Contests and Awards

NEW! Selma Speech and Essay Contest

Deadline: January 30, 2015

Inspired by the release of the film Selma, which documents the civil rights movement, the National Liberty Museum and John Templeton Foundation are sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. Students aged 14-18 are asked to submit essays of 500-700 words that address civil rights issues today. In addition, students must record themselves reading their essays and share their speeches via social media. More information is available online. 
Prize:One student will receive a grand prize of $5,000. Addition prizes include $2,500, $1,000 and seven $500 awards for the other Top 10 winners. Teachers who sponsor a Top 10 winner receive a $300 cash prize.

2015 White House Student Film Festival

Deadline: January 20, 2015

It's time once again for the annual White House Film Festival. This year, organizers are asking K-12 students to produce a film that explains "The Impact of Giving." Eligible short films can last up to three minutes, and they can be fictional stories or documentaries. Visit the Film Festival website to see examples from past winners.
Prize: Winning films are screened at the White House, and students have the opportunity to be invited to the premiere.

DuPont Challenge 6-12 Science Writing Competition

Deadline: January 31, 2015

Now in its 29th year, the DuPont Challenge is designed to let middle school and high school students develop their science writing skills. This year, students must write a research-backed essay in one of 4 categories -- food production, energy, conservation/preservation and digital innovation. Essays must be between 700 and 1000 words and must be submitted electronically. For students, there are many resources for getting started, tips for researching topics, and ideas for strong introductions and conclusions.
Prize: There are two divisions, including one for grades 6-8 and 9-12. The top three winners in each division win a prize pack, plus a savings bond of $5,000, $3,000, or $1,000. Honorable mentions in each division receive prize packs, plus a $200 savings bond.

Google Code-In 2014 Challenge

Deadline: January 31, 2015

Google is sponsoring its annual Code-In challenge, which asks students aged 13-17 worldwide to put their technology skills to work. Students claim tasks from Open Source organizations in several categories, including coding, documentation, and quality assurance. Their work on these tasks is then judged by each Open Source organization. The challenge runs for seven weeks beginning December 1, 2014, and students are judged on their bodies of work during the competition.
Prize: Students are eligible to receive a certificate, T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts for completing tasks. Grand prize winners receive a trip to Google’s headquarters in California.

>> MORE: Get information about the latest contests and promotions for teachers in our Edutopia discussion group.