Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
"Winning a Scholastic Art & Writing Award brought me from high school in Wichita, Kansas, to art school in New York City. It changed the course of my life."
—— Tom Otterness, acclaimed American sculptor, public artist and Awards alumnus
Jump to Section
- Press Releases
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Background
- Art.Write.Now.Tour 2017–18
- National Student Poets Program
- Downloads
- General
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall
- 2017 National Student Poets Ceremony at the Library of Congress
- Archived Press Releases
Press Releases
- 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Teen Recipients Announced
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Kicks Off the National Art.Write.Now Traveling Exhibition of Original Teen Works
- 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Now Open For Submissions with Scholarship Opportunities For Teens
- 2017 Class of National Student Poets Announced
Background
What are the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards?
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognize student achievement in the visual and literary arts in 29 categories, including editorial cartoon, poetry, graphic design, fashion, science fiction, video game design and more.
- Since the program’s founding in 1923, the Awards have fostered the creativity and talent of millions of students, including renowned alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their fields, including Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Charles White, Philip Pearlstein, Sylvia Plath, Kay WalkingStick, Luis Jiménez, Ken Burns, Stephen King, Lena Dunham, Richard Linklater, and Zac Posen.
- An Award signifies to parents, teachers, the community and colleges that a student is an accomplished artist or writer.
- The Awards offer opportunities for creative teens to earn recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarships.
- In the 2018 program year, 16 high school seniors received the Portfolio Gold Award, which includes a $10,000 scholarship.
- Each work of art and writing is blindly adjudicated, first locally through the more than 100 affiliates of the Alliance, and then nationally by panels of judges comprised of renowned artists, authors, educators and industry experts.
- Works are judged on originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal vision or voice.
- To learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and to read the full rules, visit: http://www.artandwriting.org/the-awards/how-to-enter
What is The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers?
- The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers is the national nonprofit organization that presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and provides additional opportunities for creative teens to be recognized for their talents and to earn scholarships for their education.
- The Alliance’s mission is to identify teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and bring their remarkable work to a national audience.
- The Alliance also serves as a source of information for organizations and individuals who wish to support the creative development of our nation’s teenagers.
- The Alliance of Young Artists & Writers is grateful to our generous sponsors and partners, who provide funds and resources to produce all our programs, including the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Art.Write.Now. Exhibition Program, Scholastic Awards Summer Scholarships, Workshops, and more: Scholastic Inc., The Maurice R. Robinson Fund, Command Web Offset Co., The New York Times, New York Life Foundation, The Herb Block Foundation, Blick Art Materials & Utrecht Art Supplies, Golden Artist Colors, Bloomberg Philanthropies, ESA Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Circle, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Amazon Literary Partnerships, and numerous other individual, foundation, and corporate funders; and, for the National Student Poets Program, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Library of Congress, the Poetry Foundation, and the Academy of American Poets.
Art.Write.Now.Tour 2017–18
Art.Write.Now.Tour, a traveling exhibition of select Scholastic Art & Writing Award–winning works, highlights some of the most stunning examples of teen-produced art and writing in the nation.
Current Cities
Art.Write.Now.DC 2017–18:
- Washington, D.C., U.S. Department of Education, September 15, 2017– July 31, 2018
Art.Write.Now.Tour 2017–18:
- Tulsa, OK, Center for Creativity, Tulsa Community College, October 2–October 28, 2017
- Lexington, KY, The Living Arts & Science Center, November 10, 2017–December 26, 2017
- Elmira, NY, The Arnot Art Museum, January 12–February 24, 2018
- Youngstown, OH, The Butler Institute of American Art, April 1–June 3, 2018
To see a sample of works included in the Art.Write.Now.Tour 2017–18 traveling exhibition, click here.
National Student Poets Program
What is the National Student Poets Program?
- The National Student Poets Program is the nation’s highest honor for youth poets presenting original work. It is a collaboration of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The program builds upon the Alliance's longstanding work with educators and creative teens through the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
- Now in its sixth year, the Program selects five outstanding high school poets whose work exhibits exceptional creativity, dedication to craft, and promise for a year of service as national poetry ambassadors. Each National Student Poet represents one of five regions of the country.
- The 2017 National Student Poets' year of service begins in Washington, D.C. with an appointment ceremony at the Library of Congress, a private workshop with the 21st Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and a reading at the National Book Festival.
- During the course of their ambassadorial year, the National Student Poets showcase the essential role of writing and the arts in academic and personal success by leading readings and workshops at libraries, museums and schools, as well as participating in prestigious events throughout the country. They additionally create and implement service projects that expand the reach of the program and its engagement with audiences in their respective regions.
- The National Student Poets each receive an academic award of $5,000.
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the exclusive pathway to be considered for the National Student Poets Program. Students must receive a national medal in poetry through blind adjudication by a panel of distinguished jurors. From the top-winning work in the Scholastic Awards, a national jury of literary luminaries and leaders in education and the arts selects five student poets, based on the student’s creativity, promise and dedication to craft.
- Students in grades 10–11 who are interested in becoming 2018 National Student Poets must submit their entries to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards starting in September 2017. Deadlines for art and writing submissions vary by region.
- Information on the Program, students and upcoming events can be found at www.artandwriting.org/NSPP
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The 2017 National Student Poets
Video: What is the National Student Poets Program?
Download a one sheet about the 2017 National Student Poets.
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Annie Castillo Age 16 George Mason High School Falls Church, VA Region: Southeast |
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Kinsale Hueston Age 17 St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Corona del Mar, CA Region: West |
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Ben Lee Age 16 The Blake School Edina, MN Region: Midwest |
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Juliet Lubwama Age 17 Downingtown STEM Academy Downingtown, PA Region: Northeast |
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Camila Sanmiguel Age 17 John B. Alexander High School Laredo, TX Region: Southwest |
Downloads
General
Virginia McEnerney, Executive Director of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, talks about the importance of the Awards, its 95-year history, and its notable alumni of creative leaders.
Audio: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/files/Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards-Virginia-McEnerney.wav
Video: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/files/Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards-Virginia-McEnerney.mp4
The Best Teen Writing of 2017 (click the image below to open a hi-res version in a new window)
The 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall
(click the thumbnails below to open a hi-res image for download)
Video: Click here to download an .mp4 file video.
Actress and comedian Amy Schumer, CEO and President of Scholastic, Richard Robinson, Michelle Obama, Executive Director of Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, Virginia McEnerney, actor Ellie Kemper, actor artist Paul Chan, and Allison Williams (Girls & Get Out) address students and their families and teachers at the National Ceremony for the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards held at Carnegie Hall, New York, N.Y., Thursday, June 8, 2017.
2017 National Student Poets Ceremony at the Library of Congress
(click the thumbnails below to open a hi-res image for download)
Actor Alfre Woodard, left, congratulates 2017 National Student Poet Annie Castillo, of Falls Church, Va., on her inaugural reading at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
Actor Alfre Woodard, left, congratulates 2017 National Student Poet Kinsale Hueston, of Corona del Mar, Calif., on her inaugural reading at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
Actor Alfre Woodard, left, congratulates 2017 National Student Poet Ben Lee, of Edina, Minn., on his inaugural reading at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
Actor Alfre Woodard, left, congratulates 2017 National Student Poet Juliet Lubwama, of Downingtown, Pa., on her inaugural reading at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
Actor Alfre Woodard, left, congratulates 2017 National Student Poet Camila Sanmiguel, of Laredo, Texas, on her inaugural reading at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
From left, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden honors the newly-appointed 2017 Class of National Student Poets Ben Lee, Annie Castillo, Kinsale Hueston, Juliet Lubwama, and Camila Sanmiguel, with Actor Alfre Woodard, 21st U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and Director of Institute of Museum and Library Services Kathryn K. Matthew on the rooftop balcony at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
The newly-appointed 2017 Class of National Student Poets Annie Castillo, Camila Sanmiguel, Juliet Lubwama, Ben Lee, and Kinsale Hueston are honored during a ceremony at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
The newly-appointed 2017 Class of National Student Poets, from left, Ben Lee, Juliet Lubwama, Annie Castillo, Kinsale Hueston, and Camila Sanmiguel celebrate with a selfie on the rooftop balcony at the Library of Congress on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Alliance for Young Artist & Writers)
Archived Press Releases
- National 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Recipients Celebrated at Carnegie Hall
- 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Teen Recipients Announced
- #MyCreativeYear: Why Creative Teens Should Share Their Story
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Kick Off the National Art.Write.Now Exhibitions Program Featuring Work From Creative Teens
- Calling All Creative Teens: 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Now Open for Submissions with New Scholarship Opportunities
- White House Committee Names Five Student Poets for Prestigious National Student Poets Program
- The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Receives Grant from the New York Life Foundation to Support Grieving Teens
- America’s Most Creative Teens Named as National 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Recipients
- Debra Samdperil Named Assistant Executive Director of Programs, the Alliance for Young Artists
- White House Committee Names Five Teen Poets for Prestigious National Student Poets Program
- 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Call for Submissions Opens with New Scholarship Opportunities for Creative Teens
- The Most Talented Teen Artists and Writers from Across the U.S. to be Celebrated at Carnegie Hall
- National Student Poets Lead the Way for Youth Writers During National Poetry Month
- The Next Generation of Creative Leaders Named as National 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners
- Five High School Students Receive Nation’s Top Honor for Youth Poets
- Attention, Creative Teens: How to Become an Exhibited Artist or Published Author
- These Teens Could Be the Next Andy Warhol, Stephen King, Lena Dunham or Zac Posen
- National Student Poets Amplify the Teen Voice for National Poetry Month
- The Most Promising & Creative Teens in the U.S. Announced as National Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners
- Second Annual Class of National Student Poets Appointed to Serve One Year as Literary Ambassadors
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Call for Submissions Opens with More Scholarship Opportunities for Creative Teens than Ever Before
- Sarah Jessica Parker, Alumni Honoree Zac Posen Celebrate Teen Winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall
- More Than $8 Million in Scholaships for the Nation's Most Creative Teens through the 2013 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- National Student Poets Celebrate Poetry Month Across the United States
- Inaugural Class of Five Outstanding High School Students Appointed as National Student Poets by White House Committee
- Calling All Creative Teens: Be Bold, Claim Your Place in Art & Writing History and Earn Scholarships to Support Your Talent
- National Student Poets Program Launches
- The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (SMFA), is Named Massachusetts Affiliate for Prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- Talented Teens Take Their Place on Stage at Carnegie Hall for the 2012 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony
- High School Artists and Writers Win more than $200,000 in Scholarships through the 2012 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
- The 2012 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Now Accepting Entries from the Nation's Most Creative Teens ART. WRITE. NOW Traveling Exhibition Arrives at The Seattle Art Museum
- AMD, Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, and Scholastic Launch Free Online Game Development Portal for Teachers
- ART. WRITE. NOW Traveling Exhibition Arrives at Half Price Books in Dallas
- The 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony at Carnegie Hall Honors the Nation’s Best Teen Artists and Writers
- ART.WRITE.NOW Exhibition in Southern California Showcases Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Winners
- The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Announces 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners
- 2011 Winners by State
- The 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition Now Accepting Entries from the Nation's Creative Teens
- The 2010 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony at Carnegie Hall Honors the Nation’s Best Teen Artists and Writers
- Next Generation of Warhols and Plaths on Display in The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Teen Exhibition, June 9-25
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Announces This Year's Winners
- AMD Foundation to Sponsor Video Game Design Category for The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- Creative Teens Can Earn Money for College: Young Writers & Artists Grades 7-12 Invited to Submit Work Nation's Most Promising Teen Writers Published in New Anthology THE BEST TEEN WRITING OF 2009
- Creative Teens Can Earn Money for College: Young Writers & Artists Grades 7-12 Invited to Submit Work
- Media Alert: Playwright Tony Kushner and Artist Philip Pearlstein at the 2009 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall
- Tony Kushner, Philip Pearlstein Honor Creative Teens at the 2009 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Carnegie Hall
- Twenty-Two New York City Galleries Introduce Next Generation of American Artists