Writing on America Essay Contest

Organization: Writing on America

Quick Answer

Writing on America Essay Contest is a free arts program run by Writing on America for high school students in grades 9–12. It runs fully online, so students can join from anywhere. No fixed deadline is listed — check the official site for current dates.

Program Overview

An annual student essay contest exploring American identity, culture, and social issues through creative nonfiction writing.

Writing on America is a student essay competition that invites young writers to explore themes related to American identity, culture, community, and social issues through personal narrative and creative nonfiction. Participants typically respond to a prompt about contemporary life in America, using storytelling and reflection to connect their own experiences to broader questions about the country. The contest is aimed at high school–age students and is conducted online, making it accessible to participants across the United States. Submissions are generally evaluated on clarity, originality, depth of insight, and quality of writing. Top entries may receive recognition, publication opportunities, or other honors that strengthen a student’s writing portfolio and college applications. Because details can vary by year, students should review the current guidelines on the official site before entering.

Program Details

Key facts about Writing on America Essay Contest
Organizer	Writing on America
Category	Arts & Humanities
Format	Online / Virtual
Location	Online / Virtual
Cost	Free
Eligibility	Grades 9–12
Application deadline	Rolling / not listed
Country	US
Listing last updated	July 4, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Writing on America Essay Contest cost?

Writing on America Essay Contest is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

Who is eligible for Writing on America Essay Contest?

Writing on America Essay Contest is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

Is Writing on America Essay Contest online or in person?

Writing on America Essay Contest is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

How do I apply to Writing on America Essay Contest?

Apply directly through Writing on America's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Visit the official program website: Writing on America

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