Deadline: November 10, 2024
Open to: High school students (grades 9-12) worldwide.
Benefits: Winners receive monetary prizes ($500 for first place, $250 for second place, $100 for third place). Winning poems will be published on the Princeton University website.
Description:
The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is an annual poetry contest organized by the Program in Creative Writing at Princeton University. This prestigious competition aims to celebrate the creative expression of high school students by recognizing their literary talent. The contest encourages young poets to submit original poems that demonstrate skill, creativity, and a unique voice. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain recognition for their writing, receive feedback, and potentially launch their literary careers.
The competition is named after Leonard L. Milberg, a notable alumnus of Princeton University, who has been a longstanding patron of the arts. Through his support, this award aims to foster a love for literature and the arts among young people, encouraging them to engage deeply with poetry and creative writing.
Each participant can submit only one poem, and it should be an original, unpublished work. Judges look for poems that showcase a strong sense of voice, creativity, and originality, and selected winning pieces will receive not only monetary rewards but also a broader audience by being featured on Princeton’s official platforms.
Eligibility:
The contest is open to all students currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) around the world, regardless of nationality. Eligible participants must ensure that their poem is their own original creation and that it has not been previously published or recognized in other competitions. Students who meet these criteria are encouraged to explore any style, theme, or form of poetry, giving them creative freedom to express themselves in their submissions.
Benefits:
- Monetary Prizes:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
- Publication: Winning poems will be published on the Princeton University website, providing young poets a significant platform to showcase their work and gain recognition from a broader audience, including peers, educators, and literary enthusiasts.
- Recognition: Receiving this award from a prestigious institution like Princeton University can be a valuable addition to a student’s academic portfolio, enhancing future opportunities in literary fields or higher education.
How to apply?
Students interested in participating should follow these steps:
- Prepare an original poem that reflects your creativity and unique style. The poem must not have been previously published or awarded in other contests.
- Visit the official contest page on the Princeton University Arts website
- Complete the submission form, ensuring all required fields are filled out accurately. This includes your name, grade, school, and contact details.
- Submit the poem via the official online submission system by the deadline of November 27, 2024. Only one submission per student is allowed, so make sure your poem is polished and complete before submitting.
For more information, please visit the official website.
