# Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown Awards The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Crown Awards, hosted by Columbia University, is a prestigious national program celebrating excellence in student publications. Designed for high school students in grades 9-12, this program provides recognition for outstanding achievements in journalism, writing, and publication. Student newspapers, yearbooks, magazines, and online publications are evaluated for their quality, creativity, and impact. Winning a Crown Award signifies excellence in the arts of communication and storytelling, making it a highly sought-after honor for young writers, editors, and designers. ## Program Structure The Crown Awards program follows a hybrid format, combining both in-person and online elements. Each year, student publications are submitted for evaluation by a panel of experts affiliated with Columbia University. These submissions are judged on various criteria, such as content quality, design, innovation, and journalistic integrity. The timeline typically begins with a submission period, during which eligible student publications can enter their work. Following the evaluation process, winners are announced during the annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Convention. The convention, held at Columbia University in New York City, includes both in-person and virtual participation options, allowing students nationwide to engage. ## What Students Experience Students who participate in the CSPA Crown Awards gain invaluable insights into the field of journalism and publication. By preparing and submitting their work, participants enhance their skills in writing, editing, design, and storytelling. The program provides an opportunity to receive constructive feedback from experienced judges and editors, helping students refine their craft and achieve higher standards in their creative work. Attending the Spring Convention adds another layer of enrichment, offering workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals and peers from across the United States. This experience fosters growth in journalistic skills, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are essential for success in both school publications and future endeavors. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participating in the CSPA Crown Awards demonstrates a commitment to excellence in journalism, writing, and the arts. Being part of an award-winning publication or even submitting work for evaluation highlights leadership, creativity, and dedication to a rigorous process. Colleges and universities often value students who have contributed to their school’s newspapers, yearbooks, or literary magazines, as it reflects strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Moreover, earning a Crown Award from Columbia University carries significant prestige, showcasing a student’s talent on a national platform. ## Eligibility The Crown Awards program is open to high school students in grades 9-12 from across the United States. Eligible participants must be part of a student publication, such as a newspaper, yearbook, magazine, or online platform. A $100 entry fee is required for each publication submitted. ## How to Participate To participate in the CSPA Crown Awards, student publications must submit their entries during the designated submission period. Interested applicants should visit the [Columbia Scholastic Press Association website](http://cspa.columbia.edu) for detailed guidelines, submission forms, and deadlines. Publications are evaluated based on their overall excellence, so students should ensure their work meets the highest standards of quality and creativity. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase your talent, gain national recognition, and grow as a writer, editor, or designer through one of the most respected programs in student journalism.