writing poetry scholarships

The Best Poetry Scholarships for High School Students with Upcoming Deadlines

Alicea Sperstad Rural Writer Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

• Education Level : High school senior, 2/4-year undergraduate, or graduate student
• Gender : Female
• Field of Interest : Writing

Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship

• State : Nevada
• Field of Study : Fine arts

Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

Bookworm Scholarship

• Resident : United States

Giving Thanks Scholarship

"What Moves You" Scholarship

Bold Wise Words Scholarship

Olivia Woods Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : Any
• Background : Low-income

Freddie L Brown Sr. Scholarship

• Education Level : High school and undergraduate

Literature Lover Scholarship

• Major : English

Share Your Poetry Scholarship

• Major of Interest : Writing

Artists and Writers in the Community Scholarship

• Degree of Interest : Wants a BA or MFA degree
• Career of Interest : Artist or writer
• Experience : Has a creative portfolio

Taylor J. Paul Arts and Media Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate
• Major : Arts or Media
• Identity : LGBTQ+ community

Patricia Lea Olson Creative Writing Scholarship

• Degree : Creative Writing

Nick Huffman Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school
• State : Illinois
• Career of Interest : Television/radio communications or creative writing

Wanda Moore Luttrell Memorial Scholarship

• State : Kentucky
• Major : Writing

Mia Noflin Goes to Broadway Scholarship

• Major of interest : Performing arts related field

Lisa Seidman Excellence in Writing Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate student
• GPA : 3.0 or higher
• Major : English or writing

Herbert Osei “Dream Big” Writing Scholarship

• Location : Bronx
• Field of Study : Creative Writing, Literature, Journalism, or a related field

Poetry Scholarships for High School Students

Good news for high school writers and college poets everywhere: you can get scholarships for writing poetry!

It seems too good to be true, but it is: you can apply for poetry scholarships to fund your college education.

If you’re new to the world of scholarships, let’s review the basics: Unlike federal student loans or private student loans, scholarships offer students debt-free funds to apply toward college tuition and other education-related costs . Most students apply for scholarships in their senior year of high school, but you can actually apply for scholarships throughout high school and college.

For more information about the many types of scholarships, browse our scholarship categories at bold.org . 

What can you get a scholarship for? Most people think of two main types of scholarships. One is need-based scholarships , which offer funds to students from low-income students. The other is merit scholarships , which reward all those long hours of studious toil in high school with sweet, sweet college money. 

Luckily, there’s no limit to the number or type of scholarships you can apply for. A few minutes spent creating a free bold.org profile will quickly match you to scholarships you qualify for. 

There are also scholarships for specific majors and extracurricular activities, including poetry! At bold.org , we’ve compiled a list of scholarships for everyone from high school seniors to college students so you can find a poetry scholarship perfect for you. 

Which poetry scholarships to apply for

Scholarship applications for poetry (no application essays).

If you’re applying for a poetry scholarship , it’s safe to assume that you enjoy writing. Much like a no-essay scholarship , some poetry scholarships don’t require a personal essay. Instead, the application process requires you to submit your best poems. If your journals are filled with original poetry, and every edition of your high school literary or poetry magazine features work with your name on it, these are the scholarships for you. 

• Share Your Poetry Scholarship (Award amount: $500): This scholarship is open to high school students and college students. You can be any major, so if you hope to grow as a poet while studying another subject, no sweat! This scholarship asks only that you do what you love anyway: to apply, just submit an original poem. 
• Application deadline: March 15th, 2023
• Freddie L. Brown, Sr. Scholarship (Award amount: $1,000): Are you a fan of Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and a good limerick? Does your work explore the funny side of life? Apply to this scholarship and you just might laugh your way to college. This scholarship is open to high school and undergraduate students who express their wit and humor through creative work, including short stories and poetry. Apply by submitting your best original creative writing or art.
• Application deadline: March 1st, 2023

Scholarships for Creative Writing

Creativity can take many forms: some ideas want to be poems, while others work better as short stories, plays, or more experimental forms of creative writing like graphic novels. Some scholarships are open to writers of creative writing more generally. If you write both poetry and prose, consider applying for these scholarships!

• Nick Huffman Memorial Scholarship (Award amount: $500): This scholarship hopes to honor the memory of Nick Huffman, who was both a TV and radio personality as well as a bestselling author. Suppose you’re a school student of any grade and interested in mass media or creative writing. In that case, you’re welcome to apply. 
• Application deadline: April 1st, 2023
• Alicea Sperstad Rural Writer Scholarship (Award amount: $500): The literary field has often failed to reflect the diversity of writers who want to share their work. This scholarship is one piece in the effort to increase representation by helping one female writer get the education that will help her succeed. Any female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student is welcome to apply. 
• Application deadline: April 10th, 2023

Scholarships for English majors and other avid readers

According to Stephen King, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” If you’re a writer, you’ll benefit from reading widely and deeply , too. Check out scholarships for English majors and other types of literature lovers. 

• Olivia Woods Memorial Scholarship (Award amount: $1,050): Do you remember the book that made you fall in love with reading? Writers tend to be drawn to writing because they remember the profound story, transformative poem, or other pieces of writing that opened their eyes to the power of literature. Any low-income high school, college, or undergraduate student can apply to this scholarship by writing about a book that had a special impact on them.

Many scholarships are designed for students pursuing a specific major. You can browse our collection of scholarships by major to find scholarships for English majors, creative writing, or other literary-minded subjects.

Not finding the scholarship that you were hoping for? Keep in mind that new scholarships are getting funded all the time, and the rotation of available scholarships will change as the application deadlines come and go . For the latest and most relevant information about scholarships, follow our scholarship blog at Bold.org . We’ll comb through the scholarship updates and deadlines so you have one less thing to worry about during application season. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Poetry Scholarships 

What are my odds of getting a scholarship for writing poetry .

Your odds of receiving a scholarship for your poetry, your grades, or any other criteria depend on the scholarships you apply for, the number of competing applicants, and the strength of your scholarship applications. Several of these scholarships ask for your original work as part of the application process. That means pouring all of your creative energy and effort into producing the best work possible.

Research how to write a scholarship application essay that’s irresistible, and ask your teachers to review your work. Even if the feedback is hard to hear, remember your end goal: to grow as a writer and hopefully win the scholarship!

What should I major in if I want to be a poet? 

It’s not always easy choosing what to major in . English, literature, and creative writing seem like the obvious majors for applicants to poetry scholarships. First, clarify your long-term goals. Do you want to write poetry for personal and emotional fulfillment while pursuing something else as your professional career? Or do you want to make writing both your calling and your career? Consider applying to both poetry scholarships as well as scholarships for other majors you might be interested in.

How can young poets build their writing careers?

Poetry doesn’t just live inside the classroom. While you’re researching scholarships that you qualify for and working on your application essays , consider non-academic venues for your work, too. Follow national poetry magazines and publications to see the latest artistic developments. Try submitting your work to student publications and poetry magazines. Many high schools and colleges publish literary magazines that welcome students’ creative writing. 

You can also search for poetry contests and other writing competitions for student writers. Look for state and national writing contests as well as contests specific to your school or university. For example, the creative writing faculty at Princeton University awards the Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize every year to an 11th-grade student.

Once you’ve collected a portfolio of your poetry, you can also apply to poetry fellowships such as the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship. The Poetry Foundation awards the $25,800 fellowship prize to U.S. poets between the ages of 21 and 31. If you’re a college junior or senior committed to your poetry career, take this one seriously: it’s one of the largest poetry grants available to young poets! 

You don't need to be a famous poet to talk with other writers and build your network. Try looking for a writing conference or meetup group in your area.

Of course, one of the best ways to grow your poetry network is to attend college and meet professors and visiting poets who can mentor you and help grow your career. Make your college education more affordable by creating a free bold.org profile today and see how you can get there.

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7 Poetry Scholarships to Help Pay for College

Specific scholarships are a great way to secure funding. Read here to learn about poetry scholarships.

Christy Rakoczy Bieber

Jun 16, 2021

Paying for college can be challenging, but there are many scholarships available for students with different skills and interests. For talented writers, poetry scholarships could help to cover some of the costs of school -- if you find and apply for them. 

The good news is, there are many scholarships for poetry writers that can provide a source of tuition money you don't have to pay back. Here are seven options to consider -- along with some tips for finding additional funding sources.

1. The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships 

Poets aged 21 to 31 are eligible for a $25,800 prize from the Poetry Foundation and Poetry Magazine. Five fellowships are awarded annually and the financial awards are intended to "encourage the further study and writing of poetry."

While the age requirements may rule out most undergrads, those pursuing a graduate degree could find this an ideal source of educational funding -- especially as the fellowship doesn't impose any specific requirements about what course of study to pursue. 

To become eligible, you'll need to include a 250 word introductory note as well as 10 pages of poetry. Only U.S. citizens and residents are eligible. In some years, the funds are split between winners if there are multiple entries that merit an award. 

You can learn about past winners and apply for this poetry scholarship on the website of the  Poetry Foundation . 

2. The Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Scholarship 

Amy Lowell was an American poet who established a scholarship in her will upon her death in 1925. Trustees of her will award the scholarship each year, and the value of the scholarship is $59,000. 

There's an application form to submit to become eligible. Many candidates include their resumes as well. You will also need to include a sample of your poetry for consideration. 

You can find the  application form  online, and learn more about the scholarship at  Amy Lowell.org . 

3. The Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry

The Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry is awarded by the University of Tulsa, although the funds can be used to pay for any undergraduate or graduate program. There is a $20 admission fee to enter, and two scholarships are awarded. The first prize is worth $2,000 and the second is worth $1,000. 

Winning poems are also published and students will receive a paid trip to Tulsa in October for the Awards Ceremony and Writing Conference.  The contest will run between January 1 and April 1, 2022 and applicants must submit between three and 10 pages of poetry. This could include one long poem or several shorter works. 

You can find details about the awards and apply online at the  University of Tulsa website .

4. The National High School Poetry Contest 

This poetry contest runs throughout the year, but applicants must submit their works each quarter. All high school students are eligible, but are limited to submitting a maximum of one poem each 90 days.  There is no entry fee and poems must be 20 lines or less. 

Students who are chosen as Poet of the Year will be awarded a $500 college scholarship while there are also several scholarships valued at $100. The winning applicants will also have the opportunity to have their work published in a national poetry quarterly called Just Poetry. 

You can find out application details on the  High School Poetry Contest website . 

5. The 1800wheelchair.com Scholarship

1800wheelchair provides $500 scholarships to students who submit poems related to overcoming challenges. In recent years, the contest has focused on "visual poems." 

Eligible students must be enrolled at an accredited high school, college, or university and must be in good standing with a GPA of 3.0 or above. No printed application is required, but the visual poem must be submitted by mail and accompanied by a personal statement. 

You can learn more details on the  1800wheelchair.com scholarship  website, where you will find detailed instructions about how to apply for this poetry scholarship. 

6. The Narrative Prize 

This $5,000 prize is awarded annually. June 15 of each year is the deadline to be considered for the money, and the winners are chosen in September. The prize may be split between winners in years when multiple works merit an award. 

The money can be used for any purpose, and the contest isn't limited to poets only. Short novels, excerpts from novels, one-act plays, literary non-fiction, graphic stories, and poems are all considered for the award. 

You can find out more about the application process on the  Narrative Magazine website . 

7. Scholastic Portfolio Awards

Scholastic offers 16 $10,000 scholarships and 30 $1,000 scholarships to talented writers or artists -- including poets. To become eligible, graduating seniors should submit a writing portfolio containing six writings. A personal statement is also required that provides insight into your creative process when developing your work. 

You can find more details and apply online at  ArtAndWriting.org .  

Tips to find more poetry scholarships

These are just a few of the many scholarships available for poetry writers. To help find other financial awards designed for poets, try these resources:

1. The English department at your college or university

Some college and university English departments provide scholarships for talented writers. Examples include the following:

• The Beau J. Boudreaux Poetry Award, the Mark Greenberg Fellowship in Poetry, and the Gene and Etta Silverman Family Award at the  University of Southern California .  
• The William Morgan Poetry Award at  Illinois State University  

2. Your school's financial aid office

Financial aid offices generally maintain databases of all of the scholarships available to current and prospective students. For example,  UCLA  provides a list of scholarships offered internally by the school as well as resources for finding outside scholarships. You can search these databases to find different types of funding you don't have to repay, including poetry scholarships.  

3. Local organizations

Writers groups, local literary magazines, or other location organizations may also offer scholarships for poetry writers. Start with organizations you are a member of to find out what type of financial help they may offer to pay for school. And contact other local poets or writers groups as well to see what options are available. 

Scholarships for poetry not enough? Other affordable options 

Hopefully, you'll be able to find and qualify for many poetry scholarships that can help you to cover your school costs. But these scholarships may not be enough to cover your tuition and other school-related expenses. 

Explore other scholarships and grants first, such as Pell Grants, as these sources of funds don't have to be paid back. But once you've exhausted scholarship opportunities, federal student loans can provide an affordable way to pay for school. These loans have low fixed interest rates and offer ample borrower protections, including options for loan forgiveness. 

Private student loans can also help cover the shortfall beyond what scholarships, grants, and federal loans pay for. Juno can help you qualify for affordable rates on private loans by grouping you with other students and negotiating with lenders on behalf of the group. 

Join Juno today to find out more about your options for affordable private student loans to help fund your degree. 

Christy Rakoczy Bieber is a full-time personal finance and legal writer. She is a graduate of UCLA School of Law and the University of Rochester. Christy was previously a college teacher with experience writing textbooks and serving as a subject matter expert.

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6 Awesome Poetry Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College

Are you a budding poet? Do you want to save money on college tuition? Then here’s your answer: six awards given to high school and college students who are talented creative writers with a knack for verse. Ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, these scholarships will help you fund your education, whether you want to study poetry or pursue another passion. So get writing!

6 Poetry Scholarships to Save You Money on College

1. scholastic art & writing awards.

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: Varies according to specific scholarship and region

Eligibility: Grades 7-12

Application Requirements: Collections may consist of 1-5 poems, including prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, song lyrics, and spoken word.

Scholastic offers numerous awards, including scholarships specifically for young poets, designated for top Awards recipients. The organization also partners with higher learning institutions to offer scholarships to college-bound Scholastic recipients. Additionally, five students will be selected as literary ambassadors as part of the National Student Poets Program, in which they will have the opportunity to showcase their work and be role models to other young creatives.

2. National High School Poetry Contest

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: Continuous (each quarter has a specific deadline)

Eligibility: All high school students

Application Requirements: Poems must consist of 20 lines or fewer and be unpublished. Limited to one poem per entrant per 90-day period.

In addition to the top winner receiving a cumulative award of $2,500, smaller awards of $100-500 will be given. Winners will also be offered publication in JUST POETRY!!! , a national poetry quarterly, and some may be selected for topical anthologies.

3. The Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry

Amount: $1,000 or $2,000

Deadline: April 15 (2020 deadline)

Eligibility: Students who are high school seniors or older

Application Requirements: Students must submit 3-10 pages containing one or more unpublished poems. You must also pay a $20 submission fee, which also gives you access to a one-year subscription to the University of Tulsa’s Nimrod International Journal of Prose and Poetry . 

Sponsored by the University of Tulsa, this contest honors the legacy of Pablo Nerdua, a great Chilean 20th-century poet and diplomat. The first- and second-place winners will receive $2,000 and $1,000 respectively in scholarship money and be published in the University of Tulsa’s Nimrod International Journal of Prose and Poetry . Winners will also attend the Awards Ceremony and Writing Conference in Tulsa.

4. 1800wheelchair.com Scholarship

Amount: $500

Deadline: May 30

Eligibility: Students must be 16 years or older and currently enrolled at an accredited high school (final year), college, or university in the United States. They must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or the equivalent.

Application Requirements: There is no formal application. Submit your materials via traditional mail to:

1800wheelchair.com Scholarship

515 Canal St,

New York, NY 10013

Include your contact information and a written response to the prompt: 

Please submit a ‘visual poem’, in a style of your choosing, on the theme of overcoming a personal challenge. Limit your ‘visual poem’ to an 8.5in x 11in piece of paper. You can choose to represent words, images, or both. It can be abstract or representational. Please include a personal statement that gives us an idea of who you are and how your poem relates to a challenge you’ve faced. The poem and essay (combined) should be between 500 and 1,000 words, but feel free to write a little more or less.

Since 2006, 1800wheelchair has offered up to two awards annually. Prompts address topics such as mobility issues on a college campus, overcoming personal challenges, and more. Applicants are not required to have a physical disability or ability to enter.

5. Ruth Lily and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships

Amount: $25,800

Deadline: April 30

Eligibility: Open to U.S. poets ages 21-31

Application Requirements: 250-word introduction to your work, 10 pages of poems, and publication list .

Sponsored by the Poetry Foundation and Poetry Magazine , the Ruth Lily and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships are intended to encourage young poets in studying and writing poetry. Five scholarships are awarded annually.

6. Easter Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application and be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning, including college, university, or trade school. They must be legal U.S residents.

Application Requirements: Applicants must submit an essay, poem, or limerick describing what they like or dislike about Easter.

Sponsored by MoneySolver, this scholarship may be used toward your education or student loan payments. One winner will be selected annually and notified by phone or email around June 30.

Tips for Applying to Scholarships

When you’re applying for scholarships, you should make an effort to play to your strengths while still casting a wide net. If you’re a talented poet, chances are, you can apply your writing skills to other genres. Search for scholarships for which the essay or written portion is weighed heavily (there are many like this out there) geared toward different niches or demographics, such as people with your background, ethnicity, religious or gender identity, or interests.

Do your research early, and keep track of prospective scholarships, their deadlines, and materials you need to assemble in a tracker, such as a Google spreadsheet. This will help you ensure you have everything in order and don’t miss any key dates. Make sure you’re thorough and proofread carefully as well.

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2023 Poetry Scholarships Finder

How much total award money and scholarships are available for poetry students.

There are 1534 scholarships totaling $104,900.00 available to Poetry students. You can easily browse through all 1534 scholarships below.

How many scholarships are available for Poetry students?

1534 are available for Poetry students.

How can you get Poetry scholarships?

Each scholarship has different criteria and requirements for applicants. You can easily browse the each Poetry scholarships by clicking to view its details. From the details page you’ll be able to find the application link.

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Poetry Scholarships

Do you enjoy poetry? There is a growing list of scholarships and contests for students who enjoy poetry. All you have to do is submit your own poems. Some have specific requirements while others allow you to submit your favorite piece of original poetry.

Art & Design Scholarship Sponsor : PortraitFlip Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : November 30, 2023 Description : Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted in a college, university, trade school, or design school for one of the following disciplines: Arts (Fine Arts, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Digital Art, Camerawork, Cinematography, Graphic Design), Languages (Linguistics, Literature, Semantics), or Cultural Studies (Sociology, Cultural Philosophy, History, Psychology, Gender Studies, or Law). Applicant must submit their favorite and best pieces of art (painting, photograph, statue, son, animation, video, film, illustration, story, poem, or any other type of art).

Text Free for Tita Bi-Annual Scholarship Sponsor : Patterson Law Group Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : December 15, 2023 Description : Scholarship is open to Texas full-time students, entering or attending an accredited university or law school in the United States with at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicant must submit a video, short writing (three paragraphs or less) or poem, or photo or graphic on a subject related to reducing the number of truck accidents due to distracted driving in Texas.

Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards Sponsor : Penguin Random House | We Need Diverse Books Amount : $10,000 Closing Date : January 16, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to current high school seniors at public high schools in the United States. Applicant must submit one original literary composition in English in one of the following genres of poetry, spoken word, fiction/drama, personal essay/memoir, or book bans prompt. Only the first 1000 applications will be accepted.

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The Best Writing Scholarships of 2023

Curated by Reedsy.

Showing 159 scholarships that match your search 🔦 reset

Youngarts' national arts competition for writing.

💰Top award: $10,000 to 6 recipients

YoungArts’ signature program is an application-based award for emerging artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12 from across the United States. YoungArts winners receive valuable support, including financial awards of up to $10,000, professional development and educational experiences working with renowned mentors, and performance and exhibition opportunities at some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions.

Organization: National YoungArts Foundation.

Deadline: October 08, 2024.

Additional awards: Multiple awards of varying amounts will be given.

Categories: Short Fiction, Novel Writing, Nonfiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, Playwriting, and Portfolio.

Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship

💰Top award: $60,500 to 1 recipient

The American poet Amy Lowell died in 1925. Her will established an annual scholarship to support travel abroad for gifted American-born poets. Any poet of American birth, who is able and willing to spend one year outside the continent of North America, shall be eligible.

Organization: Charles A. Cheever and William A. Lowell.

Deadline: October 15, 2024.

Additional awards: If there are two winners, each will receive the full amount.

Categories: Poetry.

Doc Cohen Franchising Scholarship

💰Top award: $5,000 to 1 recipient

This program will support the award of a scholarship and a travel stipend to attend the IFA Annual Convention. Scholarship candidates must have a major or primary focus in one or more of these areas: business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality, franchising, or entrepreneurship. Applicants must submit a business plan up to 10 pages on a business concept to qualify.

Organization: International Franchise Association Foundation.

Deadline: October 31, 2024.

Additional awards: Travel stipend up to $1,500.

Categories: Research.

Bill Walsh Scholarship

💰Top award: $3,000 to 1 recipient

The Walsh scholarship honors Bill Walsh, author, blogger, and longtime copy editor at the Washington Post. The Walsh scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who demonstrates the talent and passion for language that Bill had, and who aspires to pursue the craft of editing the news.

Organization: ACES: The Society for Editing.

Deadline: November 15, 2024.

Additional awards: Financial aid to attend the annual ACES conference.

Categories: Journalism.

ACES Aubespin Scholarship

💰Top award: $2,500 to 1 recipient

The Aubespin scholarship honors Merv Aubespin, a former president of the National Association of Black Journalists who greatly helped inspire the creation of ACES. Applicants should have a commitment to a career in the editing of written materials.

Additional awards: 4 runner-up prizes of $1,500 each.

Leadership Essay Contest

The Leadership Essay Contest focuses on the roles of leadership and character in America's Sea Services. Junior officers (LCDR/Major and below) from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard are eligible to take part in this contest, and may write on the related topic of their choice. Essays should be 2,500 words maximum.

Organization: U.S. Naval Institute.

Additional awards: $2,500 for second place, $1,500 for third place.

Categories: Critical Essay.

Americanism Essay Contest

💰Top award: $5,000 to 6 recipients

​FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7-12, including those who are home schooled. Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline.

Organization: Fleet Reserve Association.

Deadline: December 01, 2023.

Additional awards: $2,500 for second place, $1,500 for third place, and $1,000 for fourth place in each grade category.

Categories: Personal Essay.

OPC Scholarships

💰Top award: $2,000 to 10 recipients

The Overseas Press Club Foundation strives to improve the media's understanding of international issues and to raise the quality of news-gathering efforts in covering the world. This is achieved by offering scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in American colleges and universities, who aspire to become foreign correspondents. All applicants to OPC scholarships must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample about an international issue or topic.

Organization: Overseas Press Club Foundation.

Samuel Robinson Award

💰Top award: $7,500 to 2 recipients

This award seeks to stimulate interest in the Westminster Shorter Catechism by challenging Presbyterian Church members, who are juniors or seniors at a Presbyterian college or university, to memorize and recite the catechism. To further demonstrate understanding of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, each applicant will write a 2,000-word essay on an assigned topic related to the catechism. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be read by a panel of chaplains.

Organization: Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Additional awards: Multiple awards of varying amounts (no lower than $2,000) may be given.

New York Life Award

💰Top award: $1,000 to 6 recipients

The National New York Life Award, sponsored by the New York Life Foundation, provides six students whose works explore personal grief, loss, and bereavement with $1,000 scholarships. Additional state scholarships of $500 are available to two students from select states. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

Organization: Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Additional awards: 10 additional scholarships of $500 each (restrictions apply).

Categories: Journalism, Personal Essay, Critical Essay, Short Fiction, Novel Writing, Nonfiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, Playwriting, and Portfolio.

Civic Expression Award

The Civic Expression Award, sponsored by the Maurice R. Robinson Fund, provides six students whose works best promote responsible participation in civic life with $1,000 scholarships. This award is part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

Portfolio Awards

💰Top award: $10,000 to 16 recipients

The Portfolio Awards, made possible by generous individual donors and other supporters, provide 16 Gold Medal Portfolio recipients with $10,000 scholarships and 30 Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolio recipients with $1,000 scholarships. Note that deadlines for all Scholastic Art & Writing Awards vary depending on your state.

Additional awards: 30 Silver Medal prizes of $1,000 each.

Categories: Portfolio.

Many Voices Fellowship

💰Top award: $20,500 to 1 recipient

The Many Voices Fellowship is intended to support early career playwrights of color and Indigenous playwrights who demonstrate artistic potential and a commitment to a year-long residency in Minnesota. Fellowships provide an $18,000 stipend and $2,500 in play development funds.

Organization: Jerome Foundation.

Deadline: December 03, 2023.

Categories: Playwriting.

Unigo $10k Scholarship

💰Top award: $10,000 to 1 recipient

Provide a short written response to the following question: "Imagine a historical figure is brought back to life. Who is it? What‘s their favorite mobile app?” Response should be limited to 250 words or less.

Organization: Unigo.

Deadline: December 31, 2023.

Categories: Short Fiction.

WCF Scholarship for Student Research

💰Top award: $400 to 3 recipients

The Willa Cather Foundation supports emerging scholars who increase our understanding and appreciation of the life and work of Willa Cather. As a part of this effort, we have designated three $400 annual scholarships to support upper-level students presenting original Cather research at non-Cather specific conferences. Applicants should submit their application at least four weeks prior to the conference.

Organization: Willa Cather Foundation.

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Poetry Scholarships

David Apr 16, 2020

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Can I Get a Scholarship For Poetry?

Yes! You can win poetry scholarships for your talent. There are two ways to win scholarships for poetry. 

First, you can apply for scholarships that award students who study (or want to study) writing in college .

Second, you can enter a poetry contest. Many contests don’t require applicants to study writing in college.

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Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

Where Can I find Poetry Scholarships? 

You can find poetry scholarships from colleges , foundations, and private donors. All scholarships will require you to submit an original piece of work. In some cases, you may have to pay a small fee to submit your poem.

Spoken Word Poetry Scholarships

Remember how we said that some poetry scholarships are awarded via contests? Spoken word poetry scholarships fit into this category. In these contests, you’ll get a chance to perform the poems you wrote. If your poem wins, you’ll be awarded with scholarships as your prize. Here are a few worth checking out. 

The Thea Foundation Slam Poetry Competition invites high school seniors in Arkansas to compete. The competitors perform poetry slam in front of an audience. Five awards are ranging from $2,000-$4,000. Poems must be original and under 3 minutes.

The Romero Scholarship for Excellence in Spoken Word awards $500 to one high school senior and $200 to the runner-up. Applicants must write a poem related to social justice. They must also submit a letter of recommendation.

The Power Poetry Scholarship Slam awards $1,000 to college students. Applicants must enter one poem related to a selected theme. Students may submit videos and multimedia poetry. The contest is free to enter.

Poetry Out Loud is a national contest that invites high school students to perform poetry. Students perform in state and national competitions. The first-place state prize is $200 and the runner-up prize is $100. On the national level, there are four prizes. They range from $1,000-$20,000.

Black Poetry Scholarships

Also, some poetry scholarships cater to African-American students . Here are a few of the better ones worth applying to:

The Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award  

This award gives $500 to an African American poet. Applicants must submit two copies of a manuscript. There is no entry fee.

Just Poetry Scholarship

Just Poetry awards scholarships to high school students. Scholarships range from $100-$500. To win, applicants must submit a poem of 20 lines or less. Entries should be creative and original. There are no theme or style requirements.

Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship

The Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship awards $60,500 to a U.S poet. The winner must spend one year abroad to advance their practice of poetry. By the end of the year, they must submit three poems to the scholarship committee. To apply, applicants must submit up to 40 pages of poetry. There are no age requirements for the scholarship.

Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry

The University of Tulsa awards the Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry. The first-place winner receives a scholarship for $2,000. The second-place winner receives $1,000. Winners attend the Awards Ceremony and Conference for Readers and Writers in Tulsa. All finalists and semi-finalists may have their work published. 

To apply, applicants must submit 3-10 pages of poetry. There is a $20 fee for entries.

Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships

The Poetry Foundation awards $25,800 to talented poets. Applicants must live in the U.S or be U.S citizens. They must be between 21-31 years of age. Applicants must submit ten pages of poems and a short introduction.

National High School Poetry Contest

The National High School Poetry Contest awards poetry scholarships to high school students. Applicants must submit poems under 20 lines. They can submit a poem per 90-day period. The top winner receives $2,500. There are smaller awards between $100-$500. Winners can have their poems published in a national poetry paper.

Dorothy Rosenberg Memorial Prize

The Dorothy Rosenberg Memorial Prize awards students at UC Berkeley. Applicants must submit a lyric poem of fewer than 30 lines. Award amounts vary.

Slipstream Poetry Contest Program

The Slipstream Poetry Contest Program awards $1,000 to undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants may submit up to 40 pages of poetry. There is a $20 fee to submit an entry.  

Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest

The Tom Howard and Margaret Reid Poetry Contest award $3,000 to poets. The Tom Howard Prize awards poems in any style or genre. The Margaret Reid Prize awards poems that rhyme or have a traditional style. There are no age requirements. Applicants may submit poems up to 250 lines. The entry fee is $12 per poem.

Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Princeton University Poetry Contest awards prizes to the top three poems. Prizes range from $100-$500. Students in their junior year of high school may enter.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of scholarships available at all times. Some are given based on academics, some are given based on a student’s identity, and some are given based on a student’s major and talents. If you love poetry and also love writing, there are plenty of scholarships to apply for today.

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David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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Announcing the Poetry School MA in Writing Poetry Scholarship 2023

Posted in blog 2 years ago by poetry school, shared 0 times.

We’re delighted to announce the Poetry School MA in Writing Poetry Scholarship 2023 for an underrepresented poet. For a second year, Poetry School is offering a full fees scholarship award (£10,000) to the Poetry School / Newcastle University  MA in Writing Poetry  for an outstanding applicant who is currently underrepresented in the poetry world.

By underrepresented poets, we mean talented creatives who face barriers to opportunities due to mental health issues, physical health/disability, sensory impairment, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, substance misuse, survivors of abuse, working class backgrounds, and those from the LGBTQIA+, and Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities or traveller communities*. ‘We, at Poetry School, couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to offer this full scholarship to a talented writer who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in our incredible MA. We are so proud of all our MA students and graduates, and recognise that the opportunity to study for an MA is something every writer of talent deserves. We are committed to breaking all barriers to participation with our work and see this scholarship as an important step towards that goal.’ Sally Carruthers, Poetry School Executive Director. This accredited MA uniquely combines masterclasses, workshops, and individual teaching with a core footing in the professional poetry world, encompassing all aspects of creative practice. There is expert tuition from nationally and internationally renowned poets: Glyn Maxwell and Tamar Yoseloff (London); Tara Bergin, W.N. Herbert, Sinéad Morrissey, and Jacob Polley (Newcastle). Students come together for a one-week summer school in July, alternating between the two cities each year. The Scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis to an applicant who has applied for 2023/24 entry to the MA in Writing Poetry and has selected to study in London at Poetry School . Applicants should have an achieved or predicted  first-class or high 2.1 undergraduate degree or, where relevant, a lower qualification with professional practice that provides equivalent academic and research skills. To apply, please note in your personal statement included in your application to the MA in Writing Poetry that you would like to be considered for the Poetry School Scholarship for underrepresented poets . Once you have submitted your application for a place on the programme, please email a 300-500-word statement to [email protected] detailing why you are an eligible candidate for the Scholarship. Deadline for Scholarship applications: 5pm, Friday 12 May 2023.    Contact : Tessa Foley, MA Manager at the Poetry School, at [email protected] . This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of an unnamed donor. You can find out more about our  MA in Writing Poetry  on our website. There are also other scholarships available for MA in Writing Poetry students. Details of these are available here:  https://www.ncl.ac.uk/elll/study/postgraduate-funding/

*This definition is taken from the Creative Future website (with permission).

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[…] Poetry School MA in Writing Poetry Scholarship 2022 – Poetry – closes 15 Apr (submit online) […]

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