Writing and Poetry Contests

Here is a selection of literary contest opportunities, many of them Nebraska-based. Some are competitions for schools to participate in, while others can be entered directly by individuals. If you are part of an organization that has a contest that is not listed, please provide contest details to brian.moser@nebraska.gov.

• Writing & Essay Contests
• Poetry & Spoken Word
• Civics & Community
• Creative Writing Experience

Annual Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest

Sponsor: Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation

Deadline: April 15, 2027

Teen Writing Contest

Sponsor: Cancer Unwrapped Writing Contest

Status: 2026-27 contest opens in November

Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest

Sponsor: Friends of Omaha Public Library

Status: 2026 Contest ended

Nebraska Letters About Literature Writing Contest

Sponsor: Nebraska Center for the Book

Submission Period: October 1 – December 31, 2026

Poetry Out Loud Competition

Sponsor: Nebraska Arts Council

Important Dates: Schools register by October 15; school competitions due by December 1, 2026

Poetry & Music Project

Sponsor: Opera Omaha

Deadline: November 30, 2026

The Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest

Sponsor: Institute for Holocaust Education

Deadlines: December 4, 2026, for fall; February 24, 2027, for spring

The Annual Creative Essay on Political Courage

Sponsor: John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage

Deadline: January 11, 2027

National Civics Bee Essay Competition

Sponsor: National Civics Bee

Submission Period: Open now through February 2, 2027

The World Food Prize

Sponsor: Nebraska Youth Institute

Registration Deadline: January 31, 2027

VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Sponsor: The Kennedy Center

Deadline: November 19, 2026, for the 2027 program