work within the Art Portfolio is subject to the same upload rules as its equivalent in individual categories.
We encourage you to re-enter strong work that was submitted to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in a previous year, especially work that received an Award.
You may also enter works included in a portfolio in their individual category (e.g., Drawing, Illustration, Mixed Media, etc.). Works entered individually are judged separately from portfolios. It’s possible for a work to win an individual award while a portfolio containing that same work does not.
Do not include any identifying information, such as your name, in the title of your portfolio or the works included in the entries.
You must provide an Artist Statement and Personal Statement—these are two separate statements. Do not copy and paste the same statement for both!
AI-generated statements are not allowed. We are not evaluating your writing ability. We are looking to understand your original thoughts about your work. We want to hear from you, in your own words!
Artist Statement: Write about your art! This required statement should provide insight into your creative process: How did you curate the works in your portfolio?
Consider questions like:
- What do you want viewers to understand about your collection of works?
- What are the key ideas, issues, struggles, or goals within the portfolio?
- What deliberate decisions did you make about materials, processes, etc.?
Your artist statement must be 100–500 words long. The statement will be visible to jurors. Do not use self-identifying information in the statement.
Personal Statement: Write about you! Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
Consider questions like:
- What is a significant accomplishment or joyful experience that has shaped your life?
- What is a significant challenge, setback, or failure that you experienced? How did you respond to it? How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Tell us about how you developed a firmly held belief and how it has changed over time.
- Have you ever had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?
Your personal statement must be 100–500 words long. This statement will be viewed by the scholarship committee if your work advances and is considered for a national portfolio scholarship award.
Writing Categories
Instructions for All Writing Categories
No identifying information, including the writer’s name, should appear anywhere on the manuscript, including areas such as a header or title page.
For real people in non-fiction works, use fictional names. You do not need to change the name of public or historical figures.
JUDGE ACCESSIBILITY
To make sure that your work can be accessed and read by its anonymously assigned judges, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Do not try to enter your work as a PDF or hyperlink. Only entries typed directly into the text box provided within the Portal can be reviewed by judges.
- Entries should be primarily in English. You may include some words or phrases in other languages. Note that not all judges speak a second language, so consider including a translation.
- The use of hyperlinks, illustrations, photographs, or graphics is discouraged.
SELECTING YOUR CATEGORY
Works might fit more than one category description. However, a single work should only be entered once, into a single category.
Use your best judgment when determining where to enter a work. We recommend reviewing the descriptions below and viewing the Online Gallery. These resources will help in your choice.
CITING YOUR SOURCES
Every entry includes a “Work Sources” section for teens to list sources that have influenced or inspired their work and creative process. It is imperative that participants honestly and thoroughly list their sources.
Certain writing categories, such as Critical Essay and Journalism, have an additional section for “Citations and Footnotes.” Written works that take quotations from other pieces of writing must properly cite all their sources, whether a source is protected by copyright or not.
There is no required format for a Works Cited. Feel free to use any citation style: MLA, ALA, Chicago, etc. Sources listed in “Citations and Footnotes” do not also need to be listed in “Work Sources.”
If your work has been published in an online publication or school newspaper, include the link in the Work Sources section of your entry.
COLLABORATIVE WORKS
Each entry can only be linked to one participant. Works created collaboratively between two or more eligible teens should list the co-creators in the Work Sources section of their entry by selecting “Yes” to “Did you gain inspiration from another artist/writer?” and entering their information below.
Some Regional Affiliates may offer ways to acknowledge additional teen contributors in their celebrations, but this is not guaranteed. Contact your Affiliate for more information about their specific policies.
Critical Essay
Category Description
Writing intended to inform or convince a reader about a specific idea or topic, such as art or media reviews, persuasive essays, opinion essays, etc.
Special Instructions
Sources must be cited. Use the Footnotes/Citations text box to list your sources when entering your work. This will not count towards your wordcount.
We do not require a specific citation format. Use the citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) that best supports your work. Sources listed in “Citations and Footnotes” do not also need to be listed in “Work Sources.”
Word Limit
500–3,000 words
Flash Fiction
Category Description
This is for your shortest fictional work. This should not be an excerpt of a longer work but should tell a full story.
Longer works may be better suited for the Short Story or Novel categories.
Special Instructions
Depending on the genre of your short fiction, it may fit better in another category, such as Speculative Fiction.
Word Limit
Maximum 1,000 words
Journalism
Category Description
Writing that informs and educates about newsworthy topics or current events, characterized by a presentation of facts or description of events.
Examples (including but not limited to)
Writing intended for publication in newspapers, magazines, or online media and characterized by a presentation of facts or description of events.
Special Instructions
Sources must be cited. Use the Work Sources field to list your sources when entering your work. This will not count towards your word count.
We do not require a specific citation format. Use the citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) that best supports your work. Sources listed in “Citations and Footnotes” do not also need to be listed in “Work Sources.”
If your piece has been published in an online publication or school newspaper, please include the link in the Sources section of your entry.
Word Limit
500–3,000 words
Novel
Category Description
An excerpt from a long-form prose narrative.
Special Instructions
The excerpt should be a complete chapter or section from a chapter. Use a sample that showcases your writing and story setup.
Please include a brief (about 250 words) synopsis of your novel. The synopsis is meant to provide readers with an understanding of the full scope, themes, arc, and plot of your novel. Think about what would appear on the back cover of your book but with spoilers!
Your synopsis counts towards your entry’s maximum word limit (3,000 words). Include your summary in the top of the “My Work” section of your entry. In the same text box, include the excerpt of your novel.
Your work must be original to you! Adaptations of or sequels to existing published works are not accepted. Do not base characters or plots on already published works (books, movies, comics, etc.).
See our Copyright & Plagiarism Policy for more information about how the Scholastic Awards define original work.
Word Limit
An excerpt up to 3,000 words, including a 250-word summary of the entire novel.
Personal Essay & Memoir
Category Description
A creative non-fiction work based on opinion, experience, and/or emotion that explores a topic or event of importance to the author.
Special Instructions
If you are writing about real people in your everyday life, please use your best judgment about disclosing identifying information (ex: name, address, age, birthday). If you receive an award, your piece may be published. You can change personal details (such as names) before entering the work.
Keep in mind that if you receive an award, your piece may be published online or in print.
Word Limit
500–3,000 words
Poetry
Category Description
Writing in verse. May include, but is not limited to, prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, song lyrics, and spoken word.
Special Instructions
Each entry consists of 1 poem. If you have more than one poem they should be entered separately as individual poetry pieces. If you have a longer form poem with sections, that should be entered as one piece.
Be mindful of the poem’s formatting when entering the work into the upload text box. This is how the poem will appear to jurors.
Word Limit
3–100 lines
Screenplays & Scripts
Previously known as Dramatic Script
Category Description
Work that uses dialogue, action, and stage direction to tell a story, including scripts for television, film, or stage.
Special Instructions
Excerpts can be entered but should be clearly labeled as excerpts.
If your full script is more than 3,000 words, you may provide a 250-word synopsis. The synopsis is meant to provide readers with an understanding of the full scope, themes, arc, and plot of your script.
Your synopsis counts towards your entry’s maximum word limit (3,000 words). Include your summary in the top of the “My Work” section of your entry. In the same text box, include the excerpt of your script.
Word Limit
500–3,000 words. If the script exceeds 3,000 words, you may include a 250-word summary.
Short Story
Category Description
A fictional narrative that is written in prose.
Special Instructions
Depending on the genre of your short story, it may fit better in another category, such as Speculative Fiction.
Prose fiction under 1,000 words should be entered to Flash Fiction.
Word Limit
1,000–3,000 words
Speculative Fiction
Previously known as Science Fiction & Fantasy
Category Description
Writing in genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, dystopian fiction, or alternate histories. This writing uses supernatural, magical, futuristic, scientific, or technological themes as key elements of the narrative. These also include short stories or prose focused on world building, mythology, etc.
Special Instructions
Your work must be original to you! Adaptations of or sequels to existing published works are not accepted. Do not base characters or plots on already published works (books, movies, comics, etc.).
See our Copyright & Plagiarism Policy for more information about how the Scholastic Awards defines original work.
This should not be an excerpt of a longer work, but rather should tell a full story. Works that are novel length should be entered in the Novel category.
Word Limit
500–3,000 words
Writing Portfolio
(For Graduating Seniors Only)
Category Description
A collection of 6 works that demonstrate versatility as a writer, diversity in writing techniques and styles, and a developed, cohesive voice. The works can come from one category or any combination of multiple categories.
If you have strong work that is not part of a themed collection, please enter those works individually. Consider entering 6 related works to the portfolio category.
Graduating seniors may enter up to two Writing Portfolios but may not enter the same work in both portfolios.
Special Instructions
The word count for each piece entered in the Writing Portfolio should adhere to the limits listed in each individual category.
We encourage you to re-enter strong work that was submitted to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in a previous year, especially work that received an Award.
You may also enter works included in a portfolio in their individual category (e.g., Poetry, Short Story, etc.). Works entered individually are judged separately from portfolios. It’s possible for a work to win an individual award while a portfolio containing that same work is not.
Do not include any identifying information, such as your name, in the title of your portfolio or the works included in the entry.
You must provide a Writer Statement and a Personal Statement—these are two separate statements. Do not copy and paste the same statement for both!
AI-generated statements are not allowed. We are looking to understand your original thoughts about your work. We want to hear from you, in your own words!
Writer Statement: Write about your creative process! How did you select the works in your portfolio? Why do these works belong together?
Consider questions like:
- What do you want readers to understand about your collection of works?
- What are the key ideas, issues, struggles, or goals within the portfolio?
- What deliberate decisions did you make about voice, literary devices, etc.?
Your Writer Statement should be at least 100 words and must not exceed 500 words. The statement will be visible to jurors. Do not use self-identifying information in the statement.
Personal Statement: Write about you! Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
Consider questions like:
- What is a significant accomplishment or joyful experience that has shaped your life?
- What is a significant challenge, setback, or failure that you experienced? How did you respond to it? How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Tell us about how you developed a firmly held belief and how it has changed over time.
- Have you ever had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?
Your personal statement should be at least 100 words and must not exceed 500 words. This statement will be viewed by the scholarship committee if your work advances and is considered for a national portfolio scholarship award.