CSP Writing Contests
One of the longest-running, most prestigious recognition programs for creative students
Teens in grades 6–12 (ages 11 and up) can apply in a number of categories of art and writing.
Writing encompasses creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story and spoken word. The strongest submissions demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.
Contest Criteria
Students’ entries are blindly adjudicated by some of the foremost leaders in the literary arts. Many of whom are the alumni of CSP Writing Contests
ORIGINALITY
Work that breaks from convention, blurs the boundaries between genres, and challenges notions of how a particular concept or emotion can be expressed.
TECHNICAL SKILL
Work that uses technique to advance an original perspective or a personal vision or voice, and shows skills being utilized to create something unique, powerful, and innovative.
PERSONAL VOICE OR VISION
Work with an authentic and unique point of view and style.
2024 Contest Details
Please be sure you follow all requirements related to your submission. Failure to comply with any of the requirements listed below (including page limit) may result in disqualification during the review process and/or make your application ineligible for an award.
Submission Deadline
The 2024 CSP Writing Contests closed. The deadline for submission was April 31, 2024. Congratulations to our prize winners! Please sign up to our Newsletter and be the first to be notified when we start accepting submissions for our 2025 contest.
Eligibility and Requirements
The contest is open to all students in grades seven through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools. Submissions will be divided into age groups based on information provided during the submission process. CSP Writing Contests accepts all literary genres. Specific formatting needs to be followed based on the genre.
Entry fees are $20 per individual entry. If the entry fee is a barrier to your participation in the Awards, we will waive the fee when you submit a Fee Waiver Form.
College Recruitment Initiative
Submitting to the CSP Writing Contests can help young writers prepare for life after high school. By selecting to participate in the CSP College Recruitment Initiative, applicants are connected with eligible colleges, conservatories and universities, and receive information about program offerings, financial aid and scholarships. This unique opportunity allows young writers and winners to be seen by collegiate and pre-college programs institutions across the world.
Recognitions
We celebrate students nationally and internationally, with awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarships.
All entries are considered for Gold Certificate, Silver Certificate, Honorable Mention, and Canadian Voices Nominee Awards. These are presented to students along with celebration ceremonies and exhibitions.
Publications
Selections of student work are awarded for a chance and scholarship to be highlighted annually in various publications from CSP celebrating excellence in young writers.
“The submissions from our talented writers every year never fail to impress with the level of proficiency, creativity, and devotion demonstrated. We are proud to be a part of the driving force in promoting young writers and future excellence in academia.”
Dr. Allison Horden