The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers in the United States. Since 1923, the program has identified the early promise of some of the world’s most famous artists, including Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. For students today, these awards offer a unique platform to share their vision, receive feedback, and even earn college scholarships.
Navigating the entry process can seem overwhelming at first, but it is a rewarding experience for any young creator. This article provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know to participate. Whether you are a student, a parent, or an educator, you will find the practical information needed to submit work with confidence.
What Are the Scholastic Art Awards?
The Scholastic Art Awards are a national competition designed to celebrate the creative achievements of students. The program is managed by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a non-profit organization that partners with regional affiliates across the country. These affiliates host local ceremonies and exhibitions to honor students in their specific communities.
The awards are divided into two main stages: regional and national. Students first compete within their local region, where they can earn Honorable Mentions, Silver Keys, or Gold Keys. Work that receives a Gold Key at the regional level is automatically considered for national honors, which include gold and silver medals and significant scholarship opportunities.
Who Is Eligible to Enter?
The program is open to students in grades 7 through 12, typically ages 13 and up. This includes students in public, private, home-schooled, and even international schools, provided they meet specific regional requirements. Most participants are based in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.
There are no specific GPA requirements to enter the art categories. The focus is entirely on the quality and originality of the work submitted. However, students must have the support of an educator, such as a teacher or a mentor, who can help verify the work and manage the submission process through the online portal.
Available Art Categories
The Scholastic Art Awards cover a vast range of mediums, ensuring that almost every type of visual artist has a place to compete. You can enter individual works or, if you are a graduating senior, you can submit a portfolio of multiple pieces. Here are some of the primary categories available:
- Architecture & Industrial Design: Projects involving buildings, interiors, or product designs.
- Ceramics & Glass: Functional or sculptural objects made from clay or glass.
- Comic Art: Sequential art that tells a story through images and text.
- Design: Work created for commercial or communication purposes, such as logos or posters.
- Digital Art: Art created using computer software or digital tools.
- Drawing & Illustration: Traditional works on paper using pencil, ink, charcoal, or markers.
- Fashion: Clothing designs, accessories, or wearable art.
- Film & Animation: Moving images, including shorts, documentaries, and animated stories.
- Mixed Media: Works that combine two or more different artistic mediums.
- Painting: Works created using oil, acrylic, watercolor, or gouache.
- Photography: Images captured with a camera, whether digital or film-based.
- Sculpture: Three-dimensional works created through carving, modeling, or assembly.
- Video Games: Interactive digital environments or gameplay experiences.
In addition to these, there is a category called Expanded Projects. This is for work that does not fit neatly into other categories, such as performance art, installation pieces, or experimental media.
How to Submit Your Artwork
The submission process is handled entirely online through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards website. Following these steps carefully will ensure your work is entered correctly and on time.
1. Create an Account
Both the student and their educator must create accounts on the official portal. Students will provide basic contact information and school details. This account is where you will upload your work and track your award status later in the year.
2. Upload Your Work
Once your account is set up, you can begin uploading your digital files. For 2D work like paintings or drawings, you will need a high-quality photo or scan. For 3D work like sculptures, you can upload up to four images to show different angles of the piece. Make sure your files are in the correct format (usually JPEG or PNG) and meet the size requirements specified on the site.
3. Write Your Artist Statement
Some categories or special awards may require a brief statement. Use this space to explain your creative process or the meaning behind your work. Keep it simple and honest, focusing on why you chose your subject or how you developed your technique.
4. Complete the Entry Forms
After uploading your work, you must generate an entry form. This form requires a signature from both the student and a parent or guardian. It also needs a signature from your educator. These forms are usually uploaded back to the portal as a PDF or image file.
5. Pay the Entry Fee
There is a small fee for each individual entry, and a slightly higher fee for senior portfolios. These fees help cover the costs of judging and exhibitions. If the entry fee is a financial barrier, the program offers fee waivers. You can simply check the fee waiver box in the portal to have the cost waived—no extensive paperwork is required for this.
Understanding the Award Levels
The judging process is “blind,” meaning the judges do not know the student’s name, school, or background. This ensures that every piece is judged solely on its own merit. There are several levels of recognition that students can achieve.
Regional Awards
- Honorable Mention: Recognizes work that shows great promise and artistic potential.
- Silver Key: Awarded to standout works that demonstrate high levels of achievement.
- Gold Key: The highest regional honor. These works are automatically entered into the national competition.
- American Visions Nominee: Five works from each region are selected as “best in show” to compete for a national American Visions Medal.
National Awards
- Silver Medal: Recognizes work that is among the best in the nation.
- Gold Medal: The highest national honor, representing the top 1% of all entries.
- Gold Medal Portfolio: A prestigious award for seniors that includes a $12,500 scholarship.
What the Judges Look For
While every judge is different, the Scholastic Art Awards use three main criteria to evaluate work. Understanding these can help you choose which pieces to submit.
Originality: Judges look for work that is unique and challenges conventional ideas. They want to see something they haven’t seen before. Avoid copying popular characters or existing artworks, as this is often disqualified for copyright reasons.
Technical Skill: This refers to how well you use your chosen medium. Whether it is the brushwork in a painting or the lighting in a photograph, the judges look for a level of proficiency that shows you have mastered the basics of your craft.
Emerging Personal Voice or Vision: This is perhaps the most important criteria. The judges want to see the artist’s personality and perspective. They are looking for work that tells a story or expresses an emotion that is unique to the student who created it.
Deadlines and Important Dates
Deadlines for the Scholastic Art Awards vary depending on your geographic region. Most deadlines fall between December and January. It is vital to check the local affiliate page on the Scholastic website to find the exact date for your area.
Regional award winners are typically announced in late January or February. National winners are announced in mid-March. If you win a national award, you may be invited to a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City during the summer.
Tips for a Successful Entry
To give yourself the best chance of success, keep these practical tips in mind during the submission process:
- Take High-Quality Photos: A blurry or poorly lit photo can hide the quality of your work. Use natural light and a steady hand when photographing your art.
- Review the Rules: Ensure your work does not violate copyright laws. Do not use trademarked logos or characters from movies or comics.
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the deadline day to upload your work. The website can become slow due to high traffic, and you will need time to get your forms signed.
- Consult Your Teacher: Your art teacher is a great resource. They can provide feedback on which pieces are your strongest and help you with the technical aspects of the upload.
The Scholastic Art Awards are more than just a competition; they are a way to join a community of young creators. Even if you do not win an award on your first try, the process of selecting, preparing, and submitting your work is a valuable step in your development as an artist. It encourages you to look at your work critically and present it professionally.
If you are ready to share your creativity with the world, visit the official Scholastic Art & Writing Awards website to find your local deadlines and start your application. For more tips on student opportunities and creative growth, explore our other articles on educational programs and skill-building.