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HIGH SCHOOL CONTESTS AND AWARDS

INTRODUCTION.5 JOURNALISM AND PHOTOGRAPHY..7
American Society of Newspaper Editors, Quill and Scroll International Writing, Photo Contest Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Awards International Graphic Arts Education Association Gutenberg Awards Lost & Found Darkroom Gallery Contest National Federation of Press Women High School Communications Contest National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Awards NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest Photographers FORUM Annual High School and College Photography Contest Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest Visual Voices Under 18 WPGA Black & White Photographer of the Year LITERATURE AND CREATIVE WRITING......13 Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest Ayn Rand Essay Contest Delacorte Press Contest for a First Young Adult Novel Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest Legacy Project Listen to a Life Library of Congress Letters about Literature Contest Manningham Student Poetry Awards Medusa Mythology Exam Nation Student Writing Contest National High School Poetry Contest National Story League Adlyn M. Keffer Short Story Writing Contest NCTE Achievement Award in Writing New Voices of Young Writers Competition The Norman Mailer High School and College Writing Awards Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award Writers Digest Writing Competitions ZOETROPE: All-Story Short Fiction Contest THE ARTS.......23 All State Music Festivals Chinese Music Teachers Association of Northern California (CMTANC) Youth Music Competition Columbia University National Undergraduate Film Festival

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Donna Reed Performing Arts Scholarships English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition Gorilla Theatre's Young Dramatists' Project Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Performance and Composition Competitions National Federation of Music Clubs Awards NFAA YoungArts Program PTA Reflections Program PLAYWRITING.......28 Arena Stage Student Playwrights Project Ten-Minute Play Competition Blank Theatre Company Young Playwrights Competition & Festival California Young Playwrights Contest Chicago Young Playwrights Festival City Theatre Young Playwrights Contest Florida Stage Young Playwrights Festival Horizon Theatre Companys New South Young Playwrights Festival Contest Lebanon Community Theatre Playwriting Contest Madison Young Playwrights Festival Marilyn Bianchi Kids Playwriting Festival New York City School Playwriting Contest O'Neill Theater Young Playwrights Festival Philadelphia Young Playwrights Playwriting Festival Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest Shenandoah Valley Regional Playwright's Festival Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival Thespian Playworks Very Special Arts Playwright Discovery Program Young Playwrights Festival National Playwriting Competition Young Southern Writers' Project One Act Play Competition HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE...38 American Foreign Service Association High School Essay Contest American Foreign Service Association: National High School Essay Contest Concord Review and Emerson Prize First Freedom Student Competition John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest Knight Essay Contest National Peace Essay Contest The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest The United Nations Association National High School Essay Contest US State Department Doors to Diplomacy Challenge VFW voice of Democracy Scholarship SCIENCE AND MATH....46 AbilityOne Design Challenge American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) High School Physics Photo Contest American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME) American Mathematics Contest 8 American Mathematics Contest 10 American Mathematics Contest 12 American Regions Math League (ARML) American Scholastic Mathematics Association Annual Math Contest
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Continental Mathematics League Disease Detectives Event Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge DNA Day Essay Contest DuPont Challenge Science Essay Awards Program Earthwatch Student Fellowship eCYBERMISSION Program ExploraVision Awards First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics Google Global Science Fair Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Intel Science Talent Search International BioGENEius Challenge International Biology Olympiad International Brain Bee International Chemistry Olympiad International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) International Physics Olympiad Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) Mandelbrot Math League Moody's Mega Math (M3) Challenge Mu Alpha Theta National Log 1 Contest National Internet Math Olympiad National Young Astronomer Award Physics Bowl Purple Comet! Math Meet Rocket City Math League Science Olympiad Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) US National Chemistry Olympiad USA Biology Olympiad USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) USA Physics Olympiad Science Fairs Young Naturalist Awards COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING...72 American Computer Science League (ACSL) EngineerGirl! Essay Contest International Bridge Building Contest InvenTeams FIRST Robotics Competition NASA Space Settlement Contest National Engineering Design Challenge Real World Design Challenge Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) West Point Bridge Design Contest

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE...79
ACL/NJCL National Greek Exam Japan Bowl National French Exam, Le Grand Concours National German Exam National Latin Exam National Spanish Exam ENVIRONMENTAL..82 AFN International Young Eco-Hero Award Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Lexus Eco Challenge Presidents Environmental Youth Awards U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize UNIQUE CONTESTS86

American Red Cross High School Video Contest Global Student Entrepreneur Awards

HALO Award Harvard Prize Book Program Kids Philosophy SLAM National Forensic League National Speech and Debate Tournament National High School Chess Championships NCEE/Goldman Sachs Foundation Economics Challenge The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurships World Series of Innovation NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award Optimists International Essay Contest Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Rotary Club Awards United States Senate Youth Program US Academic Decathlon US Go Congress US National Rubiks Cube Competition PURSUE YOUR PASSION..94 Write a Letter to a Newspaper Create a Website Start a Blog AP SCHOLAR AWARDS.96 SAMPLE AWARDS SHEETS..98 CONTEST & AWARDS TRACKING SHEET...105

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INTRODUCTION
During the four years Michele worked at Dartmouth College as an Assistant Director of Admissions, she saw firsthand that the students who rose to the top of the admissions pool were often the ones who won prestigious state and national-level awards such as the Intel Science Award (formerly known as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search). Often high-level awards were the factor that distinguished these applicants and earned them admission, even when faced with tough competition from countless valedictorians with high SAT scores. Certainly winning any kind of major award goes a long way to making you stand out in the top college pool of applicants. In fact, admissions officers at the end of each admissions season announce the results of the class and always highlight a few top award winners in their speech (This year, we only took 12% of the applicants who applied and our freshman class includes X number of Intel finalists, the winner of the Gold medal in the International Physics Olympiad, an international chess champion, etc). Naturally, the greatest achievements stem from genuine passions, and we always encourage students to find a niche, an interest, a passion, early on in their high school careers, then to pursue that interest both inside and outside of school. In many cases, students have to be self-motivated as they cant count on their schools or teachers to submit them for awards or to even be aware of the vast array of contests and awards for which students might be eligible. The nations top colleges look for state- or national-level distinction in a students field of interest. Unfortunately, being the best at something isnt enough in and of itselfyou have to prove it. So whether you are a poet, writer, mathematician or computer jock, you should search out any major awards that can substantiate your interests and illustrate in concrete terms how you stand out. The more competitive the college, the greater the need to place highly in significant competitions. MIT, for instance, is known to value international and national science Olympiad winners, Intel Science Talent Search winners and finalists and Siemens Westinghouse winners. Harvard seems to value Concord Review published history papers and Yale has been known to favor the American Mathematics Contest 12. There are many contests and awards that are available for high school teams such as The Panasonic Academic Challenge, the U.S. Academic Decathlon, National Forensics League (speech and debate), Odyssey of the Mind, and BEST Robotics teams. If your school does not have a Quiz Bowl team in place, for instance, you might consider starting one and then entering state level competitions. You will not only become the club founder, but you will describe on your college applications how you prepared for these national competitions. There are also competitions available for members only such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Boy and Girl Scouts, Girls Inc., Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, National Junior Classical League, etc. If you are a member of an organization, association or club, check their websites to see what awards or competitions might be available to you. Remember that many awards and contests require students to submit transcripts. Good grades are critical in taking advantage of the many opportunities available. Some competitions require essays and teacher recommendations, which is a wonderful way to get an early taste of the college application process.
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Not all awards are already established; you can create your own goals and measures of achievement. We arent suggesting that you have to create the next Google or Facebook, but we do urge you to take whatever it is you love to do or have an interest in and bring it to the next level to receive recognition in some way. When George Francis Hotz became the first person to unlock Apple's iPhone, enabling it to work with any Global System for Mobile (GSM) wireless carrier, he received a $50,000 Nissan 350Z and three more iPhones. The car was from Certicell, a Louisville, Kentucky, firm that resells used handsets; Certicell also took the opportunity to hire the then-17-year-old as a consultant. This is not an official award, but it sure looked good on Georges college Activity Sheet. Andrew Sutherland was a high school freshman struggling to memorize French phrases for an upcoming test. He didnt have the patience to write up flash cards, so he created a software program that ultimately became Quizlet. Quizlet helped Andrew do quite well in French and this web-based tool has also helped over 130,000 users memorize vocabulary terms. Andrew is now a happy MIT student. Often students dont realize how many contests and awards there are in almost every possible area, so weve done the work for you and made a comprehensive list of awards that impress Ivy-caliber colleges. Remember to also keep your testing up for awards such as the AP Scholar Awards (http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/scholarawards.html) and the National Merit Scholarship Awards (http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php). We instruct our students who have achieved awards and honors to create an Awards Sheet as a supplement to their applications. This allows colleges to see clearly the level of achievement they have attained in a particular area. We have included some sample Awards Sheets at the end of this guide. These students were truly amazing, so dont panic that you dont yet have their stunning collection of awards. We use this to show you how to best communicate your awards to admissions officers. Remember, Andrew Sutherland discovered his deepest interest out of frustration and then stuck with it as it unfolded into an entrepreneurial endeavor. To gain admission to top colleges you have to find opportunities to deepen your interests and turn these interests into distinguishing achievements. This guide will give you additional resources to do so and will provide a taste of whats out there waiting for you to discover. Best of luck! Mimi & Michele

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JOURNALISM AND PHOTOGRAPHY

American Society of Newspaper Editors, Quill and Scroll International Writing, Photo Contest Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Awards International Graphic Arts Education Association Gutenberg Awards Lost & Found Darkroom Gallery Contest National Federation of Press Women High School Communications Contest National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Awards NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest Photographers FORUM Annual High School and College Photography Contest Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest Visual Voices Under 18 WPGA Black & White Photographer of the Year We have worked with many young journalists and encouraged them to move from writing only for their school newspapers or literary journals to a broader audience. Some started blogs, some began writing for their local paper, and some submitted relentlessly to major newspapers and magazines many were published. Then, once they became more skilled writers, we encouraged them to submit their work to various articles for awards. Many states have their own journalism awards, for instance press clubs in most states offer High School Journalist of the Year awards research your state for this opportunity. There are also awards available online for blogs and web journalists. And, often, local newspapers have opportunities for student work to be honored. We encourage young journalists to find these local awards as well.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER EDITORS, QUILL AND SCROLL INTERNATIONAL WRITING, PHOTO CONTEST This contest is designed to recognize outstanding Description Eligibility Submission Process Submit To
achievement in writing and photography for high school journalists. Each entry must have been published in a high school or professional newspaper and must be the work of a currently enrolled high school student. See website for details. Students must submit entire newspaper page on which entry appears. Photography division requires submission of photographic print and tear sheet. Entries must be mailed first class and accompanied by school registration form and $2 entry fee per entry. Quill and Scroll Society School of Journalism and Mass Communication 100 Adler Journalism Building Iowa City, IA 52242

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http://quillandscroll.org/contests/writing-photo-contest (319) 335-3457 [email protected] Postmarked by early February Winners will receive Quill and Scroll's National Award Gold Key. Winners who are seniors are eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship.

COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION (CSPA) AWARDS The CSPA offers Gold and Silver Crown awards as well as Description Eligibility Contact

Website Deadline Prize

Gold Circle Awards for outstanding work in student newspapers, magazines, yearbooks or online media for entire staffs as well as for individuals. Publications must register with the CSPA in order to be eligible for submission. Forms are available on the website. CSPA Columbia University Mail Code 5711 New York, NY 10027-6902 (212) 854-9400 [email protected] http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cspa/docs/contests-andcritiques/index.html Submissions must be postmarked by mid-June for newspapers, magazines, and spring-delivery yearbooks, or by mid-October for summer/fall delivery yearbooks and online media. See website for details. Prizes vary; see website.

INTERNATIONAL GRAPHIC ARTS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION GUTENBERG AWARDS The Gutenberg Award recognizes exceptional achievement Description Eligibility Submission Process Website Contact
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in the field of Graphic Arts. Awards are available for printed items, websites, and photographs. Students of graphic art at any level are eligible to enter. The three categories are Print, Website, and Photography. See website for details. Students must submit their entries along with the appropriate forms available online. See website for details. http://www.igaea.org/ Contact Tom Tyberg 570-320-2400 x 7424

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Deadlines

FAX: 570-321-5538 [email protected] Entries must be received by the beginning of June. Other deadlines may apply. See website for details.

THE LOST & FOUND DARKROOM GALLERY CONTEST The Lost & Found contest seeks photographs that convey Description

Eligibility Contact

Website Deadline Prizes

scenes or subjects that were of meaning to someone in the far or recent past. Photos may impart a sense of loss, abandonment, misplacement, or pertain to the theme in another way that you choose. Entrants must be 18 or older, but students under 18 may have a parent or guardian make the submission for them. Darkroom Gallery 12 Main St. Essex Jct., VT 05452-3132 (802) 777-3686 [email protected] http://www.darkroomgallery.com/ex39 Early February All selected entries are displayed at the Darkroom Gallery, and the Jurors Choice winner receives a $300 scholarship to attend the New England Institute of Professional Photography Annual Session in Hyannis, MA.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PRESS WOMEN HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST This contest is an opportunity for high school students to Description

Eligibility Submission Process

compete nationally in 18 categories: Editorial, Opinion, News Story, Feature Story, Sports Story, Environment, Column, Review, Feature Photo, Sports Photo, Cartooning, Graphics/Photo Illustration, Single-Page Layout, DoubleTruck Layout, Video News Story, Video Feature Story, Video Sports Story and Yearbook. Contact your state high school competition director for local eligibility details (e-mail addresses available at http://www.nfpw.org/pdf/2012-HS-Contest-Directors.pdf). First-place state winners advance to national competition. Entrants must first compete at the Affiliate or At-Large level. In states with a NFPW affiliate, students enter their states high school competition. Most state deadlines occur in January and February. Contact your state high school competition director for local eligibility details. Only students living in a state without an NFPW affiliate or where the affiliate does not conduct a contest may compete in the At-Large round: entries must be postmarked by early

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Website Contact

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March. http://www.nfpw.org/highSchoolContest.cfm Karen Rowley c/o PAR 4664 Jamestown Ave. Suite 300 Baton Rouge, La. 70808 [email protected] 225-892-0684 Postmarked by early April Students compete for a $100 first place prize and plaques for second and third place.

NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION (NSPA) AWARDS The National Scholastic Press Association, based in Description

Eligibility Contact Website Due Date Prize

Minnesota, provides journalism education services to students, teachers, media advisers and others throughout the United States and in other countries. The NSPA conducts a number of journalism contests every year. For a full list, visit the website below. Publications must register with the NSPA in order to be eligible for submission. Forms are available on the website. 2221 University Ave SE, Suite 121 Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-625-8335 http://www.studentpress.org/nspa/contests.html Due dates vary by contest. See listing of contests for details. Prizes vary by contest. See listing of contests for details.

NEWSCURRENTS STUDENT EDITORIAL CARTOON CONTEST This contest is designed to allow students an opportunity to Description Eligibility Submission Process Submit To Website
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express their views though editorial cartoons. All elementary, middle, and high school students are eligible to enter.

Students must submit original cartoons on any subject of national or international interest. NewsCurrents Cartoon Contest P.O. Box 52 Madison, WI 53701 http://www.newscurrents.com/intro/edcartoons/carcon2.h tml
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Deadlines Prize

Must be postmarked by early March. Winners will receive U.S. savings bonds.

PHOTOGRAPHERS FORUM ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST This contest, sponsored by Nikon, welcomes film, digital, Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prizes

and digitally manipulated photography submissions. Students may submit as many entries as they choose. Additionally, the SPRING Contest, also held by the Photographers FORUM, is open to people of all ages including students. The College and High School Contest is open to all high school, college, and university students. Both full-time and part-time students may enter. [email protected] http://pfmagazine.com/photography-contest/ Late November deadline, although entry fee is reduced for students who submit by Mid-October. Winning photographs are published in Photographers FORUM Magazine and entered into Nikons Emerging Photographers Hall of Fame. Winning submissions are also exhibited at the Brooks Institute Gallery 27. In addition, cash prizes of up to $2,000 and Nikon cameras are awarded.

SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST The Society of Professional Journalists wants to increase Description Eligibility Topic and Length Submission Process Submit To
high school students knowledge and understanding of the importance of the free media to our lives. The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools who have never won a national SPJ Essay Scholarship. Topic varies each year. Sample prompts have included: Explain why free news media are important in 300-500 words. Essay must be submitted along with an entry form to the participating chapter in your state. For a list of participating chapters, see the website here: http://www.spj.org/a-hs-chapters.asp If there are no participating chapters in your state, send your entry to: High School Essay Contest

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Website Contact Deadlines Prize

Society of Professional Journalists 3909 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 http://www.spj.org/a-hs.asp 317-927-8000 [email protected] Must be postmarked by early March. First Place: $1,000 scholarship Second Place: $500 scholarship Third Place: $300 scholarship

VISUAL VOICE UNDER 18 Description

This visual arts contest is held each year with a different theme, and accepts contributions of photographs, drawings, paintings, computer graphics, and other stillimage pieces related to this theme. Students must be 18 years old or younger (see website for exact cutoff) Questions may be emailed to [email protected] http://vvu18.com/index_e.html Mid-February Prizes include iMacs, iPads & Canon and Nikon cameras.

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prizes

WPGA BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR This contest, run by the Worldwide Photography Gala Description

Eligibility Contact

Website Deadline Prizes

Awards, invites all photographers to submit their best black and white work. Entries in all mediums and styles are accepted. Although this is a very competitive contest, it is a great opportunity to have your work reviewed, and all awarded images will be featured on WPGAs website for one year. All are welcome to participate Regency House, Westminster Place York Business Park York, United Kingdom YO26 6RW [email protected] http://www.darkroomgallery.com/ex39 Early February First prize includes a new Canon EOS 6D camera and worldwide media exposure. Runners up and Honorable Mentions are also selected and receive media coverage.

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LITERATURE AND CREATIVE WRITING

Ayn Rand Essay Contest Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest Legacy Project Listen to a Life Library of Congress Letters about Literature Contest Manningham Student Poetry Awards Medusa Mythology Exam Nation Student Writing Contest National High School Poetry Contest NCTE Achievement Award in Writing New Voices of Young Writers Competition
The Norman Mailer High School and College Writing Awards

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award Writers Digest Writing Competitions ZOETROPE: All-Story Short Fiction Contest

Students with a passion for literature and writing often complain that there are not as many opportunities for them to receive recognition as there are for those students who are math and science wizards. This is true, but it shouldnt hold a student back from both submitting to those awards and contests that are available on a national level, below, and ferreting out opportunities for local recognition. We worked with a young woman who spent the summer before her junior year in Dublin studying Joyce at the James Joyce Center with some of the worlds leading scholars on Joyce. A wealthy donor had created this contest (she had to submit an essay on a Joyce short story) for students from six private schools across the country. If you are a poet, start a local coffee house poetry night contest or create a forum for reading essays and poetry. In short, make your own opportunities.

AYN RAND ESSAY CONTEST Description Eligibility Topic and Length

The Ayn Rand Essay Contest gives students in grades 8-12 the chance to respond to four Ayn Rand novels. The contest is open to students in grades 9-12. Students in grades 8, 9 and 10 can respond to topics based on Ayn Rands Anthem in 600 to 1,200 words. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 can respond to topics based on We the Living in 700 to 1,500 words.

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Students in grades 11 and 12 can respond to topics based on The Fountainhead in 800 to 1,600 words. Students in grade 12 can respond to topics based on Atlas Shrugged in 800 to 1,600 words.

Submission Process Submit To

Entries may be submitted online, or mailed in with a stapled cover sheet. See website for details. Submit online or mail to: The Fountainhead Essay Contest, Dept. W The Ayn Rand Institute P.O. Box 57044 Irvine, CA 92619-7044 or Anthem Essay Contest, Dept. W The Ayn Rand Institute P.O. Box 57044 Irvine, CA 92619-7044 *according to the contest and grade level. http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=edu cation_contests_index The Ayn Rand Institute 2121 Alton Parkway, Suite 250 Irvine, California, 92606-4926 (949) 222-6550 Questions may also be submitted through the website. Deadlines vary for each novel, ranging from March to September. Prizes range from $30 to $10,000.

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JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA ESSAY CONTEST The goal of the JASNA essay contest is to foster the study Description Eligibility Topic

and appreciation of Jane Austen. The contest is open to students worldwide at the high school, college/university, and post-graduate levels of study. Topic varies each year. Sample prompts have included: A filmed version of a novel is necessarily an adaptationan interpretationof the book, in which dialogue, setting, plot elements, characters, and so forth may be changed or omitted. With reference to one of the following new Austen novel adaptations appearing on Masterpiece Theatre in 2008, discuss how such a change or omission affects element(s) or aspect(s) of the novel portrayed: Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey,

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Submission Process Submit To Website Contact Deadlines Prize

Persuasion, or Mansfield Park. Your essay must be submitted via e-mail. Submissions must be sent as attachments to an e-mail message labeled JASNA Essay Contest Entry. Send the following attachments as separate documents in Microsoft Word format: (1) the completed entry form and (2) the essay. Send the entry to [email protected]. http://www.jasna.org/essaycontest/index.html Eric Nye at [email protected] Write JASNA Essay Contest in subject line. Must be postmarked by early May. Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners include one year membership in JASNA, recognition on the AGM and JASNA website, and other prizes.

LEGACY PROJECT LISTEN TO A LIFE CONTEST The Listen to a Life Contest is an opportunity to develop Description

Eligibility

Submit To

Website
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important skills in areas that include interviewing, listening, writing, and technology. Young people have an opportunity for their work to be read and recognized by a wider audience. And, the BIGGEST benefit of this contest has always been the important intergenerational connections it encourages, builds, and strengthens. It helps forge closer connections between young and old as they get to know each other in new, often unexpected ways. To enter the Listen to a Life Contest, a young person 8-18 years old interviews an older person over 50 years (cannot be a parent; they can be a grandparent, older friend, mentor, neighbor, nursing home resident, etc.) about their hopes and goals through their life, how they achieved goals and overcame obstacles, or how dreams may have changed along the way. What life advice can the older person share? The young person then writes a 300-word essay (maximum) based on the interview. Open only to legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia ("United States") and Canada (except Quebec) who are 8-18 years of age. Co-entrant must be living and 50 years or older. Submit entries online at www.legacyproject.org. Fax entries to (905) 640-2922 or mail to Listen to a Life Contest c/o Generations United 1331 H Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005 1-800-772-7765 www.legacyproject.org/contests/ltal.html

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Contact

Deadlines Prize

Listen to a Life Contest c/o Generations United 1331 H Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005 1-800-772-7765 Submissions must be received by mid-March. The national Grand Prize in the Listen to a Life Contest is a Lenovo All-In-One ThinkCentre computer for the winner and, for the winner's school, $25,000 of EdOptions' products. This is a chance for a young person to win a prize for themselves and their community! Twenty runners-up from across the country will receive an MP3 player from EdOptions and $400 of EdOptions' products.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE CONTEST This contest is run by the Center for the Book in the Library Description
of Congress. To enter, students write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genrefiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classicexplaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. The contest is open to students from participating states in grades 4-10. See website for state eligibility information. High school entries should be 500-800 words. Letters About Literature Competition Level (indicate 1, 2, or 3) P.O. Box 5308 Woodbridge, VA 22194 http://www.lettersaboutliterature.org/ [email protected] Early January State winners receive $50 Target gift card and the chance to compete nationally. National winners receive a $500 Target gift card and a $10,000 LAL Reading Promotion Grant for their community or school library.

Eligibility Submit To Website Contact Deadlines Prize

MANNINGHAM STUDENT POETRY AWARDS The Manningham Student Poetry Awards is a contest that Description Eligibility
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recognizes outstanding original poetry from middle school and high school students. The contest is open to students in grades 6-12. Poems should not exceed 50 lines. One entry per student. See

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Submit To

website for details. Submit through your state youth chair (see details under Contact). If your state does not have a youth chair or you are from a non-member state, submit to: Leona Welch 501 Amsden Denison, TX 75021 http://www.nfsps.com/student_awards.htm Find contact information from your state at http://www.nfsps.com/links.htm Budd P. Mahan 7059 Spring Valley Road Dallas, TX 75254 Entries must be received by March 1. Students compete for 9 prizes from $10 to $75.

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MEDUSA MYTHOLOGY EXAM Description Eligibility Contact

The Medusa Mythology Exam is a chance for students with a passion for mythology to be recognized for their knowledge. The exam is open to all students in grades 6-12. Student registrations are due in February. Medusa Mythology Examination P.O. Box 1032 Gainesville, VA 20156 U.S.A. (800) 896-4671 [email protected] http://www.medusaexam.org/ Late March Gold medal winners are eligible for achievement awards of $100 to $750.

Website Test Day Prize

NATION STUDENT WRITING CONTEST The contest seeks original, thoughtful, provocative student Description

Eligibility

voices to answer each years prompt question. Past prompts have included What do you think is the most serious issue facing your generation? and What do you think is the most important issue of Election 2012? The contest is open to all matriculating high school students and undergraduates at American schools, colleges and universities, including those receiving high school or college degrees in the year of the award. Submissions must

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Submit To Website Contact Deadlines Prize

be original, unpublished work. [email protected] http://www.thenation.com/node/33447 [email protected] Entries are accepted from May 15 to June 30. Five finalists and two winnersone from college, one from high schoolwill be selected. Each winner will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a Nation subscription. The winning essays will be published and/or excerpted in the magazine and featured on TheNation.com. The five finalists will be awarded $200 each plus subscriptions, and their entries will be published online.

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL POETRY CONTEST This contest is an opportunity for students to showcase Description Eligibility Submit To

Website Contact Deadlines Prize

their talents by submitting one or two poems. Students in grades 9-12 nationwide are eligible to enter. Berwyn Moore, Associate Professor of English Attn: Gannon University National High School Poetry Contest Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541 http://ww4.gannon.edu/departmental/english/poetry.asp Berwyn Moore, M.F.A., Associate Professor Phone: (814) 871-7504 [email protected] Must be postmarked by February 1. Top three winners receive a monetary award, a signed book by our guest poet, and publication of their winning poems in the Awards Night program. 1st Place $100.00 2nd Place $75.00 3rd Place $50.00

NCTE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN WRITING The National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Description Eligibility
Award is intended to recognize the excellent writing of high school juniors. The contest is open to high school students in the junior year in the present academic year. High school juniors from public, private, and parochial schools in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands, and American schools abroad are eligible. Home-schooled students may submit

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Topic and Length

Submission Process

Submit To Website Contact Deadline Prize

through a cooperating school. Entrants submit two written compositions: 1. Best writing one sample that the student considers his or her best work, regardless of the number of revisions. The best writing must not exceed six (6) typed, doublespaced pages. Research papers, term papers, and novels will not be accepted. 2. Themed writing Theme must not exceed four (4) typed, double-spaced pages. The topic, developed by the Achievement Awards Advisory Committee, is a common topic on which all students must write. Two written submissions (best and themed) by each student are required. Both writings should go through a process of drafting and revision. The themed writing must be in prose; the best writing may be in any genre or combination of genres (poetry, narrative, argument, expository). As soon as students are nominated, they may begin work on their writing. Both pieces must be submitted in one package by the teacher to the NCTE. http://center.uoregon.edu/conferences/NCTE/FORMS/C FP/cfp_login.php?formid=463594 http://www.ncte.org/awards/student/aa [email protected] 1-800-369-6283, ext. 3608 Entries must be entered by mid-February. Up to 876 awards are given. Winners receive a letter and certificate of commendation from the NCTE and are listed on the NCTE website.

NEW VOICES YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION Established by the Electronic Publishing Industry Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prizes

Coalition, this competition seeks to promote reading and writing among middle and high school students. Entries of short stories, poems, and essays are accepted. Students may submit pieces written as class assignments, or pieces written specifically for the competition. Students ages 11-14 may compete in the Junior Division; students ages 15-18 may compete in the Senior Division. [email protected] Debi Sullivan, EPICs Competitions Chair http://newvoicesyoungwriters.com/contact-us/5-debisullivan.html http://newvoicesyoungwriters.com Mid-October Various prizes, including eBook readers, gift certificates, and cash prizes, are awarded to winners in the Junior and Senior Divisions.

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THE NORMAN MAILER HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

WRITING AWARDS

Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize

This national competition allows students to submit one or several original writing pieces. High school students may compete for the High School Fiction Award by submitting one or more stories (within a page limit), or a section of a longer work such as a novel. All high school students are eligible. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. http://www.ncte.org/awards/student/nmwa Students may submit entries between late February and late April. The first place winner will receive $5,000 and travel and lodging to attend the Colonys National Award Ceremony.

THE SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offer early Description

recognition of creative teenagers and scholarship opportunities for graduating high-school seniors. The Awards program is national in scope and administered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide guidance and support for the next generation of artists and writers, in partnership with 77 regional affiliate organizations. Submissions are accepted for several categories in the Visual Arts (Art Portfolio, Animation, Ceramics & Glass, Computer Art, Design, Digital Imagery, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Photography Portfolio, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video & Film) and Writing (Dramatic Script, General Writing Portfolio, Humor, Journalism, Nonfiction Portfolio, Novel, Personal Essay/Memoir, Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Short Story, Short Story). Students are eligible who are currently enrolled in grades 7 12, attend a public, private, parochial or home-school, and reside in the U.S., U.S. territories or U.S.-sponsored schools abroad, and Canada (in equivalent grades). [email protected] http://www.artandwriting.org/the-awards/ See website. Awards vary by region and level of competition but range from certificates and pins to $10,000 scholarships.

Eligibility Contact Website Test Day Prize

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SIGNET CLASSICS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST Students enter by writing an essay on one of five topics Description Eligibility

Contact Website Deadlines Prize

posed for this year's competition book. There are five topics to choose from. See website for details on the current theme. Open to 11th and 12th grade full-time matriculated students who are attending high schools located in the fifty United States and the District of Columbia, or homeschooled students between the ages of 16-18 who are residents of the United States and the District of Columbia. Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Academic Marketing Department Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/servicesacademic/essayhome.html To be eligible, all entries must be postmarked by midApril. Submissions by fax, e-mail, disc or any other electronic means will not be considered. Five high school juniors or seniors can each win a $1,000 scholarship award to be used toward their higher education plus a Signet Classics library for their school!

SYLVIA K. BURACK WRITING AWARD The Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award is a writing Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize

competition for high school students in grades 11 and 12 in the U.S. and Canada. The award is made in memory of Sylvia K. Burack, longtime editor and publisher of The Writer magazine. Burack was known for her dedication to helping writers and editors. Write a 600- to 800-word personal essay in English on the following topic: "Select a work of fiction, poem or play that has influenced you. Discuss the work and explain how it affected you." No song lyrics. The essay must be previously unpublished in print or online. Your essay must be submitted online. Grades 11 and 12 [email protected] http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index. php/PageID/797 Mid-March Winner will receive $500; publication in The Writer magazine and on WriterMag.com; a one-year subscription to The Writer and a copy of the Gotham Writers Workshop anthology Fiction Gallery.

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WRITERS DIGEST WRITING COMPETITIONS Students can submit their writing in several categories, Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize

including the Annual Writing Competition, the Short Story Competition, and the Science Fiction Competition. Selected students are eligible to receive cash prizes and have their work published in Writers Digest. All are eligible to enter. (715) 445-4612 x13430 [email protected] http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/writingcompetitions See various competitions for details. Prizes include cash awards, publication in Writers Digest, and more.

ZOETROPE: ALL-STORY SHORT FICTION CONTEST We accept all genres of literary fiction. Entries must be: Description Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize
unpublished; strictly 5,000 words or less; and accompanied by a $15 entry fee per story. Check Website [email protected] http://www.all-story.com/contests.cgi To be eligible, all entries must be postmarked from July 1 to Oct 1. Submissions by fax, e-mail, disc or any other electronic means will not be considered. First prize of $1,000; the second prize of $500; and the third prize of $250

Online Writing Opportunities for Young Writers:

http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/basic/yngwrite.html

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THE ARTS
All State Music Festivals Chinese Music Teachers Association of Northern California (CMTANC) Youth Music Competition Columbia University National Undergraduate Film Festival Donna Reed Performing Arts Scholarships English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition Gorilla Theatre's Young Dramatists' Project Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Performance and Composition Competitions National Federation of Music Clubs Awards NFAA YoungArts Program PTA Reflections Program
Thousands of students play an instrument, but how can a college tell how well you play or at what level? Sure, you can make a recording of your playing, but often colleges wont have time to listen to it. Admissions committees often rely on awards to validate your musical ability. Almost every state has a high level orchestra that students can try out for plus all state/all county competitions for music and voice. So dont just stop after youve become proficient in the artstake the time to enter contests, submit your work for formal judgment, perform in a public venue. In short, show colleges you have taken your musical talent to the next level.

ALL STATE MUSIC FESTIVALS Description Eligibility Contact Website Event Day Prize
Many states have a Music Educators Association that puts on a yearly festival. Check the website to see if your state has an active chapter. See website for individual state requirements. [email protected] http://musiced.nafme.org/programs/contests-callscompetitions/ Varies by state, see website. Varies by state, see website.

CHINESE MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (CMTANC) YOUTH MUSIC COMPETITION The CMTANC Youth Music competition is intended to Description
promote the art of Western and Chinese Music. It is an opportunity for high school students to compete on the piano, violin, or cello against other high school musicians

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Eligibility Contact Website Event Day Prize

in both Western and Chinese music. All students are eligible through grade 12 or age 17. Students must apply by mid-April online. See website for details. [email protected] http://cmtanc.org/international-youth-musiccompetition.html Late May Students compete for scholarships and certificates.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY NATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE FILM FESTIVAL This contest endeavors to discover and realize the talents Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

of fellow student filmmakers as well as to support and exhibit outstanding independent films created by students across the country. The festival gives students a means to appreciate filmmaking created by their peers nationwide, hoping to inspire them with the art of creating independent film. This event will be held on the Columbia University campus, featuring 10 to 12 short student films selected for their distinction and excellence among a pool of submissions from across the country. Contest open to all students currently enrolled in high school or undergraduate studies. Films must not exceed 20 minutes in length. [email protected] http://www.cufestival.com/index.php?page_id=2 Deadline for submission is February 1, and submissions are accepted until March 1 with an increased fee. The film festival is held at Columbia University in early April. Students compete for prizes from $100 to $300.

DONNA REED PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS Each year, the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Description Eligibility
Arts awards scholarships to individuals who qualify for post-secondary education and desire to pursue an education or a career in the performing arts. Students must attend Donna Reed Performing Arts workshops in Denison, IA in mid-June, complete a threeminute live audition during this week, and be able to perform on the Student Awards Showcase the evening of June 20. Donna Reed Foundation 1305 Broadway

Contact
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Website Prize

Denison, Iowa - 51442 712.263.3334 http://www.donnareed.org/html/templates/dr_section.p hp?dr_section=scholar $3,000 in scholarships. Finalists and scholarship recipients are invited to perform at a Scholarship Concert, held during the Festival each year. Finalists and winners also receive full scholarships to the Donna Reed Festival and Workshops.

ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION The competition is a chance for high school students to Description Eligibility

Contact Website Contest Day Prize

memorize and perform a Shakespearean monologue no longer than 20 lines in length. Students who progress in the competition will also be asked to recite a sonnet. Students in grades 10-12 who have not acted for pay on television, the stage, or in film during the school year of the competition are eligible. Students must qualify at their own school competition and then at the Branch Competition in order to qualify for the National competition. Use the contact information below to find out about your local competition. (212) 818-1200 [email protected] http://www.englishspeakingunion.org/programs_shakespeare_competition.h tm The National Contest is in late April. Students must qualify at earlier competition to participate. See eligibility information for details. Students who win the Branch Competition win a trip to New York for the National Competition. Winners at the National Level compete for full tuition to the British American Drama Academys Midsummer Conservatory Program in Oxford, a $1,000 scholarship, and a $500 scholarship.

GORILLA THEATRE'S YOUNG DRAMATISTS' PROJECT The Gorilla Theatre's Young Dramatists' Project (YDP) is Description Eligibility Contact
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now in its tenth season. YDP is the only Tampa Bay area event that offers full-scale, professional productions of teens' works. Open to all middle and high school-aged students in the Tampa Bay area. James Rayfield YDP Artistic Director

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Website Deadline Prize

(813) 690-5484 [email protected] http://www.gorillatheatre.com/ydp.php Mid-February Each winner is awarded a royalty of $250 for each produced play, a professional, ten-performance production, and paid membership into the Dramatists' Guild.

MUSIC TEACHERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (MTNA) PERFORMANCE AND COMPOSITION COMPETITIONS The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association Description

Eligibility

Contact Website Event Day

Performance competitions is to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence. The composition competition is intended to encourage creativity and selfexpression in student musicians through the art of composing and to recognize their achievements, as well as the significant work of their teachers. Students aged 15-18 may compete in Brass, Piano, Piano Duet (one piano/four hands) String, Voice and Woodwind at the Senior Performance level. Students must qualify at the local and district level to compete nationally. See website for details. (513) 421-1420 (888) 512-5278 [email protected] http://mtna.net/programs/competitions/ Applications are due in early September. National Finals are held in March or April.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS AWARDS The NFMC sponsors many local, state, and national Description

Eligibility Contact Website

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competitions and awards across a range of categories, including Piano, Voice, Instrumental Music, Composition, Dance, Conducting, Handicapped and Visually Impaired, and Music Therapy. Participants must be American citizens. Other eligibility guidelines vary with different awards; see website for details. (317) 638-0503 Different email contacts for each competition can be found on the website. http://www.nfmc-music.org

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Deadline Prize

Varies, see website. The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) offers more than $750,000 in competition and award prizes on the local, state and national level.

NFAA YOUNGARTS PROGRAM Description

The YoungArts program is looking for talented young artists in all disciplines of the performing, literary, and visual arts. The program is dedicated to nurturing and supporting high school senioraged artists at a critical point in their professional development. It is the only organization that recognizes artistic excellence in all art forms: cinematic arts, dance, jazz, music, photography, theater, voice, visual arts, and writing. Students in grades 10 - 12 who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible. (800) 970-ARTS [email protected] http://www.youngarts.org/our-program Program applications are accepted from March to October. Students must submit an Application Form and upload submission materials which vary according to a students discipline. ARTS winners share over $500,000 in cash awards ranging from $250 to $10,000.

Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

PTA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM Description

The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in K-12 are encouraged to create and submit works of art in four areas: literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage). In its more than 30year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. Contest open to grades K-12. Rules vary by PTA; contact your local PTA for details. (800) 307-4PTA [email protected] http://pta.org/programs/ArtsandEducation.cfm?navItem Number=510 Varies by local PTA. Contact your local chapter for details. Prizes vary by location but include trips and scholarships. See website for details.

Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

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PLAYWRITING
Arena Stage Student Playwrights Project Ten-Minute Play Competition Blank Theatre Company Young Playwrights Competition & Festival California Young Playwrights Contest Chicago Young Playwrights Festival City Theatre Young Playwrights Contest Horizon Theatre Companys New South Young Playwrights Festival Contest Lebanon Community Theatre Playwriting Contest Madison Young Playwrights Festival Marilyn Bianchi Kids Playwriting Festival New York City School Playwriting Contest O'Neill Theater Young Playwrights Festival Philadelphia Young Playwrights Playwriting Festival Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest Shenandoah Valley Regional Playwright's Festival Syracuse Stage Young Playwrights Festival Thespian Playworks Very Special Arts Playwright Discovery Program Young Playwrights Festival National Playwriting Competition Young Southern Writers' Project One Act Play Competition
There are many opportunities for young playwrights to shine, especially at festivals around the country. We recognize this particular talent as distinct from other forms of writing and have thus given it its own section in this guide. Students who participate in these type of festivals often go on to top performing and theater arts programs such as those at Julliard, NYU Tisch, Vassar, Yale, Carnegie Mellon and the like.

ARENA STAGE STUDENT PLAYWRIGHTS PROJECT TENMINUTE PLAY COMPETITION The contest is an opportunity for high school students to Description Eligibility

Contact Submit to

have their play published. Playwrights must be students in 5th through 12th grades. Students must attend school in the District of Columbia, the City of Alexandria, or one of the following counties: Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince Georges, or St. Marys. Home schooled students must be residents of D.C., Alexandria, or one of the listed counties 202-554-9066 Student Playwrights Project Arena Stage Community Engagement Division 1101 Sixth Street, SW Washington, DC 20024

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Website Deadline Prize

http://www.arenastage.org/news-press/pressroom/press-releases/releases/11-12/SPP 2012 Winners Release web.pdf Must be received by early December Winning playwrights receive a $250 cash prize

BLANK THEATER COMPANY YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS COMPETITION & FESTIVAL Original plays and musicals on ANY subject Description Playwrights must be 19 years old or younger on March 15 Eligibility (323) 661-9827 Contact http://www.youngplaywrights.com/html/rules.htm Website Plays may be submitted online to Submit to
[email protected] or to: The Blank Theatre Company Young Playwrights Competition & Festival P.O. Box 38756 Hollywood, CA 90038 Submit play(s) by mail/express OR e-mail by March 15 Students compete for scholarships and certificates.

Deadline Prize

CALIFORNIA YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS CONTEST Professionals will evaluate your entry, and if you're one of Description
the winners your play will receive a production. This is an educational program focused on the development of new playsso if you're a winner, be prepared to revise your script with the support of a professional dramaturg (or writing friend), director and actors. Californians under the age of 19 as of June 1 (619) 239-8222 [email protected] http://www.playwrightsproject.org/contest.htm Plays may be submitted online to [email protected] or to: Playwrights Project 2590 Truxtun Rd. Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92106 Submit play by June 1 Students compete for production of play.

Eligibility Contact Website Submit to

Deadline Prize
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CHICAGO YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL YPF is a citywide playwriting competition that gives voice Description Eligibility Contact Website Submit to Deadline
to teenagers while promoting the art of writing for the stage. Participating schools submit their student's plays [email protected] http://pegasusplayers.org/cms/?q=node/89 Ilesa Duncan at 773.878.8761 Submit by April 1

CITY THEATER YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS CONTEST Students submit scripts of original, one-act plays. Winning Description
submissions will be produced by the City Theater Company. Plays are directed by professional directors, performed by professional actors, and presented at City Theatre next season as part of the annual Young Playwrights Festival!

Eligibility Contact

All students must be residents of Western Pennsylvania and must be between the 7th and 12th grades. 412-431-4400 x225 2012 Young Playwrights Contest City Theatre 1300 Bingham Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203 http://citytheatrecompany.org/education/youngplaywrights-contest/ End of March Winners will have productions of their plays directed by professional directors.

Website Event Day Prize

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANYS NEW SOUTH YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL CONTEST This weeklong festival includes playwriting workshops, Description Eligibility Contact

seminars, and rehearsals with professional theatre actors, directors, and playwrights. Open to students, high school through college [email protected] (include YPF Contest Submission in the subject line) 404.523.1477 ext. 113

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Website Deadline Prize

http://www.horizontheatre.com/ypf.htm March 1 20 playwrights will be selected to participate in the New South Young Playwrights Festival at the Horizon Theatre Company.

LEBANON COMMUNITY THEATRE PLAYWRITING CONTEST Plays will be judged on content, dialogue, ingenuity, use of Description Eligibility Contact
theme, and ability to be staged. All plays submitted should center on a common theme, idea or concept. Aspiring playwrights of all ages and experience are invited to submit scripts Plays must be mailed to: L.C.T P.O Box 592 Lebanon, Pa 17042 For additional information, contact Karen DundoreGullota at (717) 507-0543 or email [email protected] http://www.lct.cc/PlayWriteContest.htm Late April Each winner will receive: a) a $100 cash prize; and b) one season ticket for LCT's 2012 season for local winners; and c) each of the winning plays will be performed on the LCT stage; and d) each playwright may direct and cast their own play if they wish. Playwright directors will be assisted by committee members; and e) a DVD of the production of the winning plays.

Website Deadline Prize

MADISON YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL The Madison Young Playwrights Festival brings to life the Description

Eligibility Contact

work of young playwrights who completed a play as part of a 12-week playwriting program conducted by Playwrights Theatre in the several Madison schools including: Central Avenue, Kings Road, Torey J. Sabatini, Madison Junior and St. Vincent Martyr schools Aspiring playwrights in 4- 12 grade in the Madison, NJ area Jim DeVivo Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey 33 Green Village Road

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Website Deadline

Madison, NJ 07940 [email protected] http://www.ptnj.org/pages/nj-young-playwrights TBD

MARILYN BIANCHI KIDS PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL A Dobama tradition, the Marilyn Bianchi Kids Playwriting Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline

Festival celebrates its 33rd year this season! Hundreds of plays are written and submitted by kids throughout Cuyahoga County, grades 1 12. Local actors, directors, designers and technicians produce anywhere from 10-15 of the winning scripts. The outcome is four joyful days of original storytelling, imaginative dialogue and delightful characters as created by kids. Dedicated to the memory of Marilyn Bianchi, the festival is the nations first event of its kind, encouraging kids to celebrate the fun and joy of live theatre. Anyone who lives in Cuyahoga County can submit a play. You can attend private, public, or home schooling, and be in any grade from 1st through 12th. Marilyn Bianchi Kids Playwriting Festival c/o Dobama Theatre 2340 Lee Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. http://dobama.org/~dobama/site/?page_id=55 Applications due in mid-February; performances take place in late May and early June.

NEW YORK CITY SCHOOL PLAYWRITING CONTEST WRITE A PLAY! NYC Plays are judged in three categories: Description Eligibility Contact Submit To Website Deadline Prize
elementary, middle, and high school. Open to all NYC students 212-594-5440 Write a play! NYC Young Playwrights Inc., Dept. WEB Post Office Box 5134 New York NY 10185 http://www.youngplaywrights.org/NYC_Comp..html March 1 3 plays to be winners in each division

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O'NEILL THEATER YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL If your play is one of the plays selected for the Festival, you Description

Eligibility Contact

Website Deadline Prize

will work with a creative team composed of a director, dramaturg and actors to develop and stage your script. The development process for each script will draw on the techniques used during the O'Neill's renowned professional summer play development conferences. Through these methods, you will have the opportunity to take your creative writing project to the next step, by moving from the initial isolation of writing to the collaborative process involved in making your script into a living, breathing play. Students ages of 12 - 18 and in middle school or high school are eligible. Students must be able to attend the festival in early May. Sophia Chapadjiev Young Playwrights Festival 305 Great Neck Road Waterford, CT 06385 [email protected] http://www.theoneill.org/professional-development-andeducation/ypf/ Applications must be postmarked by mid-February. Students plays are workshopped by professionals and presented at the world-renowned O'Neill Theater Center.

PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL Any student from around the region is invited to submit Description Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

their plays to Philadelphia Young Playwrights Annual Playwriting Festival. Up to 1,000 students submit their scripts each year. Contest open to high school students in the Philadelphia area [email protected] !215-665-9226 http://phillyyoungplaywrights.org/submit-your-play Must be postmarked by the beginning of May (see website). First, second and third place distinctions are awarded at the elementary, middle and high school levels

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PRINCETON TEN-MINUTE PLAY CONTEST The contest is an opportunity for high school juniors to Description Eligibility Contact

have their ten-minute plays judged by the Princeton University Theatre and dance faculty. Contest open to students in their junior year. Applicants may submit only one play. Submissions may be mailed to: Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest-ATT: Joe Fonseca Princeton University Program in Theater/Lewis Center for the Arts 185 Nassau Street Princeton, NJ 08542 (609)258-2230 Submissions may also be emailed to [email protected] with Ten-Minute Play in the subject line. http://www.princeton.edu/arts/lewis_center/highschool-contests/ten-minute-play-contest/ Must be postmarked by the end of March. Students compete for prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Website Deadline Prize

SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL PLAYWRIGHT'S FESTIVAL The Wayside Theatre Festival is for students in high school Description Eligibility

Contact Submit to Website Deadline Prize

(9-12) and middle school/junior high (6-8). Writer must be under the age of 19 on February 19. Writers must be a current Virginia (counties: Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, Rockingham, Loudoun County, Fauquier County and Winchester) or West Virginia (counties of: Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan, Hampshire or Hardy) resident, attending Public, Private school, or in a Home School program in listed counties. (540) 869-1776 Cephe F. Place, Outreach Coordinator Wayside Theatre P.O. Box 260 Middletown, Virginia 22645 http://www.waysidetheatre.org/subcontent/education/yp f Must be postmarked by mid-February. First Place will receive a $100.00 Savings Bond and Staged-Reading Presentation and two tickets to a play during the upcoming Season. Second Place will receive a $50.00 Savings Bond and two tickets to a play during the upcoming Season.

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SYRACUSE STAGE YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL Each fall, Syracuse Stage challenges Central New York Description

Eligibility Contact

Submit to Website Deadline Prize

high school students to write original ten-minute plays and other performance pieces for entry into our annual Young Playwrights Festival contest. Students are given the additional challenge of centering their play around an essential question. Central NY High School Students Lauren Unbekant Director of Educational Outreach Syracuse Stage (315) 443-1150 [email protected] [email protected] http://www.syracusestage.org/default.aspx?page_id=31 Must be postmarked by mid-February. Finalists see their plays performed as staged readings by SU Drama

THESPIAN PLAYWORKS Description Eligibility Contact Submit to Website Deadline Prize

Thespian Playworks is a playwriting program and script development workshop for high school writers. Participants must be active members of the Thespian Society enrolled in high school during the current school year. Don Corathers [email protected] Thespian Playworks 2343 Auburn Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45219-2815 http://schooltheatre.org/events/festival/playworks Must be postmarked by mid-February. Up to four plays will be chosen for workshop readings and development at Thespian Festival

VERY SPECIAL ARTS PLAYWRIGHT DISCOVERY PROGRAM The VSA arts Playwright Discovery Program invites Description

middle and high school students to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others, and express their views through the art of playwriting. Playwrights may write from their own experience or about an experience in the life of another person or fictional character. Young playwrights

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Eligibility

Contact Submit to Website Deadline Prize

with and without disabilities are encouraged to submit a script. Entries may be the work of an individual student or collaboration by a group or class of students. Students in grades 6-12 with and without disabilities are encouraged to submit a script. Entries may be the work of an individual student or collaboration by a group or class of students. Plays must be one-acts no more than 40 pages in length. (202) 416-8898 (voice) [email protected] VSA Playwright Discovery Program The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts PO Box 101510 Arlington, VA 22210 http://www.kennedycenter.org/education/vsa/programs/playwright_discovery .cfm Must be postmarked by June 1. The winning play will be professionally produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The winning playwright receives $2,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., to see his play performed.

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL NATIONAL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION The Young Playwrights Contest is devoted to introducing Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

young people to writing for the professional theater. Young writers are encouraged to express themselves through playwriting. It is a great opportunity for writers to be heard and develop work for stage plays and it also promotes the arts as an essential part of education that helps integrate playwriting into a pre-college curriculum. Contest open to all students 18 years old or younger. (212) 594-5440 http://www.youngplaywrights.org/National_Comp..html Entries must be postmarked by January 2. Students compete for the chance to have their plays produced Off Broadway in the Young Playwrights Festival.

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YOUNG SOUTHERN WRITERS' PROJECT ONE ACT PLAY COMPETITION The Young Southern Writers' Project One Act Play Description Eligibility Contact
Competition was created to give a voice to a new generation of Southern authors and encourage Southern high school students to hone their writing skills. Contest open to high school students in grades 9 -12 (age 19 or younger as of March 4) and a resident in a southern state.

Young Southern Writers Project

Website Deadline Prize

Nancy Rominger Alabama Shakespeare Festival 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 http://www.asf.net/Education/Young-Playwrights.aspx Submissions are due early March (see website) * play readings of the first, second and third prize winners in the fall at various locations throughout Alabama * tickets to an ASF production and an opportunity to meet Southern Writers' Project playwrights * publication on the ASF web site

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HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

American Foreign Service Association: National High School Essay Contest Concord Review First Freedom Student Competition John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest Knight Essay Contest National Peace Essay Contest The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest US State Department Doors to Diplomacy Challenge VFW voice of Democracy Scholarship
Once again, look for history and political science awards in your own state and community in addition to those at a national level weve listed below. Weve had students win awards from their local historical societies for work researching various buildings as well as students receiving awards such as the Senior Division Historical Paper Competition at the annual History Day L.A., hosted by a local university. If you are a history scholar, consider starting a chapter of The National History Club (sponsored by The Concord Review) at your school as that puts you in the running to receive History Student of the Year. Find out if your state, like Illinois, has a Historic Preservation Agency and if so, do they sponsor awards for history research papers. Also, if you are involved in Model UN you have a ripe opportunity to win some great team diplomacy awards. Youve got to enter, however, to win.

AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION: NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST The Foreign Service is our nations First Line of Defense, Description

Eligibility

promoting and defending Americas critical interests around the globe. A major objective of this contest is to help young Americans better understand how the men and women of the Foreign Service serve and defend our critical national interests around the globe, possibly leading many participants to consider international careers in service to our country. All students in grades 9 -12 attending a public, private, parochial school, home school or participating in a high school correspondence program in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories, or, if they are U.S. citizens attending schools overseas, are eligible. Students whose parents are members of the United States Foreign Service or have served on the Advisory Committee are not eligible.

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Topic and Length Submission Process Submit To

Website Contact Deadlines Prize Comments

Topic varies each year. Sample prompts include: Analyze and explain what you think will be the Challenges Facing the American Foreign Service in the 21st Century in 750 to 1,000 words. Submit four copies of your essay, including word count, along with four copies of a list of sources consulted and one completed registration form signed by you and your teacher. See website for further details. Ms. Perri Green National High School Essay Contest American Foreign Service Association 2101 E Street NW Washington, DC 20037 http://www.afsa.org/essaycontest/ 1-800-704-AFSA [email protected] Postmarked by mid-April $2500 to winner Also, the Semester at Sea program will provide an allexpense paid educational voyage to the winner. Essays are judged equally for quality of research, quality of analysis, and style and mechanics.

CONCORD REVIEW Description

The Concord Review, Inc., was founded in March 1987 to recognize and to publish exemplary history essays by high school students in the English-speaking world. With the 94th issue (Fall 2012), 1,033 research papers (average 6,000 words, with endnotes and bibliography) have been published from authors in forty-six states and thirty-eight other countries. The Concord Review remains the only quarterly journal in the world to publish the academic work of secondary students. Many authors have sent reprints of their papers with their college application materials, and have gone on to Berkeley (6), Brown (21), Columbia (13), Cornell (12), Dartmouth (10), Harvard (84), Oxford (10), Pennsylvania (14), Princeton (44), Stanford (26), Yale (65), and a number of fine institutions, including Amherst, Bryn Mawr, Caltech, Cambridge, Chicago, McGill, MIT, Smith, Trinity, Wellesley, Wesleyan, and Williams. Author must be in secondary school, and paper must not have been previously published except by the authors school. Analyze any history topic in around 4,000 to 6,000 words, though more or fewer could work. Mail a copy of your paper to The Concord Review. Papers

Eligibility Topic and Length Submission

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Process Submit To Website Contact Deadlines Prize Comments

must be written solely by the student and completed while that student is still in high school. It must not be published anywhere other than the students school paper. See website for further details. The Concord Review 730 Boston Post Road Suite 24 Sudbury, MA 01776, USA http://www.tcr.org/tcr/index.htm 800-331-5007 [email protected] Papers reviewed on a rolling basis. Your paper published in The Concord Review The Concord Review is the only quarterly journal that publishes academic papers by high school students.

FIRST FREEDOM STUDENT COMPETITION The First Freedom Student Competition is a first-semester Description
national essay and video contest. It offers high-school students an opportunity to compete for $2,500 awards as they examine the history and current-day relevance of religious freedom, and then, by written essay or video production, present their evaluation. The competition is open to students in the United States and U.S. territories, and to American schools and American home-schooled students worldwide. We invite 9th - 12th grade students at all levels of academic placement to participate. TBA Essays: http://www.firstfreedom.org/education/studentcomp/gui delines-essay.html Video: http://www.firstfreedom.org/education/studentcomp/gui delines-video.html http://www.firstfreedom.org/education/students.html [email protected] 804.643.1786 Must register and submit materials by mid-November. Essay: $2,500 Video: $2,500

Eligibility

Topic and Length Submission Process Website Contact Deadlines Prizes

JOHN F. KENNEDY PROFILE IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST The Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites high school Description
students to consider the concept of political courage by writing an essay on a U.S. official who has chosen to do
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Eligibility

Topic and Length Submission Process Submit To Website Contact

Deadlines Prize

what is right rather than what is expedient. A Profile in Courage essay is a carefully researched recounting of a story: the story of how an elected official risked his or her career to take a stand based on moral principles. All students in grades 9-12 attending a public, private, parochial school, home school or participating in a high school correspondence program in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories, or, if they are U.S. citizens attending schools overseas, are eligible. Students must right in no more than 1,000 words about an act of courage by an elected official that occurred during or after 1965. See website for details. Essays can be submitted online or via mail. Students who choose to submit online will have to fill out the registration form online. Those who send a hard copy must include the registration form along with two hard copies of the essay. See website for details. John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Profile in Courage Essay Contest Columbia Point Boston, MA 02125 http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education+and+Public+Progra ms/Profile+in+Courage+Award/Essay+Contest+for+High +School+Students/ John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Profile in Courage Essay Contest Columbia Point Boston, MA 02125 [email protected] Early January Prizes range from $500 to $10,000.

KNIGHT ESSAY CONTEST Description Eligibility Topic and Length Submit To Website
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The program is designed to give junior and senior students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history. This contest is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are United States citizens or legal aliens. Contestants must be attending public, parochial, or private high schools (including accredited home schools). The topic of the essay shall deal with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Students submit essays to their coordinators, who then submit them to the National Peace Essay Contest. http://www.sar.org/Youth/Knight_Essay

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Contact

Rev. Dr. Stan DeLong 3354 Mt. Carol Drive San Diego, CA 92111-4631 Email: [email protected] Contact information of local contacts is available at http://www.sar.org/Youth/Knight_Essay_Contacts Typically December 31 (check website as it varies by location) First place: $2,000; a winning recognition certificate and medal; airfare and one night hotel stay for the winner and a chaperone at the SAR Annual Congress (in Atlanta, GA in July 2009) Second Place: $1,000 Third Place: $ 500

Deadlines Prize

NATIONAL PEACE ESSAY CONTEST Description

Developments around the globe and at home challenge us to rethink the role of the United States in the international community. What is our nation's place in this increasingly complex global picture? How do we best promote respect for human rights and the growth of freedom and justice? What can we do to nurture and preserve international security and world peace? In the belief that questions about peace, justice, freedom, and security are vital to civic education, the National Peace Essay Contest seeks to expand educational opportunities for America's youth. Students are eligible to participate if they are in grades 912 in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school or participating in a high school correspondence program. Entries from homeschooled students are also accepted. Students must be in grades 9-12 at the Contest deadline. See website for details. Topic varies each year. Sample prompts include: In a 1500-word essay, state what you believe are the necessary elements for the development of fair, peaceful, or effective use of natural resources after a conflict. Analyze two case studies that illustrate your arguments by selecting two foreign conflicts in which natural resources have played a part. Of the two foreign conflict situations, at least one must have begun in or after 1990. Submit four stapled, legible, collated copies of your essay, along with the completed registration form, to your contest coordinator well in advance of the February 1

Eligibility

Topic and Length

Submission Process
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Submit To Website Contact Deadlines Prize

postmark deadline. Attach the student registration form (one copy only) to the top of your essay copies. Your coordinator will submit the essays to the Institute with the coordinator registration form. See website for full details. Students submit essays to their coordinators, who then submit them to the National Peace Essay Contest. http://www.usip.org/npec 1-202-457-1700 Early February $1,000 to each state winner $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place respectively at the national level All state winners compete nationally and are invited to an all-expenses-paid awards program in Washington, D.C.

THE JOSEPH S. RUMBAUGH HISTORICAL ORATION CONTEST The contest is designed to explore the influence of the Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

Revolutionary war on present day America. The preliminary rounds of the contest are held by Chapters and/or State Societies of the Sons of the American Revolution to select one winner from each participating state. In regions (SAR Districts) where no State Society sponsors an entrant, an SAR District entry is permitted. Prizes may be awarded to winners of Chapter and State Society (or District) competitions. All high school students in the public, parochial, private and home schools within the jurisdiction of the sponsoring state society or district. Chairman of the Rumbaugh Oration Contest c/o NSSAR Headquarters 1000 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40203-3208 http://www.sar.org/Youth/Oration_Contest_Rules Early rounds vary by state; the National Society competition between State Society winners takes place in June or July. First Place...$3,000 Second Place..$2,000 Third Place. $1,000 The above winners will also receive an Olympic-size medal. All other finalists..$300 All other national Contestants. $200

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US STATE DEPARTMENT DOORS TO DIPLOMACY CHALLENGE The U. S. Department of State sponsors the "Doors to Description

Diplomacy" educational challenge to encourage high school students around the world to produce web projects that teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. Students must create a website in one of eight categories: Leadership Traits, Peace and Democracy: Social Issues, Business, Trade, and Economics, Science and Technology, Safety and Security, History of Foreign Relations, Health and Environmental Awareness, and Arts and Culture. This competition is open to middle school or high school aged students who are at between the ages of 12 and 19. Universities and other institutions of higher learning are not eligible. Teams must have 2-4 members and 1-2 coaches. See website for full eligibility requirements. Dr. Yvonne Marie Andres Global SchoolNet 760-635-0001 [email protected] http://globalschoolnet.org/gsndoors/ Participants must be registered by the end of February. Projects must be completed by mid-March. Each student member of the two winning teamsone American and one internationalwill receive a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches schools will each receive a $500 cash reward.

Eligibility

Contact Website Deadline Prize

VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION The Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an Description Eligibility Topics
audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. Grades 9-12, but current high school seniors are ineligible. Historically, the theme (annually chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief) is purposely kept broad in scope to allow the participant flexibility in interpretation to encourage originality. Since the VFW is a patriotic organization, the annual theme always will be related to patriotism. Veterans of Foreign Wars & Ladies Auxiliary Kansas City, Missouri 816.968.1117 [email protected] http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/

Contact Website
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Deadline Prize

November 1 The first-place winner, who competes with all the firstplace VFW Department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship. (see website for more details)

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SCIENCE AND MATH

AbilityOne Design Challenge American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) High School Physics Photo Contest American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME) American Mathematics Contest 8 American Mathematics Contest 10 American Mathematics Contest 12 American Regions Math League (ARML) American Scholastic Mathematics Association Annual Math Contest Continental Mathematics League Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge Disease Detectives Event DNA Day Essay Contest DuPont Challenge Science Essay Awards Program Earthwatch Student Fellowship eCYBERMISSION Program ExploraVision Awards First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics Google Global Science Fair Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Intel Science Talent Search International BioGENEius Challenge International Biology Olympiad International Brain Bee International Chemistry Olympiad International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) International Physics Olympiad Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) Mandelbrot Math League Moody's Mega Math (M3) Challenge Mu Alpha Theta National Log 1 Contest National Internet Math Olympiad (NIMO) National Young Astronomer Award Physics Bowl Purple Comet! Math Meet Rocket City Math League Science Olympiad Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) US National Chemistry Olympiad

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USA Biology Olympiad USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) USA Physics Olympiad
Winning science and math awards are fairly straightforward. It usually begins with local science fairs, for most kids, during elementary school and theyve got the bug. Remember, there are plenty of local awards from those given by accounting firms to local colleges. As we mentioned in the introduction, the most prestigious awards at a national level are the Intel and the Siemens Westinghouse awards. Check to see if your high school or a neighboring high school sponsors students in their research efforts. Often having a strong mentor can improve your odds of winning a high level award. And seek out or create at your high school a new team or clubdoes your school have an Olympiad team? Then start one! The below web sites lay out the groundwork for starting your own chapter of a new club or competitive team.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS (AAPT) HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS PHOTO CONTEST The AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest helps Description
students learn about the physics behind natural and contrived situations by creating their own illustrations of various physical concepts. Students may submit photos to several categories: Natural Photos, which demonstrate physics concepts, Contrived Photos, which are set up to show one or several particular physics concepts, and Photos with Multiple Images (this category is not eligible for prizes). Photos are judged based on photo quality and the accuracy of the physics in the explanation which must accompany the photo. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible. Entries are limited to 15 per school per year. Photos must be mailed to: Tommi Holsenbeck 5062 County Rd 13 Hardaway, AL 36039

Eligibility Contact

Website Deadlines Prize

Questions should be directed to Tommi Holsenbeck. Email: [email protected] http://www.aapt.org/Programs/contests/photocontest.cf m Students may register and submit entries between March 1 and May 15. Top 3 students are eligible for cash prizes of up to $100.

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AMERICAN INVITATIONAL MATHEMATICS EXAM (AIME) The AIME is a 15 question, 3-hour examination in which Description

Eligibility

Contact Website Test Day Prize

each answer is an integer number from 0 to 999. The questions on the AIME are much more difficult than those on the AMCs and students are very unlikely to obtain the correct answer by guessing. As with the AMC 10 and AMC 12 (and the USAMO), all problems on the AIME can be solved by pre-calculus methods. The use of calculators is not allowed. Students who scored 100 or more (or were in the top 5% nationally) on the AMC 12 are eligible. All students who took the AMC 10 and had a score in the top 2.5% of all scorers or scorers with at least 120 points (whichever is more inclusive), also qualify. 1-800-527-3690 [email protected] http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e7-aime/aime.shtml AIME I: mid March, AIME II: early April A high score on the AIME plays a significant part in qualifying for the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad.

AMERICAN MATHEMATICS CONTEST 8 The AMC 8 is a 25 question, 40-minute multiple-choice Description

Eligibility Contact Website Test Day Prize Comments

examinations in junior high school (middle school) mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem solving skills. The examination provides an opportunity to apply the concepts taught at the junior high level to problems which not only range from easy to difficult but also cover a wide range of applications. Many problems are designed to challenge students and to offer problem-solving experiences beyond those provided in most junior high school mathematics classes. Calculators are not allowed. High scoring students are invited to participate in the AMC 10. All students 14.5 years old or younger on the day of the contest and in grades 6, 7 and 8 are eligible. 1-800-527-3690 [email protected] http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e4-amc08/amc8.shtml Tuesday in mid-November High scorers are recognized with a variety of certificates, and those who score 20 or better are invited to participate in AMC 10. A score of 20 or greater on the AMC 8 means an opportunity to participate in more AMCs during high school.

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AMERICAN MATHEMATICS CONTEST 10 The AMC 10 is a 25 question, 75-minute multiple-choice Description Eligibility Contact Website Test Day Prize

examination in secondary school mathematics containing problems which can be understood and solved with precalculus concepts. Calculators are not allowed. All students 17.5 years old or younger on the day of the contest and in grade ten or below are eligible. Students may take the exam more than once. 1-800-527-3690 [email protected] http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e5-amc10/amc10.shtml Contest A: mid-February Contest B: late February Those who score 100 or better are invited to participate in AMC 12. Those who score in the top 1% nationally (or at least 120) can participate in the American Invitational Mathematics Exam.

AMERICAN MATHEMATICS CONTEST 12 The AMC 12 is a 25 question, 75 minute multiple choice Description Eligibility Contact Website Test Day Prize

examination in secondary school mathematics containing problems which can be understood and solved with precalculus concepts. Calculators are not allowed. All students 19.5 years old or younger on the day of the contest and in high school are eligible. Students can take the exam more than once. 1-800-527-3690 [email protected] http://www.unl.edu/amc/e-exams/e6amc12/amc12.shtml Contest A: early February Contest B: mid-February Students who score in the top 5% nationally (or score at least 100) will be able to participate in the American Invitational Mathematics Exam.

AMERICAN REGIONS MATH LEAGUE (ARML) The American Regions Mathematics League's annual Description

competition brings together the nation's finest students. They meet, compete against, and socialize with one another, forming friendships and sharpening their mathematical skills. The competition consists of several events, which include a team round, a power question (in which a team solves proof-oriented questions), an individual round, two relay

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Eligibility Contact

Website Test Day Prize

rounds, and a super relay. Teams must be comprised of students enrolled in no higher than 12th grade and must be chosen from a welldefined geographical area; no two teams can contain students from overlapping areas. Steve Adrian, Executive Director [email protected] Mike Curry, Eastern Site Coordinator [email protected] Steve Condie, Midwestern Site Coordinator [email protected] Paul Dreyer, Western Site Coordinator [email protected] http://www.arml.com/ late May The top 10 individual scorers get $2,000 to $200.

AMERICAN SCHOLASTIC MATHEMATICS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MATH CONTEST This annual competition allows middle and high school Description

Eligibility Website Contact

Deadlines Prizes

students to compete nationally in mathematics with other high ability students. A series of six contests are administered at schools during the fall semester, and each school may submit the tests of their top 8 scoring participants. Each contest consists of a 35-minute written test. Students in grades 7-9 may compete in the Junior/Inter Division, and students in grades 9-12 may compete in the High School Division. http://www.asan.com/asma1.htm ASMA PO Box 564400 College Point, New York, USA 11356-4400 Richard Plass, Chairman, ASMA [email protected] July 1 entry deadline Certificates are awarded to the top student from each participating school. School-wide certificates are also awarded based on group performance.

CONTINENTAL MATHEMATICS LEAGUE The Continental Mathematics League provides several Description

annual contests that are administered at schools around the nation. Students in grades 9 and below may compete in the Pythagorean Division and the Euclidean Division,

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Eligibility Website Contact

Test Dates Prizes

while older students can participate in the Calculus League. These tests are a great way to improve your problem-solving skills, and the Calculus League in particular is great preparation for the AP Calculus AB exam. Students in grades 4-9 may participate in the Pythagorean and Euclidean Divisions. The Calculus League is geared towards older students enrolled in AP Calculus courses. http://www.continentalmathematicsleague.com/cml.html CML Box 2196 St. James, NY 11780 (631) 584-2016 [email protected] Tests are administered at several specific dates throughout the year. See website for details. National and regional awards are administered to recognize top performers.

DISCOVERY EDUCATION 3M YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

focused on these critical areas of everyday life. Contestants will be judged on their knowledge of science and their ability to apply it to areas of safety and security, their innovative ideas and thinking skills, and their ability to creatively communicate their innovative ideas. Students must create a 1-2 minute video describing a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem related to the way we move, keep ourselves healthy or make a difference. One student will win the coveted title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Is open to all legal U.S. residents who are students enrolled in 5th through 8th grade at a public, private, parochial, or home school located in one of the fifty states or the District of Columbia. Discovery Education, Inc., One Discovery Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910 [email protected] http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/13challenge/ind ex.html Student must be registered as described below and his/her video must be uploaded between December 20 and April 23. First place winner will be awarded $25,000 and a trip from Discovery Student Adventures. Prizes are also awarded to finalists and runners-up.

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DISEASE DETECTIVES EVENT Description

This annual competition gives students the exciting chance to apply principles of epistemology to solving real-life health problems. Participating as individuals or in pairs, students are presented with potential health crisis. They must then use their related knowledge of epidemiology and other sciences to perform various tasks related to this crisis. Tasks might include calculating measures of disease risk, explaining possible causes, or explaining appropriate response measures. This event is sponsored by the Science Olympiad and the CDC. This competition offers separate competitions for students in high school and middle school. http://www.soinc.org/disease_detectives_c Karen L. Lancour 312 W. Bosley Alpena, Michigan 49707 [email protected] Dates may vary as the event is hosted by many locations. See website for details.

Eligibility Website Contact Contest Dates

DNA DAY ESSAY CONTEST Description

The contest aims to challenge students to examine, question, and reflect on the important concepts of genetics. Essays are expected to contain substantive, wellreasoned arguments indicative of a depth of understanding of the concepts related to the essay questions. Essays must be submitted electronically. Students in grades 9-12 are welcome to enter. Essays are limited to 750 words, not including references. http://www.ashg.org/education/dnadaycontest.shtml Mike Dougherty Director Education Phone: (301) 634-7304 [email protected] Mid-March 1st Place Winner: 2nd Place Winner: 3rd Place Winner: Honorable Mention: $1,000 + teacher receives a $1,000 grant for laboratory genetics equipment. $600 + teacher receives a $600 grant for laboratory genetics equipment. $400 + teacher receives a $400 grant for laboratory genetics equipment. 10 prizes of $100 each.

Eligibility Website Contact Deadlines Prize

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DUPONT CHALLENGE SCIENCE ESSAY COMPETITION The DuPont Challenge offers students the chance to write Description

Eligibility Website Contact

Deadlines Prize

an essay on a scientific discovery, theory, event, or technological application that has captured their interest. The range of possible essay subjects is as broad as science itself. Students in grades 7-12 are welcome to enter. Essays must be between 700 and 1,000 words in length. http://www.thechallenge.dupont.com/ The DuPont Challenge DuPont Office of Education P.O. Box 80030 Wilmington, DE 19880-0030 [email protected] Late January More than $100,000 in prizes.

EARTHWATCH STUDENT FELLOWSHIP Earthwatch student fellows get to go on one Earthwatch Description

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expedition around the world to work with top scientists in the field. Youll learn how to do field research and help find answers to the most challenging environmental issues of our time - and youll be making a difference for endangered animals and their habitats. Students aged 16 or older who attend high school (or are officially enrolled in a home-school program) in the United States. http://www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/education/studentop p/stufel/ [email protected] 800-776-0188 Submit an online application before December 1. A Fellowship covers the full cost of your expedition, including all research costs, meals, housing, on site travel, etc.

ECYBERMISSION PROGRAM

Description

The eCYBERMISSION Program is an internet-based competition for students in grades 6-9 with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Students have the opportunity to compete, free of charge, for state, regional, and national awards. Participants work to solve problems in many areas, such as Alternative Sources of Energy, Environment, National Security and Safety, and

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Technology. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Army. Students in grades 6-9 are eligible. Students may compete in teams of 3-4 students and an advisor, who must be a coach, counselor, teacher, or leader in a youth organization. https://www.ecybermission.com/public/Login.aspx?Retur nUrl=%2fDefault.aspx (866) 426-9237 [email protected] State SJWP entries are due by mid-April. State winners must modify their research papers to meet the National Paper Guidelines, and submit them to the National Competition by mid-May. State Award Winners are eligible for savings bonds of up to $1,000. Regional Award Winners will receive a $2,000 savings bond and an expense-paid trip to compete for the National Award. First-Place National Winners receive a $5,000 savings bond.

EXPLORAVISION AWARDS Description

Designed for K12 students of all interest, skill and ability levels, ExploraVision encourages kids to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science. To enter ExploraVision, students work in groups of two, three or four simulating a real research and development (R&D) team. A teacher serves as team coach, and you can also choose an optional mentor. Entrants must be United States or Canadian citizens or legal residents, living within the United States, U.S. Territories or Canada. Entrants must also be full-time students, in grades K-12, currently enrolled and attending a public, private or home school. No entry fee! 1-800-EXPLOR9 Or via the website http://www.exploravision.org/ Teams must be registered and entries received by January 31. Entries must be mailed to: Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards, 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000 First Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $10,000* at maturity for each student. Second Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $5,000* at maturity for each student. Regional Prize (24 teams): A Toshiba notebook computer for each regional winning school, and a special gift for each student, teacher and mentor
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FIRST STEP TO NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS First Step to Nobel Prize in Physics is an annual Description

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international competition in research projects in physics. All secondary (high) school students regardless of the country, nationality etc. are eligible for competition. There are no restrictions concerning the subject matter of the papers, their level, methods applied etc. All these are left to the participants' choice. The papers, however, have to have a research character and deal with physics topics or topics directly related to physics. All high school students are welcome to compete as long as they are not more than 20 years old on the paper due date. Total volume of each submitted paper should not exceed to 25 pages. Dr. Yohanes Surya [email protected] Dr. Dorota Klinger phone: +48 22 116 3252; fax: +48 22-8430926; [email protected] http://www.ifpan.edu.pl/firststep/ See website Winners are invited for a month of research at the Institute of Physics in Poland, or to a cooperating institution.

GOOGLE GLOBAL SCIENCE FAIR Description

Google is looking for the brightest young scientists from around the world to submit interesting, creative projects that are relevant to the world today. Are human beings born curious, or can curiosity be nurtured through environment, competition or a good teacher? Everyones got a questionthats ours. But were sure youve got tons of questions, too. Today, were inviting students around the world to pose their most pressing questions about the world around them and answer those questions through scientific inquiry. Along with our partners CERN, The LEGO Group, National Geographic and Scientific American, today were launching the second annual Google Science Fair, the largest online science competition in the world, open globally to students ages 13-18. Either individually or in teams of up to three people, students pose a question, develop a hypothesis and conduct science experiments to test it. The entire process is detailed and submitted online, via a website template participants fill out, so all you need to participate is curiosity and an internet connection.

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Ages between 13 and 18 can enter http://www.google.com/intl/en/events/sciencefair/forum. html http://www.google.com/intl/en/events/sciencefair/index. html Early April

HARVARD-MIT MATHEMATICS TOURNAMENT The Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) is a Description

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Contact Website Test Day

biannual math tournament for high school students, held at MIT and at Harvard in alternate years. It is run exclusively by MIT and Harvard students. Most of the organizers participated in math contests in high school and they try to incorporate what they liked best about those competitions into HMMT. HMMT is now held both in November and February. The November competition is open to teams and students from throughout the country. Participants in the February competition must all take the same, largely proof-based test. Every school may register up to 3 teams of 6-8 individuals. The event is intended for high school students, but any student not yet in high school who wishes to compete is welcome to come. A team may include students from different schools and home schooled students. [email protected] http://web.mit.edu/hmmt/www/ Competitions are held in November and February.

HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICAL CONTEST IN MODELING The HiMCM is designed to provide students with an Description Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize
opportunity to work as a team in a contest that will stimulate and improve their mathematical problemsolving efficiency as a well as their writing skills. The contest is open to all secondary schools. 1-800-77-COMAP http://www.comap.com/highschool/contests/ The HiMCM is held in November. Students compete for Successful Participant, Honorable Mention, Meritorious, or Outstanding certificates.

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INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR (ISEF) The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the Description
worlds largest international pre-college science competition, annually provides a forum for more than 1,500 high school students from over 40 countries to showcase their independent research. The ISEF is the premiere science competition in the world exclusively for students in grades 912.

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Contact

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Each year, millions of students worldwide compete in local and school-sponsored science fairs; the winners of these events go on to participate in ISEF-affiliated regional and state fairs from which the best win the opportunity to attend the ISEF. The ISEF unites these top young scientific minds, showcasing their talent on an international stage, enabling them to submit their work to judging by doctoral level scientistsand providing the opportunity to compete for nearly $4 million in prizes and scholarships. Any student in grades 9-12 or equivalent may participate who has not reached the age of 21 by May 1 before the start of the ISEF. Students must qualify for each level of the fair. See website for full rules regarding eligibility and limitations of projects and how to find your local fair. Society for Science & the Public 1719 N Street N.W. Washington, DC 20036 202-785-2255 [email protected] http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/index.asp Mid-May Around $4 million in prizes and scholarship are given to the winners.

INTEL SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH Description

The Science Talent Search (STS) is Americas oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. The competition provides a national stage for Americas best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists. The Intel STS is open to high school seniors. See website for details. Intel Science Talent Search Society for Science & the Public 1719 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

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[email protected] http://www.societyforscience.org/sts/ Entries must be received by mid-November. Projects will be presented in early March. Winners receive scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.

INTERNATIONAL BIOGENEIUS CHALLENGE This challenge allows students to submit original projects Description

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and research related to biotechnology. Students must first compete at the local or at-large level, and outstanding submissions then advance to the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge, and finally the International BioGENEius Challenge. Students must be in grades 9-12 (homeschooled students may also participate) and currently enrolled in biology or other science-related courses. http://www.biotechinstitute.org/programs/9 (202) 312.9292 [email protected] See website International competition winners are eligible to receive scholarships and other awards

INTERNATIONAL BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a competition Description
for secondary school students. Their skills in tackling biological problems, and dealing with biological experiments are tested. Interest in biology, inventiveness, creativity and perseverance are necessary. In bringing together gifted students, the IBO tries to challenge and stimulate these students to expand their talents and to promote their career as scientists. Every participating country sends four students, who are the winners of the respective national competitions. They are to be accompanied by two team leaders as representatives of each country. American students who participate in the IBO are the winners of the USA Biology Olympiad. Dr. Tom! Soukup 420 241 062 544 [email protected] Ms. Olina Kralikova 420 246 088 249 [email protected]

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http://www.ibo-info.org/ Mid-July Winning a medal at the IBO is an incredible achievement and sets you apart as one of the best high school biology students in the world.

INTERNATIONAL BRAIN BEE Description

The Brain Bee is a program designed especially to stimulate high school students to learn about neuroscience. By participating, high school students learn about the brain and its vital function in our lives. They gain an appreciation for neuroscience that might one day lead them to become neurologists or neuroscientists to treat and conquer the very diseases covered in the Brain Bees. Competitors must be enrolled in high school and not younger than 13 or older than 19. Local contacts can be found through this page: http://www.internationalbrainbee.com/local.html Questions about the International Brain Bee can be directed to Dr. Norbert Myslinski. [email protected] http://www.internationalbrainbee.com/for_highschool.ht ml Local and national Brain Bee competitions take place throughout the year. The International Brain Bee Championship takes place in mid-July. Prizes include scholarships, trips, trophies, and a research assignment. The overall winner receives $3,000, a summer research fellowship, and a trip to Washington for the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

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INTERNATIONAL CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD The International Chemistry Olympiad is a chemistry Description

Eligibility

competition for the worlds most talented chemistry students at the secondary school level. Each year, nations around the world send four of their brightest chemistry students to compete in a 10-day competition, which includes a five-hour laboratory practical and a five-hour written theoretical examination. The IChO competitions help develop and enhance friendly relations among young people from different countries, helping to promote international contacts in chemistry and encouraging international cooperation and understanding. Students who represent the United States at the IChO are selected from the 20 winners of the US National Chemistry Olympiad.

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portal.acs.org/portal/Navigate?nodeid=528 Ms Zsfia Nikodmusz Institute of Chemistry, Etvs Lornd University Pzmny Pter stny 1/A H-1117 Budapest +36-1-372-29-10 Email: [email protected] Early July Winning a medal at the IChO sets you apart as one of the brightest high school chemistry students in the world.

INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD (IMO) Each year since 1974, a small team of exceptionally Description

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talented high school students has represented the United States at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), a rigorous two-day competition including problems that would challenge most professional mathematicians. In addition to comprehensive mathematical knowledge, success on the IMO requires truly exceptional mathematical creativity and inventiveness. The six students who represent the US in the IMO are chosen from the top 12 scorers on the USAMO. 1-800-527-3690 [email protected] http://www.imo-official.org Typically takes place in July; see website for details. Simply attending the IMO is an enormous accomplishment, and a student who earns a medal there is one of the best high school math students in the world.

INTERNATIONAL PHYSICS OLYMPIAD IPhO is the premier international competition for high Description

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school physics students. It provides a great opportunity for young people to demonstrate their abilities in physics, to exchange knowledge and to enhance cross-cultural contacts in high-school education. Students who represent the U.S. at the International Physics Olympiad are picked from the winners of the USA Physics Olympiad. [email protected] http://ipho.phy.ntnu.edu.tw Mid-July Winning a medal at the IPhO sets you apart as one of the top high school physics students in the world.

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JUNIOR SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES SYMPOSIA (JSHS) This is an excellent opportunity for students to present Description

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their original research in science, technology, engineering, and math to a panel of judges. Participating students also get to take part in hands-on activities such as workshops, research lab visits, and panel discussions. All students in grades 9-12, and homeschooled students within this age range, are eligible to participate. http://www.jshs.org 24 Warren Street Concord, NH 03301 (603) 228-4520 [email protected] See website National finalists receive scholarships of up to $12,000. Regional finalists are eligible to receive scholarships of up to $2,000 and an expense-paid trip to participate in the National JSHS.

MANDELBROT Description
The Mandelbrot Competition takes place in five rounds spaced throughout the school year. Each round consists of seven short-answer questions valued by difficulty at one, two, or three points. The questions on the Mandelbrot Competition cover a variety of non-calculus topics such as algebra, geometry, exponents, probability, and a few others such as number theory or classical inequalities. The tests last forty minutes and are graded by the school coordinator, who then enters scores at the web site. Schools either compete at the regional or national level. The contest is open students across the world in grades 912. Questions may be submitted through the website. http://www.mandelbrot.org Students must register by late December. The Mandelbrot competition is held through the year. There is also a team competition in the winter months. See website for details. Students compete for ribbons according to their performance.

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MATH LEAGUE Description

Over 1 million students from the United States and Canada participate in Math League Contests each year. The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests. Schools compete in statewide or multi-state league competitions. Students in each league compete for the highest scores, while schools compete for the highest team score: the total of the top 5 scores in each school. These contests consist of six High School Contests each year, with six questions per contest. There are six score reports per year for each league, showing each participating school's team scores, high scoring schools and students, and students with a perfect score. Problems draw from a wide range of high school topics: geometry, algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, series, sequences, exponents, roots, integers, real numbers, combinations, probability, coordinate geometry, and more. No knowledge of calculus is required to solve any of these problems. All high school students at accredited schools are welcome to compete. [email protected] http://www.mathleague.com See website for league schedule.

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MOODYS MEGA MATH (M3) CHALLENGE The Internet-based contest gives student teams 14 hours to Description Eligibility
solve a realistic problem using critical thinking and mathmodeling skills, with the help of freely available information from the web or other inanimate resources. Minimum of three students, maximum of five, all from the same school. High schools located in the following states are eligible to participate in M3 Challenge 2012: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Online http://m3challenge.siam.org/

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Michelle Montgomery Phone: 267-350-6368 Students must register by mid-February; the competition takes place in early March. Teams that are judged to have submitted the best solution papers receive special recognition in the form of tuition scholarships for college education. M3 Challenge Champions (Summa Cum Laude Team Prize) $20,000 3 M Challenge Runner Up (Magna Cum Laude Team Prize) $15,000 3 M Challenge Third Place (Cum Laude Team Prize) $10,000 3 M Challenge Fourth Place (Meritorious Team Prize) $7,500 3 M Challenge Fifth Place (Exemplary Team Prize) $5,000 3 M Challenge Sixth Place (First Honorable Mention Team Prize) $2,500

MU ALPHA THETA NATIONAL LOG 1 CONTEST A pen-and-paper format test in three rounds, including Description Eligibility Submission Website Contact Deadlines Prize

topic tests (choice between circles or matrices in round one and choice between geometry or number theory in round two) and an individual test. Participation is restricted to schools with active Mu Alpha Theta chapters. All students at the school may participate in the contest, but only Full or Associate members of Mu Alpha Theta are eligible for prizes. Teachers register their schools. http://www.mualphatheta.org/Contests/Log1.aspx [email protected] 405-325-4489 Round 1: December 1 Round 2: January 1 Round 3: February 1 The top ten students in each division in each region will win a plaque. The top ten schools in each region will win plaques.

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NATIONAL INTERNET MATH OLYMPIAD (NIMO) NIMO offers a monthly math contest, a summer math Description

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contest, and a winter math contest for teams of high school students. Each contest includes 8 questions, ranging from easier to vary challenging, and students work collaboratively with their teams to solve each problem. Students must be in grade 12 or below. See website for details. http://www.internetolympiad.org/index.php NIMO P.O. Box 988 Pleasanton, CA 94566 [email protected] Varies by contest; see website. Amazon.com gift cards are awarded to top scorers.

NATIONAL YOUNG ASTRONOMER AWARD To encourage students, the Astronomical League has Description

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established the National Young Astronomer Award. N.Y.A.A. is designed to recognize the outstanding achievements by high school aged astronomers throughout the United States. Eligible candidates are US citizens or enrolled in a US secondary school aged 14-19 and not enrolled in college. Students must submit an application package, which includes an application form, a summary of astronomyrelated activities, and optional exhibits. See website for details. http://www.astroleague.org/al/awards/nyaa/noya.html 816-444-4878 [email protected] Postmarked by the end of January. Winner receives a $3,000 Meade telescope and a trip to the Astronomical Leagues national convention to receive the award.

PHYSICS BOWL Description

Each year, approximately 10,000 students take a 40question, 45-minute timed, multiple-choice test under their school's supervision. Exam questions are based on topics and concepts covered in a typical high school physics course. To enhance the distribution of awards, Division I is for first-year students and Division II is for second-year students. Schools compete within 15 designated regions throughout the country. Specialized
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math and science schools compete in their own region. All high school students are welcome to compete. The students school must complete an entry form and submit with payment by late March. See website for details. AAPT One Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740-3845 301-209-3340 [email protected] http://www.aapt.org/programs/contests/physicsbowl.cfm Exam will be given between early and mid-April. Winners will receive gift certificates to the AAPT store, Tshirts, and additional monetary awards.

PURPLE COMET! MATH MEET Description Eligibility

The Purple Comet! Math Meet is an annual, online team mathematics competition. Teams are given ten days to complete the contest, which contains 30 problems ranging from fairly easy to extremely challenging. Separate contests are offered for middle school and high school students. Teams must consist of 1-6 students. Teams are grouped into 4 categories: large school, small school, and mixed-team (students from different schools), and non-competitive. http://purplecomet.org (262) 477-9593 [email protected] Mid-April See website

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ROCKET CITY MATH LEAGUE Description Eligibility Website Contact Test Day Deadlines Prizes
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The Rocket City Math League is a student-run, international four round online math contest. Different contest levels, ranging from Pre-Algebra to Calculus, are offered. This competition is sponsored by Mu Alpha Theta. Middle school and high school students are eligible to participate. http://rocketcitymath.org [email protected] Contest rounds are held between late October and midMarch. See website. Top scorers receive trophies.

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SCIENCE OLYMPIAD Description

Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments. Science Olympiad events are designed to use a variety of intellectual and practical skills. Some events require a quick recall of specific facts, while others require concept development, a process skill, or an application of a specific concept. Some events require general knowledge while others require a specific skill. Others may require a student to build an apparatus. High school students participate in teams of up to fifteen students. Check website for details. Science Olympiad 2 Trans Am Plaza Drive, Suite 415 Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181 630-792-1251 For the e-mail address of your state director, see website here: http://soinc.org/state_directors_list http://www.soinc.org/ Check website for schedule: http://soinc.org/event_info Prizes vary with different regional tournaments.

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SIEMENS COMPETITION IN MATH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology Description

Eligibility Contact

recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school. The Siemens Competition is open to American students in grades 9-12. Seniors may compete individually, other students in teams of two or three. See website for details. Siemens Foundation 170 Wood Ave South Iselin, NJ 08830 877-822-5233 [email protected]

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http://www.siemens-foundation.org/en/competition.htm Entries due by October 1, competitions held in November and December. Winners receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

USA BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD Description

competition in biology in the United States. The USA Biology Olympiad focuses on stimulating young scholars' intellectual curiosity and developing their critical thinking skills in biological reasoning. The Mission of the USA Biology Olympiad is to encourage excellence in biology education throughout the United States. It propels American high school students and their teachers toward the gold standard in biology. All United States high school students who are American citizens or permanent residents are eligible. Students must register by late January. Center for Excellence in Education 8201 Greensboro Dr, Suite 215 McLean, VA 22102 703-448-9062 [email protected] http://www.usabo-trc.org Students must register by mid-January. The USA Biology Olympiad contest has many tiers. The Open Examination is administered in early February, the semi-finals take place in March, and the National Finals are in early June. See website for the full schedule. Winners are invited to represent the USA at the International Biology Olympiad.

The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is a premier

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD (USAMO) The USAMO (United States of America Mathematics Description
Olympiad) provides a means of identifying and encouraging the most creative secondary mathematics students in the country. It serves to indicate the talent of those who may become leaders in the mathematical sciences of the next generation. The USAMO is a six-question, two-day, nine-hour essay/proof examination. All problems can be solved with pre-calculus methods. Approximately 500 of the top scoring AMC participants (based on a weighted average) are invited to take the

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USAMO. U. S. citizens and students legally residing in the United States and Canada (with qualifying scores) are eligible to take the USAMO. 1-800-527-3690 [email protected] http://amc.maa.org/usamo/usamo.shtml Late April (see website) Even participation in the USAMO represents a significant achievement. The top 12 scorers attend a two-day Olympiad Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC. Half of them represent the United States in the International Mathematics Olympiad.

USA MATHEMATICAL TALENT SEARCH (USAMTS) The USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) is a free Description

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mathematics competition primarily funded by the National Security Agency, which has funded the program since 1992. As opposed to most mathematics competitions, the USAMTS allows students a full month to work out their solutions. Carefully written justifications are required for each problem. The problems range in difficulty from being within the reach of most high school students to challenging the best students in the nation. Students may use any materials books, calculators, and computers but all the work must be their own. The USAMTS is run on the honor system - it is an individual competition, whose competitive role is very secondary. The contest is open to all United States middle school and high school students. (619) 445-0112 [email protected] http://www.usamts.org/ Test must be postmarked by early March. Students compete for book, software, subscriptions to math journals, and partial tuition to Canada/USA Mathcamp.

US NATIONAL CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad is a multi-tiered Description

competition that brings together the countrys most talented high school students to test their knowledge and skills in chemistry. Each year more than 10,000 high school students nationwide take local exams hoping to compete in the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad. The top 20 students from the national exam participate at a study camp, held each June at the U.S. Air Force Academy in
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Colorado, and four are chosen for the U.S. team to compete in the International Chemistry Olympiad All American high school students who will not graduate until spring of the national competition year are eligible. American Chemical Society 1155 Sixteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 [email protected] (800) 227-5558 (US) (202) 872-4600 (Worldwide) http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true &_pageLabel=PP_TRANSITIONMAIN&node_id=528&us e_sec=false&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=185e5f87f720-4753-8ce4-1efcd2f139d6 Local exams administered in March and the national competition is administered in April; see website for more details. Winners are invited to attend Olympiad Study Camp in Colorado and earn a chance to participate in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

USA PHYSICS OLYMPIAD Description

The USA Physics Olympiad is a contest put on by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP). This multi-tiered competition is designed to pick the students who will represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad Competition. The USA Physics Olympiad is open to American high school students. AAPT Programs and Conferences Department (301) 209-3344 [email protected]. https://aapt.org/physicsteam/2013/ You must register by December for a paper copy of the exam, by January for a PDF copy. The first exam will be given in late January or early February. See website. Winners of the semi-final exam participate in a training camp and earn a chance to represent the U.S. at the International Physics Olympiad.

Eligibility Contact Website Test Day Prize

YOUNG NATURALIST AWARDS Description

The Young Naturalist Awards is an inquiry-based competition for students in grades 7-12 that helps to promote both communication and participation in the sciences. Its sponsored by the Museum of Natural History in New York, but open to students in any city/state.
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Eligibility

Contact

Website Test Day Prize

Students in grades 7-12 and are currently enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or home school in the U.S., Canada, the U.S. territories, or citizens in a U.S.-sponsored school abroad, are eligible to enter. Sons and daughters of Alcoa Corp. and American Museum of Natural History employees or consultants are not eligible to enter the Young Naturalist Awards Young Naturalist Awards Administrator National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024-5192 212-496-3498 [email protected] http://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/young-naturalistawards Submissions due by March 1. 12 cash awards, 2 for each grade level, will be awarded to the authors of the winning essays. The winning entries will be published on the Museum's website. The teachers of the top 12 winners will receive resources for their classrooms.

Science Fair Listings

Most of our top science students have had experience winning science fairs during high school. Entering and winning your local science fair is a great way to receive local media attention and the opportunity to take your project or invention to the next level. WhizKids, a nonprofit company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has compiled a listing of science fairs in many states and provinces. You can also go online for updated links to over 400 local, regional, national, and international state fairs: http://physics.usc.edu/ScienceFairs/

Helpful Math and Science Resources

Discovery Education Science Fair Central This website offers ideas, guidelines, and resources for Science Fair projects http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/ Lemels N-MIT Inventors Handbook This is a helpful tool for the aspiring inventor; the site includes useful information about innovation, intellectual property, and patents. http://web.mit.edu/invent/h-main.html

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Art of Problem Solving This website offers an abundance of resources for math lovers, including links to online classes, interesting math-related books, an online forum of problem solvers, and free math learning videos. http://www.artofproblemsolving.com Home School Math Contests This website provides comprehensive listings of national and regional math contests and many useful math resources. Unlike its name might suggest, this website is geared towards public and private students as well as homeschooled students. http://homeschoolmathcontests.com/page.php?6

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COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

American Computer Science League (ACSL) EngineerGirl! Essay Contest FIRST Robotics Competition International Bridge Building Competition InventTeams NASA Space Settlement Contest National Engineering Design Challenge Real World Design Challenge Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) West Point Bridge Design Competition
Weve said it before, research local opportunities for recognition if you are a computer science or engineering whiz. For instance, The Capital Science & Engineering Fair was established to provide high school students from South Central Wisconsin the opportunity to showcase their research. The state of Texas has allocated funds towards fostering high school students achievements in technology. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded nine grants totaling nearly $2 million for the Texas Youth in Technology Strategic Workforce Development initiative. Weve also encouraged students who are interested in deepening their expertise in computer science to get their A+ certification as it validates the latest computer skills. Its a professional certification with a focus on technical issues. http://certification.comptia.org/Training/testingcenters.aspx. Computer science is typically one of the most underrepresented fields in liberal arts colleges, so if you love computers, pursue your area of interest through programming and special courses and certifications to show that youve gone above and beyond.

AMERICAN COMPUTER SCIENCE LEAGUE (ACSL) ACSL organizes computer science contests and computer Description
programming contests for junior and senior high school students. This year is their 30th year of continuous operation, and over 200 teams in the United States, Canada and Europe are participating. The ACSL welcomes participation from registered students at all pre-college schools around the world. [email protected] (401) 822-4312 http://www.acsl.org/ Four contests are held each year at each participating school.

Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day

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Contest 1: December Contest 2: February Contest 3: March Contest 4: April There is also a yearly All-Star contest held at one site in May. Invitations are based on cumulative team scores. Plaques will be given to top scorers by geographic region, and prizes will be given to winners at the All-Star competition.

Prize

ENGINEERGIRL! ESSAY CONTEST Description Eligibility

Write an essay which addresses the requirements in the contest description. Essays should be clearly written. They may be shorter than, but should not exceed, the word limit listed in the contest description. The contest is open to individual girls and boys in each of three categories (Choose your category by grade level unless you are unsure of your grade): 3rd grade to 5th grade (Ages 8-11) 6th grade to 8th grade (Ages 12-14) 9th grade to 12th grade (Ages 15-18)

Contact

Website Deadline Prize

EngineerGirl Website National Academy of Engineering 500 Fifth Street, NW, Rm 1047 Washington, DC 20001 [email protected] http://www.engineergirl.org/ All submissions are due March 1. First-place winners will be awarded $500. Second-place entries will be awarded $250. Third-place entries will be awarded $100. Honorable Mention entries will not receive a cash reward but will be published on the EngineerGirl! website.

FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION Description

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of

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Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

engineers and other professionals. "The varsity Sport for the Mind," FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Its as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Students participate in teams of 10-20 high school-aged participants. See website for details. [email protected] Regional contact information is available at http://www.usfirst.org/regional-contacts http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc Competitions take place in March and April. Students compete for a variety of scholarships, including the $5,000 Clarke Scholarship awarded to graduating seniors.

INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE BUILDING COMPETITION Participants in this contest compete to design, construct, Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prizes

and test the most efficient bridge possible using a standardized set of materials. Students compete first at the regional level, and finalists move on to the international contest in Chicago. See region locator for specific regional contest information http://bridgecontest.phys.iit.edu/public/regions/ Professor John Kallend, Illinois Institute of Technology [email protected] http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/index.htm Regional contest details: http://bridgecontest.phys.iit.edu/public/regions/ See website for international contest information See website

INVENTEAMS Description
The InvenTeams initiative, sponsored by MIT, is a wonderful, hands-on opportunity for students interested in invention. InvenTeams, groups of participating students, teachers, and mentors, are eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000 to develop a solution to the realworld problem of their choice. Encourage your teachers and fellow classmates to team up and participate in this unique opportunity! Teams may include 5-15 high school students

Eligibility
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Contact

Website Deadline Contest Dates Prizes

77 Massachusetts Ave Building 10-110 Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 452-2147 [email protected] http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/about.html Initial application deadline is in early April; InvenTeam grant recipients are announced in late September Finals are held in mid-February As many as 15 grants of up to $10,000 are awarded each year.

NASA SPACE SETTLEMENT CONTEST The NASA Space Settlement Contest in an opportunity for Description Eligibility

Contact

high school students to submit a detailed plan for a real, functional, orbital space colony. The contest is open to students in grades 6-12 from all over the world. With the exception of the grand prize, students in grades 6-9 will be judged separately from students in grades 10-12. Students may enter individually or as part of a team. See website for details. Entries must be sent to: NASA Ames Research Center Al Globus/Mail Stop 262-4 Bldg. 262, Rm. 277 Moffett Field, CA 94035-0001 Email: [email protected] http://settlement.arc.nasa.gov/Contest/ Received by mid-March All participants receive a certificate. The grand prize winners submission will be placed on the NASA Ames website.

Website Deadline Prize

TESTS OF ENGINEERING APTITUDE, MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE (TEAMS) TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Description

Science) is an annual high school competition that challenges students to work collaboratively as they apply their math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways to solve real everyday engineering problems. Focused on a theme each year, original academic and innovative concepts are developed for the competition based on the National Academy of Engineerings Grand Challenges.

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Eligibility Contact

Website Test Day Prize

Engaging in the challenges requires critical job-readiness skills such as teamwork, analytical thinking, and multidimensional problem-solving. American high school students grades 9-12 who have found a coach and registered are welcome to compete. Teams may have 4-8 students. See website for more details. TSA 1914 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191-1540 Phone: 703.860.9000 Toll Free: 888.860.9010 Fax: 703.758.4852 [email protected] http://teams.tsaweb.org/teams/about/ Varies per location, typically between February and March (see website) The two 1st place 'Best Overall' teams (one per level) receive a $2,500 cash prize, team trophy, student medals and certificates.

REAL WORLD DESIGN CHALLENGE Description

The Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) is an annual high school competition run by a public-private partnership with the goal of sustainably increasing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. The partners are focused on working within the context of the American educational system to transform STEM education in the United States by providing professional science and engineering and learning resources to students and teachers. American high school students grades 9-12 Dr. Ralph K. Coppola 703-298-6630 [email protected] http://www.realworlddesignchallenge.org/index.php State: February (must register by mid-November) National: April National Award and recognition

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

TEAM AMERICA ROCKETRY CHALLENGE (TARC) The Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) is the Description

world's largest rocket contest, sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). Teams design, build and fly a model rocket that reaches a specific altitude and duration
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Eligibility

Contact Website Deadline Prize

determined by a set of rules developed each year. The contest is designed to encourage students to study math and science and pursue careers in aerospace. Teams of 3-10 students currently enrolled in grades 7 through 12. The application for a team must come from a single school or a single U.S. incorporated non-profit youth organization (excluding any rocket club or organization). [email protected] http://www.rocketcontest.org/contest_info.cfm Applications must be submitted by November 30. The top 100 finalists advance to the final round in early May. See website for details. Prizes include $60,000 in cash and scholarships split between the top 10 finishers. NASA invites top teams to participate in their Student Launch Initiative, an advanced rocketry program. AIA member companies, such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have sponsored additional prizes such as scholarship money and a trip to an international air show.

USA COMPUTING OLYMPIAD (USACO) The USACO supports pre-college computing around the Description

Eligibility Contact Website Test Day Prize

world through computer programming competitions and training materials. It holds six Internet Contests during the academic year, and in the late Spring conducts the US Open, a proctored exam. Based on the results of these contests, 16 students are invited to an all-expense-paid training camp in the early summer, where four students are selected to be the US Team at the International Olympiad in Informatics Participants must be American high school or junior high school students. Dr. Brian Dean, USACO Director http://www.usaco.org/ See website for schedule: http://www.usaco.org/index.php?page=contests The top 16 students are invited to attend and all-expensespaid training camp in the early summer and a chance to compete at the International Olympiad in Informatics.

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WEST POINT BRIDGE DESIGN CONTEST Using the online West Point Bridge Design Software, Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Contest Dates Prizes

students participate as individuals or pairs to design and test a virtual bridge. This contest is a great hands-on, interactive chance for students to learn about the engineering design process and computer-based problem solving. Anyone may participate, yet only students age 13 through grade 12 are eligible to receive prizes [email protected] http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/index.htm See website Qualifying Round- Mid-January Semi-Final Round- Early April Final Round- Early May Each member of the first place team receives a $10,000 scholarship, and each member of the second place team receives a $5,000 scholarship. All additional finalists receive a Netbook Computer.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE
ACL/NJCL National Greek Exam Japan Bowl National French Exam, Le Grand Concours National German Exam National Latin Exam National Spanish Exam Almost every state offers various foreign language awards to high school students from Florida Foreign Language Scholar of the Year to the Vermont Foreign Language Essay Contest. The Foreign Language Educators from New Jersey offer awards for seniors nominated by their teachers and Kansas offers the Ermal Garinger Scholarship for high school students. If languages are your scholarly area of interest, consider adding the study of linguistics to your plans. There are loads of self-guided learning opportunities available such as Understanding Linguistics: The Science of Language offered by The Teaching Company on DVD: http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=2270

ACL/NJCL NATIONAL GREEK EXAM The National Greek Exam offers students in high schools Description Eligibility Contact

Website Contest Day Prize

across the world to compete in a variety of Greek language categories. High school and college students from all over the world are eligible. See website for details. ACL/NJCL National Greek Examination The American Classical League Miami University Oxford, OH 45056 513-529-7741 [email protected] http://www.aclclassics.org/pages/nge-exams The exam is administered in early March. Students who earn purple or blue ribbons in upper level exams will be eligible to apply for one $1,000 scholarship.

JAPAN BOWL Description

The Japan Bowl is a national academic competition sponsored each spring by the Japan-America Society. It tests the achievements of high school students throughout the United States who are studying the Japanese language, including their knowledge of traditional and modern Japan. The format is modeled on a quiz show.

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Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

Each high school may send one team of two or three people. See website for complete eligibility details. (202) 833-2210 [email protected] http://www.us-japan.org/dc/japanbowl.php The competition takes place in early Spring. National champions win a trip to Japan.

NATIONAL FRENCH EXAM, LE GRAND CONCOURS Le Grand Concours, or the National French Contest, is a Description

Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

French event in the form of a 60-minute national test, designed, written, financed, and disseminated by the members of the American Association of Teachers of French. Its purpose is to help stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of French and to help identify and reward achievement on the part of both students and teachers. Le Grand Concours is open to French language students in grades 1-12. See the website or your French teacher for details. Lisa Narug, National Director [email protected] http://www.frenchteachers.org/concours/ The exam is administered in March. Prizes vary and include French DVDs, medals, books, etc. Outside groups also sponsor tutoring trips to France.

NATIONAL GERMAN EXAM Description Eligibility Contact

The National German Exam is administered each year to high school students on the second, third and fourth level of German language study for measurement, placement and diagnostic purposes. High school students taking German at level 2 or higher are eligible to take the test. American Association of Teachers of German 112 Haddontowne Court, # 104 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034-3668 856-795-5553 [email protected] http://www.aatg.org/programs/studentprograms/national-german-exam.html The exam is administered in December or January. Outstanding secondary students can compete for a threeto-four week study trip to Germany.

Website Contest Day Prize

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NATIONAL LATIN EXAM Description

The National Latin Exam is offered under the joint sponsorship of' the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League. More than 149,000 Latin students from all fifty states participate, as well as students from thirteen foreign countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. High school students who are enrolled in Latin or have completed a Latin course during the current academic year are eligible. The National Latin Exam University of Mary Washington 1301 College Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401 1-888-378-7721 [email protected] http://www.nle.org/ The exam is administered in mid-March. Students earn Gold, Silver, or other certificates according to their performance. Some Gold level scorers are eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship.

Eligibility Contact

Website Contest Day Prize

NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM Description

The National Spanish Examination is an online, standardized assessment tool given by over 3,800 teachers throughout the U.S. to measure proficiency and achievement of students who are studying Spanish as a second language. The mission of the NSE is to recognize student achievement and to promote language proficiency in the study of the Spanish. Secondary students of all public, parochial and private schools who are not foreign exchange students and whose teachers are members of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Stana Sukunda AATSP Office 900 Ladd Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 960-2180 [email protected] http://www.nationalspanishexam.org/ The exam is administered in March or April. See website. Students earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition according to their performance. Students from certain districts may be eligible for cash prizes.

Eligibility Contact

Website Contest Day Prize

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ENVIRONMENTAL
AFN International Young Eco Hero Award Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Lexus Eco Challenge Presidents Environmental Youth Awards U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize The study of environmental, earth, and ocean systems is a vital part of ensuring a healthy future for our planet and all its inhabitants. If the Earth and the environment are your scholarly area of interest, consider adding the study of the environment to your plans.

AFN INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ECO HERO AWARD Have you been working to preserve the world around you? Description
Have you been teaching others how to protect the environment? Have you been doing an environmental research project? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you are a Young Eco-Hero. All Eco-Heroes serve as role models, showing others that each individual is important and can make a difference. Young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have done creative environmental projects. Action For Nature 2269 Chestnut St. #263 San Francisco, CA 94123 U.S.A. Phone: 415-513-2421 Fax: 415-922-5717 [email protected] http://www.actionfornature.org/eco-hero-awards Mid-January The winners of AFNs International Young Eco-Hero Awards program receive a cash prize and a special certificate, as well as public recognition on our Web site and elsewhere.

Eligibility Contact

Website Deadline Prize

GLORIA BARRON PRIZE FOR YOUNG HEROES The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors Description

outstanding young leaders who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Their leadership and courage make them true heroesand inspirations to us all. Each year, the Barron Prize honors twenty-five young people nationwide. Half of the winners have focused on helping their communities and fellow
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Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

beings; half have focused on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. The goal of the Barron Prize is to celebrate such heroic young peopleand to inspire others to do their part. Like the woman for whom the prize was namedmy mother, Gloria Barronthese young people demonstrate the power of one person to make a difference to the world. Nominees, who may range in age from 8 to 18 years old, must have been the prime mover of a service activity, and demonstrated positive spirit and high moral purpose in accomplishing their goals. The Barron Prize 545 Pearl Street Boulder, Colorado 80302 [email protected] http://www.barronprize.org/ End of April $2,500 to be applied to their higher education or to their service project a recognition plaque a certificate of recognition a signed copy of The Hero's Trail, by Barron Prize founder T.A. Barron a copy of Dream Big, our new documentary film featuring several Barron Prize winners a heroes study guide, curriculum, and bibliography the opportunity to be paired with an adult mentor who is passionate about and working in the winner's area of interest the opportunity to connect with other Barron Prize winners through the Young Heroes Listserv

LEXUS ECO CHALLENGE

Description Eligibility Contact Website Deadline Prize

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The Lexus Eco Challenge is a life-changing opportunity for teens across the nation to make a difference in the environmental health of our planet, one community at a time. Land/Water and Air/Climate categories. Students must enter the contest in a team consisting of at least five (5) but no more than ten (10) Students (each a "Team") and up to (2) teacher advisors ("Teacher Advisor"). [email protected] http://www.scholastic.com/lexus/ Varies per category, with the Final Challenge taking place from January-February. See website for details. Sixteen (16) prizewinning Teams will each win $10,000!

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PRESIDENTS ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS Since 1971, EPA has sponsored the President's Description

Eligibility Submission Process Submit To Website Contact Deadlines

Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA). The program recognizes young people across America for projects which demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Projects submitted in the past have covered a wide range of subject areas including recycling programs in schools and communities; construction of nature preserves; major tree planting programs; videos, skits, and newsletters created by students that focused on environmental issues; and environmental science projects. Weve had 2 students win this award and ultimately meet the President of the United States. Student must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States in grades K-12. Project must be sponsored by an adult. Students must submit a completed application along with evidence of a completed project. See website for details. Contact regional organizers through the following site for submission details: http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/contacts1.html#regions http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/index.html Contact information for each of the 10 regional coordinators is available through the website at http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/contacts1.html#regions and on the downloadable application form. End of December

U.S. STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a prestigious award Description

Eligibility

Website Contact Deadlines

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for young students who have completed a water-related science project. This contest seeks to tap into the potential of todays youth in solving the worlds current and future water challenges. Projects must be focused on local, regional, national, or global issues and must be conducted with a research-oriented approach. All students in grades 9-12 (ages 15-20) who have completed a water-science project are eligible to participate. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to 3 students. Entries must first be submitted to the U.S. SJWP state competition round. http://www.wef.org/sjwp/ [email protected] State SJWP entries are due by mid-April. State winners must modify their research papers to meet

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Prize

the National Paper Guidelines, and submit them to the National Competition by mid-May. All National Finalists receive a $1,000 scholarship, and the National Winner receives a $10,000 scholarship and an expense-paid trip to compete in the international competition in Stockholm, Sweden.

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UNIQUE CONTESTS
American Red Cross High School Video Contest Global Student Entrepreneur Awards HALO Award Harvard Prize Book Program Kids Philosophy SLAM National Forensic League National Speech and Debate Tournament National High School Chess Championships NCEE/Goldman Sachs Foundation National Economics Challenge The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurships World Series of Innovation NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award Optimists International Essay Contest Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Rotary Club Awards United States Senate Youth Program US Academic Decathlon US Go Congress US Nationals Rubiks Cube Competition
Colleges love kids who stand out in unusual ways. We had a student who not only demonstrated to us in person how he could solve any Rubiks cube problem in short order, but he wrote a new algorithm for solving it which he published on a web site (he got into Harvard). Another one of our students was passionate about the game of Go and competed throughout the NY and tri-state area, scheduling competitions all around the state. He also started a Go team at his school and competed at a high level. He was accepted to Cal Tech, MIT, Stanford, and a host of other schools who were impressed by his somewhat offbeat interests. The more unusual your talent, the better.

AMERICAN RED CROSS HIGH SCHOOL VIDEO CONTEST This contest allows students to exhibit their filmmaking Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadline

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and public speaking talents while supporting the American Red Cross! Each entrant must produce a High School Blood Donor Recruitment Video which illustrates the need for blood, educates potential donors, and exhibits how their own school supports blood donation. Open to students from Pennsylvania and New Jersey whose schools that participate in an American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Drive. American Red Cross Marketing/Communications Department 700 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 http://www.redcrossblood.org/info/pennjersey/20122013-high-school-video-contest Late April

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Prizes

The winning video will be shown to thousands of students throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

GLOBAL STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards Program is Description

geared towards students who own and run business which attending high schools, colleges, or universities. Selected participants are chosen to compete by presenting their businesses to a panel of judges, and top regional and national participants advance to the Global Finals round.

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize

Enrolled students in grades 8-12 are eligible

Email: [email protected] Phone: 703-519-6700 http://www.gsea.org September (See website) The winning high school entrepreneur will receive an expense paid trip to the GSEA Global Finals and have the opportunity to present his or her business to a panel of Entrepreneurs Organization members, guests, student alumni, and media.

HALO AWARD Description

A teen with a unique, powerful story who took their personal experience and, through service, made it meaningful on a bigger level a level that really made a difference? We would love to hear about this person. And there's a chance we'll shine the HALO spotlight on them! The prize is intended for teenagers. http://www.teennick.com/shows/haloawards/nomination/ Nominations in the Fall

Eligibility Website Deadlines

HARVARD PRIZE BOOK PROGRAM Description

The Harvard Prize Book Program awards are presented annually in more than 1,900 high schools around the world to outstanding students in the next-to-graduating class who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and achievement in other nonacademic areas. The Prize is intended for high school juniors. The process for choosing recipients varies with each local chapter of Harvard alumni. Students cant compete for this award, they are selected.

Eligibility

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Website Comments

http://www.clubsandsigs.harvard.edu/article.html?aid=117 Many other prestigious universities offer book awards to juniors and seniors.

KIDS PHILOSOPHY SLAM Description

The Kids Philosophy Slam is designed to make philosophy accessible and fun for kids of all ages and abilities, to promote a philosophical dialogue between kids and adults, and to promote a greater awareness of philosophy and education in everyday life. All high school students may enter. There is a $25 registration fee for schools and a $2 registration fee per household for home-schooled students. Topic varies each year. Sample prompts have included: Is global warming the greatest challenge facing humankind? Explain why or why not in 500 words or less. If not, explain why not and describe the greatest challenge facing humankind. Teachers must submit entries along with registration form and fee. See website for more details. Kids Philosophy Slam P.O. Box 406 Lanesboro, MN 55949. http://www.philosophyslam.org/ Postmarked by February 1 First Place: $1,000 scholarship Second Place: $500 scholarship Third Place: $300 scholarship

Eligibility Topic and Length

Submission Process Submit To Website Deadlines Prize

NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE TOURNAMENT The National Forensic Leagues National Speech and Description

Eligibility

Debate tournament offers high school students a chance to compete in debate, public speaking, and interpretation. Past participants include President Lyndon Johnson, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, media visionary Ted Turner, Academy Award winners Patricia Neal and Don Ameche, Emmy award winners Kelsey Grammar and Shelly Long, television host Oprah Winfrey, and news anchor Jane Pauley. Students who participate in the National Tournament must qualify at the district level. See website for eligibility details. For a list of district contacts who can give further information about local tournaments, see this page: http://www.nationalforensicleague.org/aspx/district_tour
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Contact Website Test Day Prize

naments.aspx?navid=81&pnavid=2 (920) 748-6206 [email protected] http://www.nationalforensicleague.org/aspx/nationaltour nament.aspx?navid=277&pnavid=169 District competitions are held throughout the year. National competition is held in June. Over $153,000 in scholarships are awarded at the National Tournament.

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS The contest is an opportunity for students in grades K-12 Description Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

to compete with chess players from across the country. Students in grades K-12 are eligible. Cody Stewart 931-787-3916 [email protected] http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2012/hs/ Mail-in entries must be postmarked by early April; contest is in mid-April. Students compete for various scholarships, and several mini-tournaments and competitions will be held throughout the tournament.

NFIB YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS The NFIB Young Entrepreneur program was established Description Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize

to raise awareness among the nation's youth of the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in the building of America. Youth under the age of 19 as of December 31 of the current school year. [email protected] http://www.nfib.com/yef/yef-programs/youngentrepreneur-awards Early January (check website) Awards valued between $1,000 - $10,000 are renewable and non-renewable scholarships

NCEE/GOLDMAN SACHS FOUNDATION ECONOMICS CHALLENGE The contest is modeled as a college bowl and features Description

teams of high school students competing to showcase their economic understanding and reasoning abilities. It

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Eligibility Contact Website Deadline

features three levels of competition - state, regional and national - and two divisions to enable any student taking an economics course to participate. All members of a team must be from the same public, private, or home-based high school and must be enrolled for high school credit at some time during the academic year [email protected] http://economicschallenge.councilforeconed.org/ State Specific (check website)

THE NETWORK FOR TEACHING ENTREPRENEURSHIPS WORLD SERIES OF INNOVATION This competition encourages students to innovate and Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines Prize

invent new products and services that address everyday opportunities. In teams of 2-5 members, students may submit to one or several innovation categories such as Tablet/Smartphone Game Design, Tablet/Smartphone App Design, New Franchise Idea, and Innovative Fashion Marketing (categories change year to year). All middle and high school students (ages 11-20) are eligible. [email protected] http://innovation.nfte.com Early October The top two teams in each category will be awarded $2,000 in cash, $500 for their school or youth-serving organization, and additional gift cards and prizes.

OPTIMISTS INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST The Essay contest is sponsored by Optimist International Description

Eligibility Contact Website Deadlines

to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young persons personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. Essay topic: The Power of Youth. Youth under the age of 19 as of December 31 of the current school year. [email protected] (800) 500-8130, ext. 235 http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships3.cfm The deadline for students to submit essays is determined by the sponsoring Club. Please contact your District Chair for more information. All Club-level contests are held by
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Prize

early February. See website for details. First place - $6,000; second place - $3,750; and third place - $2,250.

PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young Description

Eligibility

Contact Website Deadline Prize

people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 13 years, the program has honored more than 80,000 young volunteers at the local, state, and national level. Deadline is typically November 1st! Young people in grades 5-12 who live in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, and who have conducted a volunteer service activity within the past year are eligible to apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Also eligible are American students in these grades who live elsewhere, as long as their parents or guardians are legal voting residents of one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-877-525-8491 http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc Beginning of November State Honorees receive $1,000 awards and an expensepaid trip to the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. National Honorees receive an additional $5,000 and a $5,000 grant for a non-profit, charitable organization of their choosing.

ROTARY CLUB AWARDS Description Eligibility Website

Many local rotary clubs offer awards and scholarships for high school students. Varies with the club, check local club website.

http://www.rotary.org

UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM Two student leaders from each state, the District of Description

Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing

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Eligibility Contact Website Event Date Prize

their national government in action. Delegates will hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by the Hearst Foundation. Eligible students are United States citizens and student government officials in grades 11-12. Students must be nominated to participate. See website for details. (415) 908-4540 or (800) 841-7048 [email protected] http://hearstfdn.org/ussyp/index.php Early March Each delegate will be awarded a $5,000 College Scholarship for undergraduate studies.

US ACADEMIC DECATHLON Description

The Academic Decathlon is a team competition wherein students match their intellects with students from other schools. Students are tested in 10 categories: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science and Speech. The Academic Decathlon is open to high school students anywhere in the United States. A team is made up of nine students: three Honor Students, three Scholastic students, and three Varsity students. For complete details on eligibility, see website here: http://usad.org/coaches/eligibility.asp [email protected] 866.511.8723 http://www.usad.org/ The Nationals Competition takes place in late April. Medals are awarded for individual events and total scores. Winning teams advance though local, regional, and state competition. State champions compete at the national finals.

Eligibility

Contact Website Contest Day Prize

US GO CONGRESS Description Eligibility Contact

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The US Go Congress is a national contest in the board game of Go. Held in Portland, Oregon, it is the largest Go event held in the United States. Anyone is eligible. [email protected]

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Website Contest Day

http://www.gocongress.org/ Contest is in early August.

US NATIONALS RUBIKS CUBE COMPETITION This competition is recognized as an official World Cube Description

Eligibility Contact Website Contest Day Prize

Association competition. The competition is open to all competitors regardless of experience and skill with the Rubik's Cube, but certain event-based time limits will be in place. Anyone is eligible. [email protected] http://www.cubingusa.com/usnationals2012/index.php Contest is in early August. See website

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PURSUE YOUR PASSION

WRITE A LETTER TO A NEWSPAPER
Feel passionate about something? Write an op-ed piece and express your opinions. Follow the link below for contact info for op-ed editors of the biggest newspapers in America. http://ccmc.org/list Most big newspapers will want an exclusive option on your piece. That means they don't want you to send it to other editors while they are reviewing it. So, take the top papers one at a time and allow a few days before sending on to the next on your list. Make sure you include your name, address, home phone, and email address on every submission. Explain why you have expertise or an interest in the subject you are writing about, and mention your age and school. Expertise doesn't have to mean an academic degree or publishing a book; newspapers want to have a teen's outlook from time to time. Eyewitness information is also valued. Usually op-eds are picked up if the issue is hot in the news, rather than a response to an article in that newspaper or some random subject. So, read the paper, watch the news, and write your op-ed to focus on your point of view or experience. If you ran for class president at your school and found sexism to be rampant (there hasn't been a girl president for 10 years, for example) then link this to Hillary Clinton's campaign or historical numbers of female leaders and you might just have a cool angle. Don't get lost in statistics or hearsay, and know your audience. You can't write for the Boston Globe like you would write for your school paper. If you can get across one or two concise, compelling points to expand the minds of thousands of people, it's a lot better than an essay that lets it all out but is rejected by the editor. Show emotion but keep it under control.

CREATE A WEBSITE
Create a web site to gather a community around you passions. There are hundreds of sites out there that will help you to get started on a website, and the odds are good that someone you know has experience and can help you out. Follow the links below to get started. Then, once it's up, get active online and publicize it.

http://www.google.com/sites/help/intl/en/overview.html Google has created a mostly free

service to help you build your own website.

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www.godaddy.com You can buy a domain name here, and if you follow the Domain Services link youll find information on website builders that charge a monthly fee. www.tripod.lycos.com Here youll find resources that help you create your own website for free.

START A BLOG
Launch a blog around your interests. Do you collect coins? Start a blog about it. Are you a vegetarian and find that high school cafeterias simply don't make the grade? Write a blog that gathers recipes and opinions from other teen vegetarians around the globe. Always remember, however, that admissions officers will read your writing. TypePad and WordPress are two great vehicles for beginning a blog. www.TypePad.com This site offers tons of resources for designing and customizing your blog starting as low as $4.95/month or $49.95/year. They have programs to give your blog the look you want and to help you post pictures and other content. www.WordPress.com At WordPress you can quickly start up your free blog, and there are dozens of site designs to choose from and a huge number of add-ons you can use to customize your blog. Paid upgrades are available, but optional.

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AP SCHOLAR AWARDS
TAKE AP TESTS AND RECEIVE AWARDS
Taking AP tests during your sophomore and junior years allows you to report your scores and your award levels (see below) on your college applications. If you wait until your senior spring, colleges wont see the scores. Typical Ivy League admitted students have a nice collection of 4s and 5s on AP tests. Remember, you can take an AP test without taking the corresponding AP class. Many high schools dont offer APs. If you decide to do this, make sure you pick up a copy of the corresponding AP study guide and teach yourself what will show up on the test. You dont have to wait for the College Board to send you a letter with your award level, figure it out for yourself and list it on your Awards Sheet. Below are the Award Levels:

Award Levels*

AP Scholar
Granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

AP Scholar with Honor

Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

AP Scholar with Distinction

Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

State AP Scholar
Granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with grades of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average grade (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.

National AP Scholar
Granted to students in the United States who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

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National AP Scholar (Canada)

Granted to students in Canada who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on five or more of these exams.

National AP Scholar (Bermuda)

Granted to students in Bermuda who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on five or more of these exams.

DoDEA AP Scholar
Granted to the one male and one female student attending Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools with the highest average grade on the greatest number of AP Exams. The minimum requirement is a grade of 3 or higher on three exams.

International AP Scholar
Granted to the one male and one female student attending a school outside the U.S. and Canada that is not a DoDEA school with the highest average grade on the greatest number of AP Exams. The minimum requirement is a grade of 3 or higher on three exams. Look up your states AP award statistics and you can note this on your Awards Sheet: Year by year state summary reports for AP awards: https://scores.collegeboard.com/pawra/home.action *Quoted from CollegeBoard.com

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SAMPLE AWARDS SHEETS

CREATE AN AWARDS SHEET FOR COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
In addition to listing your awards and honors on a colleges application, if you have more than about five, you will want to create an additional Awards Sheet (samples below). It is not necessary to list awards that are common, such as Whos Who Among American High School Students as admission officers wont particularly care. And, unless an award or honor is well known, such as the AP Scholar distinctions, give a bit of description, including if the award was a school, town, state, regional or national honor. Point out how many students won the award. I was one of 300 entries from the state of Mississippi to win the XYZ Award. If you have written noteworthy research papers, attach an abstract a concise summary statement of your research and methods. Note the following which came to a student of ours who sent an abstract along with her application to Harvard:

Hi X, I am the admissions officer assigned to your area, and while reviewing your application, I was interested in your paper, "Analyzing ECoG and EMG Data." The abstract was very helpful, but I was wondering if you would be able to send me the full paper, either by email or via fax (number below). It would be great to see it! Best, X X Admissions and Financial Aid Officer Harvard College 86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

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SAMPLE #1: Name Social Security # High School D.O.B.

Awards Sheet Honorary Clubs/School Awards National Merit Semi-Finalist: 12th AP Scholar with Distinction: 11th (only 3% of 900,000 who take the tests reach this level) National Honor Society: 11th-12th Spanish Honor Society: 10th-12th California Scholarship Federation: 9th-12th California State Governors Scholarship: 9th-11th Principals High Honor Roll: 9th-11th Chatham College Book Award: 11th (given to a junior with outstanding achievement in science and English) Caltech Signature Award: 11th (given to a junior for excellence in science and math) Research Publications A Novel Search for Face Attractiveness Using Reverse Correlation Methods and Web-based Visual Experiments (in approval stages) A Robust Web-based Face Recognition System Based on Gabor Wavelets Matching (in approval stages) Online Experiments in Spatial Relations and Features of Faces for Treatment of Prosopagnosia (for internship at Harvard/MIT/RSI) Science MIT/Research Science Institute (11th, Summer) One of the top 50 US students selected for a summer scientific research program at Harvard Medical School. Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science & Technology (11th) Western Region finalist; One of 40 finalists out of 1,200 applicants nationwide Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) (10th) Intel Corporation Best Use of Computers Award 1st place, Computer Science California State Science Fair (11th) 1st place, Mathematics and Software Los Angeles County Science Fair (11th) 1st place, Computers San Fernando Valley Engineers Council Award Sweepstakes Grand Prize Finalist

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California State Science Fair Finalist Aerospace Corporation Science Competition (11th) 2nd place overall Los Angeles County Science Fair (10th) 2nd place, Behavioral Science California State Science Fair Finalist Featured articles in Los Angeles Times, Daily Breeze, and Chinese World News about accomplishments in local and state science fairs, and Siemens Westinghouse Science Competition (10th, 11th) Math American Scholastic Mathematics Association Competition (11th) 1st place team in nation ARML: American Regions Math League (9th, 10th, 11th) 4th place team in the Western region California State Science Fair (11th) 1st place individual, Mathematics and Software Bay Math League (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th) 1st place team in Los Angeles County each year 1st place individual (10th) AMC 12: American Mathematics Contest, formerly AHSME (9th, 10th, 11th) Qualification for AIME AIME: American Individual Math Exam (9th, 10th, 11th) Honor Roll Cal State University Invitational Math Competition (11th) 3rd place team overall Mu Alpha Theta Competition (11th) 3rd place team in nation Internet ThinkQuest Internet Competition (9th) Most popular educational Web site among over 5,000 entries in the ThinkQuest library ThinkQuest Internet Competition (8th) 1st place team, Science & Mathematics Music Deveny Music School Young Pianists Concert Award (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th) Southwestern Youth Music Festival Winner (11th) Southern California Bach Festival Winner (10th) Advanced Level of Certificate of Merit (9th, 10th, 11th) Tennis Member of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Varsity tennis team ranked #1 in the nation by the National High School Tennis Coaches Association and USA Today (9th)
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CIF Girls Tennis, Division I (9th, 10th) 1st place team Bay Tennis League (9th, 10th) 1st place team Los Angeles Summer Junior Tennis Tournament (11th) 1st place individual winner Dominguez Hills Junior Tennis Tournament (10th) 1st place individual winner South Bay Junior Tennis Tournament (9th) 1st place individual winner

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SAMPLE #2:

Name: SS#: ACADEMIC HONORS/AWARDS

School: D.O.B.:

St. Georges Honor Roll: 4.0 cumulative grade point average 2009 to present - one of the top students in my grade and the school Academic Decathlon, A Division - Gold Medal, Super Quiz, 2010 St. Georges Annual All School Debate - Runner-up National Latin Exam (Latin IV) - Magna Cum Laude College Board AP Scholar McCagg Second Year Latin Prize National Latin Exam - Summa Cum Laude (Gold Medal) Headmasters Commendation for Academic Excellence Class of 1904 Prize for Highest Scholarship below the Fifth Form (Junior Class) St. Georges School Top Fifteen Scholar -ranked by GPA in the Top-Fifteen of the entire school National Latin Exam - Summa Cum Laude (Gold Medal) St. Georges All School Debate -Underclassmen Division Finals: Runner-up St. Georges School Top Fifteen Scholar WRITING AWARDS Newport Daily News Excellence in English Competition -Essay Contest, Third Place May, 2011 2009 to present spring, 2010 spring, 2011 spring, 2011 June, 2010 spring 2010 spring, 2010 spring, 2010 2009 2011 spring, 2010 spring, 2010 2008- 2010

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Annual St. Georges Review, selected non-fiction works published by students and faculty

June, 2011

- Critical essay, Conflicting Values under the Sun, a review of Raisin in the Sun, selected for publication. ATHLETIC HONORS/AWARDS Tennis: United States Tennis Association (2009 present) Ranked New England Championship Division Player

Captain-elect: 2011 season Captain: 2010 Season Captain: 20o9 Season Awards: Coachs Cup, 2010 York Tennis Bowl: Most Valuable Player 2010 All ISL: Honorable Mention: 2009, 2010 Cross-Country: All County Runner: 2011 Second Place Team Finish in the New England Championships, 2011 Most Improved Runner Silver Cup: 2010 season

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SAMPLE #3:

English Awards
James Joyce Scholar: Winner of a scholarship based on a written response to James Joyces story Araby for which I was awarded a fully funded trip to Dublin to study Joyces works and the history of Dublin during the early 1900s. Summer 2011 Sophomore Declamation Finalist: One of six finalists at Devon Academy in our annual speech contest out of over 200 participants chosen by peers and a panel of faculty judges. The declamation, a 6-minute memorized passage, was taken from Walker Percys novel The Moviegoer. Spring 2010 Philosophy Department Essay Award, 1st Place: Honored with school-wide recognition for an essay on the meaning of higher education and its role in society. The essay was printed in the Devon Academy philosophy publication, The Book Rack. Winter 2010 Freshman Declamation Award, 1st Place: Selected by the English Department for a public reading of Tillie Olsens short story, I Stand Here Ironing. 200 students participated in this competitive event. Fall 2009

Scholastic Achievements
Cum Laude Society: One of ten students out of 150 eligible students elected to the Cum Laude Society. Individuals are elected based on the difficulty of their course load and ability to maintain an average of 90 or above for six consecutive terms. Spring 2011 Honor Roll: Named to the Honor Roll every semester of high school. 2009-2011 AP Scholar with Honor: Named in May of 2011 after taking the Literature (5), French Language (4), US History (4), and Art History (4) AP Exams. This honor is awarded to 3.7% of 1,339,282 AP test takers. Spring 2011 History Student of the Year: Selected in May of 2011, this recognition was co-sponsored by the National History Club and George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens and presented by Devon Academy. Spring 2011

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Application Boot Camp Contest & Awards Tracking Sheet

Contest Name Contest Description Contact Name Email Phone Address Due Date Date Sent Notes

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