June Writing Contests

Looking for a way to keep students excited about writing despite the fact all they want to do is start their vacations? Or do you want to keep them writing over Summer Vacation?

Consider having them write some contest entries. The fact that they will be writing for something that has a chance to win prizes should keep them focused and make them take it seriously.

For the sake of space I did not include all rules related to contests. Please go to the links provided to be sure you meet all requirements and can follow the directions. I only selected free contests, but if you (or your students) are willing to pay a little, you can find many more opportunities.

Know of a contest I missed? Let me know in the comments and I'll add them here :)

DUE JUNE 15th  ~Write about the best invention
Students create a short essay, 150-250 words explaining to the Edison Innovation Foundation which of inventor's invention has impacted the world the most! They can choose from: Thomas Edison - Light Bulb, Albert Einstein- Theory of relativity, or Orville Wright- The airplane.

That's all there is to it! You can read the full description here. When you are ready to enter e-mail info@thomasedison.org by 5pm on the 15th.

First Place gets $100, Second Place $50 and Third Place $25


DUE JUNE 30th  ~Write a short story
All students can participate! Students younger than ten years old can submit their story, and will receive a participation gift. Students 11-21 may submit their stories for prizes! The only requirements I can see is that the story needs to be under 1,000 words. The topic, style, characters are all up to the writer.

The rules and prizes change a bit depending on the age, so check out the site for full details


DUE JUNE 30th  ~Write a funny short story
Any student in school (from Kindergarten to 12th grade) are invited to submit up to 2,500 words to the Young Voices of America Make Us Laugh. There are winners selected in the three different age categories Pre-K-2nd grade wins $30 for first place, $25 for second place, and $20 for third. 3rd-6th wins $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third. 7th-12th also wins $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third.