# New York Times STEM Writing Contest

Essay contest explaining the importance of STEM topics.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | The New York Times |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | 2027-04-15 |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Online |
| Apply | https://www.nytimes.com/ |

## About this program

The **New York Times STEM Writing Contest** invites high school students to write clear, engaging essays that explain the importance of a STEM concept, discovery, or issue to a general audience. Participants choose a topic in science, technology, engineering, or math and craft an article-style piece that is both accurate and accessible. The contest emphasizes strong research, clear explanations, and the ability to connect complex ideas to everyday life.

This program is well suited for students who enjoy science and math, like to read science articles, or are interested in science communication, journalism, or research. It is also a good fit for students looking to strengthen their writing skills in a real-world context. Participants benefit from practicing how to use credible sources, interpret scientific information, and present it in a compelling way.

For college applications, submitting to the **New York Times STEM Writing Contest** can demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and strong writing ability. Participation can be listed in the activities section, and a well-developed contest essay can sometimes be adapted into a writing sample or used to support applications to STEM or humanities programs. Students at any experience level with writing or STEM are encouraged to apply, as long as they are willing to research carefully and revise their work thoughtfully.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does New York Times STEM Writing Contest cost?

New York Times STEM Writing Contest is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### What is the application deadline for New York Times STEM Writing Contest?

The application deadline is April 15, 2027. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for New York Times STEM Writing Contest?

New York Times STEM Writing Contest is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is New York Times STEM Writing Contest online or in person?

New York Times STEM Writing Contest is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to New York Times STEM Writing Contest?

Apply directly through The New York Times'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: 2026-07-05.
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