Competitions

The nation's most prestigious recognition for creative teenagers in writing and art. Submit work in 29 categories including poetry, short story, personal essay, science fiction, and journalism. National Gold Medalists receive scholarships up to $10,000.

Write and record a 3–5 minute audio essay on the annual patriotic theme. Compete at local, district, state, and national levels with scholarships from $1,000 to $30,000. Open to all high school students in grades 9–12.

Submit a portfolio of original poems for consideration as LA's Youth Poet Laureate. Regional winners receive $1,000 and national finalists up to $5,000. Judged by professional poets and Urban Word affiliates.

Submit a significant independent literary work — a novel, essay collection, screenplay, or poetry collection — for consideration for a $10,000–$50,000 scholarship. Projects must demonstrate genuine national significance.

CHSSA's annual state tournament covers Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, Public Forum, Congress, and Original Oratory. Qualifying through your region, students compete at California's most prestigious interscholastic debate championship.

The nation's largest academic competition for high school students in speech and debate. Over 6,000 students qualify annually across 15+ event categories. Qualify through your local NSDA chapter and compete nationally for trophies and scholarships.

One of California's largest invitational debate tournaments, held at USC each spring. Open to all California high school students in Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, and Congressional Debate. Great first tournament for newer debaters.

Teams of 8–12 students prepare and argue real legal cases before actual attorneys and judges. The CRF program is the largest mock trial program in California, with a county championship and state finals. Free to participate through your school.

Students study the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, then testify before panels of lawyers and judges in a simulated Congressional hearing. National champions travel to Washington D.C.

Submit an essay on the annual Law Day theme, which explores constitutional principles and rule of law. Winners at local, state, and national levels receive cash awards and recognition from the ABA.

The nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Submit an original research project in any STEM field. Finalists receive awards from $25,000 to $250,000 and attend a national competition week in D.C.

The world's largest pre-college science fair with over $5 million in prizes. Qualify through local/regional fairs to compete at ISEF internationally. Projects span all scientific disciplines from behavioral science to physics.

Teams of 15 students compete in 23 events spanning biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and earth science. Qualifying teams advance to the California State Science Olympiad and potentially the national tournament.

Submit an original research project in science, math, engineering, or technology for consideration for a $10,000–$50,000 scholarship. Projects must solve a real-world problem or advance scientific knowledge.

DECA prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Compete in case studies and business plan events at district, state, and international conferences. Over 60 competitive events available.

NFTE empowers young people from underserved communities to start real businesses. Develop a business plan, pitch to investors, and compete at regional and national levels. Winners receive startup funding and mentorship.

An international high school entrepreneurship competition sponsored by the University of Delaware. Submit a 2-minute video pitch and business plan. Finalists compete live for $100,000+ in prizes and startup resources.