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.

Scholarship Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Live Poets Society of New Jersey
Amount: Up to $500
Closing Date: December 31, 2025
Description: Scholarship is open to all U.S. high school students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards
Sponsor: Penguin Random House | We Need Diverse Books
Amount: $10,000.00
Closing Date: January 15, 2026
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.