# Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Hollins University's 63rd annual poetry contest for young women in their sophomore or junior year of high school; winners earn cash, publication in Cargoes, and renewable scholarships up to $5,000. Deadline Oct 31, 2026.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Hollins University |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | 2026-10-31 (verified 2026-07-05) |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–11 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.hollins.edu/nancy-thorp-poetry-contest-entry-form/ |

## About this program

# Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest, run by Hollins University in Virginia since the 1960s, recognizes the best poems submitted by young women in their sophomore or junior year of high school. Hollins, home of one of the nation's oldest creative writing programs, publishes winning poems in its student literary magazine, Cargoes, and awards substantial scholarships.

## What You'll Do

- Submit unpublished poems through the university's online entry form by October 31, 2026
- Compete for first place and six second-place awards judged by Hollins faculty and students
- Have winning work published in Cargoes, Hollins's award-winning literary magazine

## Who Should Apply

High school sophomores and juniors who identify as female; applicants must be U.S. citizens due to scholarship eligibility requirements. Previously published poems are ineligible, though work honored in school contests may be submitted.

## Outcomes

The first-place winner receives $350 in cash, a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year if she enrolls at Hollins, free tuition and housing for the Hollinsummer creative writing program, and publication. Second-place winners receive publication, magazine copies, renewable scholarships of up to $1,000, and $500 toward Hollinsummer. The contest is a meaningful early publication credit for serious young poets.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the application deadline for Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest?

The application deadline is October 31, 2026 (deadline last verified July 5, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest?

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest is open to high school students in grades 10–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest online or in person?

Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest?

Apply directly through Hollins University's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-06.
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