# Bennington Young Writers Awards The Bennington Young Writers Awards, hosted by Bennington College, is a prestigious literary competition designed to celebrate and support the creative talents of high school students. This program offers aspiring young writers in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to showcase their skills in fiction and poetry, with winners receiving both national recognition and a $1,000 cash prize. Winning entries are also published, providing students with a valuable platform to share their work. ## Program Structure The Bennington Young Writers Awards is a virtual program, making it accessible to students across the United States. Submissions are accepted online, and the competition focuses on two categories: fiction and poetry. Students are invited to submit their original work for consideration, with clear guidelines provided for each category. Following the submission period, entries are reviewed by a panel of judges affiliated with Bennington College, including esteemed writers and faculty members. Winners are announced after careful deliberation, and their work is published, allowing them to reach a broader audience. The competition is held annually, and students should check the program's website for specific deadlines and submission details. ## What Students Experience Participating in the Bennington Young Writers Awards is an invaluable experience for young writers seeking to develop their craft. By engaging in the process of creating and refining original work, students gain critical writing skills, including storytelling, poetic expression, and editing techniques. The opportunity to submit work to a prestigious competition fosters confidence, discipline, and a deeper appreciation for the literary arts. Winners benefit from the immense honor of having their work recognized by Bennington College, a leader in the arts and education. Publication of winning entries provides students with a professional writing credit that can be referenced in their portfolios and future endeavors. While mentorship is not a direct component of the program, receiving feedback from such a respected institution can be a formative experience. ## Why It Matters for College Applications The Bennington Young Writers Awards can significantly enhance a student’s college application by demonstrating their passion and commitment to the arts. Winning or even participating in a competitive program like this highlights a student’s creativity, dedication, and ability to excel in a rigorous and nationally recognized environment. For students interested in pursuing writing, literature, or other creative fields in college, this award showcases their talent and sets them apart in the admissions process. ## Eligibility The Bennington Young Writers Awards is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 who reside in the United States. There is no application fee, making this a fully accessible opportunity for all interested students. Participants may submit work in either the poetry or fiction category, but all entries must be original and adhere to the submission guidelines outlined by Bennington College. ## How to Participate To participate, students must submit their work via the Bennington College website. The application process is straightforward and requires students to provide their personal information, school details, and their selected piece of writing. Each category has specific requirements for submission length and format, so students should carefully review the guidelines before submitting. Deadlines for the competition vary each year, so it is recommended to check the Bennington Young Writers Awards page on the Bennington College website for the most up-to-date information. Students should plan their submissions early to allow ample time for revisions and ensure their work is polished and ready for submission. For more information and to apply, visit the [Bennington Young Writers Awards website](https://www.bennington.edu/).