Alliance for Young Artists and Writers Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is an annual competition open to U.S. and Canadian teens in grades 7-12. It recognizes excellence in 28 categories of art and writing through a multi-stage judging process, awarding scholarships, exhibitions, and publication opportunities to winners.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12 across the U.S., U.S. territories, military bases, and Canada. Founded in 1923, it honors exceptional work in 28 categories of visual and literary arts, providing students with scholarships, national exhibitions, publication opportunities, and broad national recognition.

Competition Details

Judging Criteria

Submissions are judged blindly by affiliates and experts in the visual and literary arts on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. The judging process is multi-tiered, starting at regional levels where works are evaluated for awards such as Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions. Gold Key winners advance to national adjudication, where final awards including National Medals and scholarships are determined. Judging emphasizes creativity, mastery of the medium, and authentic expression.