Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*Open. History Essays.
The Concord Review, the only quarterly journal to publish secondary students’ academic work, accepts student essays on historical topics. Essays should be approximately 5,000 words, plus endnotes. Submissions chosen for publication are eligible for the 1999 Emerson Prize, a $3,000 award given to as many as three students. For more information, contact: Concord Review, P.O. Box 661, Concord, MA 01742; (800) 331-5007 or (978) 443-0022; e-mail fitzhugh@tcr.org; www.tcr.org.
*Open. Pen Pals.
World Pen Pals promotes international friendship and cultural understanding between young people around the world. Students in grades 4 through college are invited to request an overseas pen pal. Teachers may request a brochure on class participation. For more information, contact: World Pen Pals, P.O. Box 337, Saugerties, NY 12477; (914) 246-7828.
Fall. Government.
The United States Senate Youth Program, funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, selects 104 high school juniors and seniors for a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the branches of national government. Winners also receive a $2,000 college scholarship. Elected student officers take their state’s qualifying test for the program to apply. Two winners from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Dependents schools are selected for the weeklong trip to Washington next March. Contact: Hearst Foundation, (800) 841-7048.
September 30. Doodle.
The Incense Cedar Institute, a marketing association promoting the use of incense cedar as an environmentally sound pencil casing, is seeking entries for its 1998 National Doodle Contest and 1998 High School Cartoon Contest. The doodle contest invites students in grades 2-8 to submit a drawing on this year’s theme, “My Cedar Pencil on Vacation.” A grand-prize winner from each grade will receive a year’s supply of incense-cedar pencils, a contest T-shirt, and $100. The 1998 High School Cartoon Contest invites 9th-12th graders to create a scenario reflecting this year’s theme, “Great Minds Use Great Pencils,” depicting the student’s favorite person using a pencil. One grand-prize winner will receive a $500 scholarship, a T-shirt, and a supply of cedar pencils. Contact: Incense Cedar Institute, Doodle Contest or Cartoon Contest, P.O. Box 992110, Redding, CA 96099; www.pencils.com.
October 1. Art.
The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts announces its Arts Recognition and Talent Search Program, open to high school seniors ages 17 and 18. The 125 students selected will travel to Miami for workshops and auditions and receive hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation, and cash awards ranging from $100 to $3,000. About 20 of the artists are selected as Presidential Scholars in the Arts and are honored at the White House. Awards are based on merit in one of eight art forms. Applicants must pay a $35 entry fee. Contact: National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, (800) 970-2787.
October 1. Music Composition.
The Delius Association of Florida and Jacksonville University announce the 13th Annual High School Composition Contest. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible to submit compositions for up to eight musicians using piano, organ, band or orchestra instruments, or voices. The first-prize winner receives $200, the second-prize winner $100. Contact: Delius Composition Contest for High School Composers, College of Fine Arts, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32211-3394; (904) 745-7371.
October 1. Peace Poster.
Lions Clubs International invites students ages 11-13 to participate in its 1998-99 Peace Poster Contest. Contestants submit a poster-created in pencil, crayon, pen, marker, paint, or chalk-depicting this year’s theme, “Planting the Seeds of Peace.” The grand-prize winner receives $2,500, plus an expenses-paid trip with two family members to attend an awards ceremony at the United Nations in New York City. Participating schools must be sponsored by a Lions Club. Contact: Lions Clubs International, (800) 288-8846.
October 7. Recycling.
The Can Manufacturers Institute encourages groups to collect cans for recycling during the Great Aluminum Can Roundup, which ends September 25, 1998. Participants write stories about their recycling program and their experiences; winners are selected from four regions of the country for first-, second-, and third-place prizes of $1,000, $700, and $500, respectively. One national winner receives an additional $1,000. The recycling programs and stories are judged on social and environmental impact, creativity, initiative, and adaptation to the community. For more information, contact: Jenny Day, Director of Recycling, Can Manufacturers Institute, 1625 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 232-4677 or (800) 462-0003; fax (202) 232-5756.
October 10. Science And Technology.
Tandy Corp., with support from the National Association of Secondary School Principals, announces its Tandy Technology Scholars program. Schools may nominate one student in grades 9-11 as their top mathematics, science, or computer-science student based on grade-point average, test scores, relevant coursework, and community service. Schools with graduating classes of more than 300 may nominate two students. One hundred students receive $1,000 for college or university tuition. For more information, contact: Tandy Technology Scholars, TCU Box 298990, Fort Worth, TX 76129; (817) 924-4087.
October 16. Rice Krispies Treats.
Students in kindergarten through 6th grade are invited along with teachers and parents to create a Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats sculpture to compete for a $10,000 grand prize for their school. Sculptures must be made with Kellogg’s brand Rice Krispies and are judged on educational value, creativity/theme, development of structure, and team approach. The grand-prize winners also receive a party hosted by the Snap! Crackle! and Pop! characters. First, second, and third runners-up win $5,000, $4,000, and $3,000, respectively; four honorable mentions win $2,000. For more information, call Kellogg’s contest hotline, (800) 962-0065.
October 28. Greeting Card Contest.
UNICEF, Pier 1 Imports, and Better Homes and Gardens magazine sponsor the UNICEF 1998 Greeting Card Contest for U.S. citizens ages 13 and younger. Participants design greeting cards based on the theme, “Kids Helping Kids.” A grand-prize winner is selected in two categories: ages 7 and younger and ages 8-13. Their artwork is produced as UNICEF greeting cards to be sold at Pier 1 Imports. Winners also receive a free trip to New York City with their parents for an awards reception. Entry forms are available at Pier 1 Imports stores. For more information, contact: Pier 1 Imports, 301 Commerce St., Suite 600, P.O. Box 961020, Fort Worth, TX 76161-0020; (800) 447-4371.
October 30. Community Service.
Prudential Insurance’s Spirit of Community Initiative features the Prudential Youth Leadership Institute, open to high school students who are interested in their community and who demonstrate leadership potential. Participants in the program complete 30 hours of curriculum work and a service project they choose, create, and implement within their community. Exercises include community analysis, goal setting, team building, project planning, and decisionmaking. Contact: Youth Service America, (202) 296-2992.
October 30. Community Spirit.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals announces the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The awards recognize middle-level and high school students who have done exemplary, self-initiated community service. Schools may select one honoree for every 1,000 students enrolled. One high school and one middle-level student in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are named “state honorees” and receive $1,000, a silver medallion, and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Ten state winners (five high school and five middle-level students) are named national honorees and receive an additional $5,000, a gold medal, and a trophy for their schools. Contact: National Association of Secondary School Principals, Department of Student Activities, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860-0200 or (800) 253-7746; fax (703) 476-5432; e-mail: dsa@nassp.org; www.prudential.com/community or www.nassp.org.
*October 31. Essays.
Paper Mate is sponsoring Do the Write Thing, a nationwide essay contest. To enter, students write up to 200 words on the topic: “Why Paper Mate should donate money to an important school, charity, or club in my life.” The grand-prize winner receives $25,000 to be donated to the organization of the winner’s choice. Ten first-prize winners will have $10,000 donated to the organization of their choice, and 100 second-prize winners will have $500 donated. Contact: Paper Mate “Do the Right Thing"Contest, P.O. Box 3569, St. Cloud, MN 56397-3569.
October 31. Scholarships.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers merit-based scholarships to U.S. college-bound seniors attending school in a participating Coca-Cola bottler’s territory. Students are evaluated on their leadership abilities, academic achievements, and motivation to succeed. Fifty are chosen as national scholars and receive $20,000 college scholarships. Another 100 students are designated regional scholars and receive $4,000 each. For more information, contact: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, (404) 733-5420 or (800) 306-2653; www.cocacola.com/scholars.
November-January. Art And Writing.
The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers administers the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the nation’s oldest art and writing scholarship program. The program is open to students ages 12 to 19 who submit portfolios of their writing or artwork; more than 1,000 award winners are nominated for scholarships from 60 colleges and universities. Top winners are honored at an event in Washington, D.C., and their artwork is displayed at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Contest deadlines vary from state to state. For more information, contact: Alliance for Young Artists and Writers Inc., 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (212) 343-6493.
November 1. Art.
The Curt Teich Postcard Archives of the Lake County Museum and the Cuneo Museum and Gardens announce the third Postcard Art Competition and Exhibition. The contest is open to artists 18 years or older. Winning artwork is displayed at both the Lake County Museum and the Cuneo Museum and Gardens, as well as in other galleries and cultural institutions. Twelve winning artists each receive $150 for their design and 100 copies of their postcard. Winning artists are also eligible for Awards of Excellence worth $300, $200, and $100. The work of 24 other young artists will be chosen for public sale. Artists can enter as many pieces as they wish. Contact: Debra Gust, Pace/99, Curt Teich Postcard Archives, Lake County Museum, 27277 Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda, IL 60084; (847) 526-8638.
November 1. Volunteerism
Target Corp. invites high school seniors to apply for its Target All-Around Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on volunteer and community service as well as grade-point average. Four seniors receive $10,000, and 1,730 win $1,000. Each of the more than 800 Target stores nationwide also awards two $1,000 scholarships to students. Applications are available at all Target stores. Contact: Target All-Around Scholarship Program, (800) 537-4180.
November 14. Children’s Art.
Pentel of America Ltd., a manufacturer of writing instruments and art materials, is sponsoring the 29th International Children’s Art Exhibition. Entrants must be ages 3-15 on January 1, 1999, and submit two-dimensional drawings, paintings, collages, or woodcut designs. Contact: Janet Quan, International Children’s Art Exhibition, Pentel of America Ltd., 2805 Columbia St., Torrance, CA 90509; (800) 421-1419, ext. 269.
November 14. Water.
EcoWater Systems, a manufacturer of commercial and residential water systems, invites students in grades 6-8 to enter its World of Water Contest. To participate, students must create a public service advertisement that encourages the conservation and protection of the water supply. One winner is selected in each grade at local, regional, and national levels. Three national winners receive $500; 15 regional winners collect $100. Teachers of the national winners get a trip to the 1999 National Science Teachers Association convention in Boston or the cash equivalent up to $1,500. The winning advertisements are distributed among local media. For more information, call (800) 869-2837.
*November 15. Gardening.
The National Gardening Association welcomes applicants for its Youth Garden Grants Program. Gardening programs involving at least 15 children ages 3-18 are eligible to win one of 300 grants, each worth more than $750 in tools, seeds, plants, and garden products. Contact: Garden Grants Dept., PS, National Gardening Association, 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT 05401; (800) 538-7476; www.garden.org.
*November 15. Technology.
Compaq Computer Corp. announces the 1998 Student Technology Leaders Award. The award honors outstanding students who have made exemplary and innovative use of information technology in their schools and communities. The competition is open to full-time students attending a public or private school in the United States. Participants compete in one of three categories: K-5, 6-8, or 9-12. Students must be nominated by a teacher, media specialist, or school administrator; teams of students may also be nominated. Three winners will attend and participate in the 1999 National Educational Computing Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in June. Contact: Student Technology Leaders Award, 1234 6th Ave., #1A, San Francisco, CA 94122; deneen@mindspring.com .
November 21. Poster Contest.
The Caring Institute invites students in 1st through 12th grades to enter the 1998 Art of Caring Poster Contest. Entrants submit works of art illustrating the importance of caring. First-, second-, and third-place winners are selected from each grade level and win $100, $75, and $50 saving bonds, respectively. Contact: Art of Caring Poster Contest, Caring Institute, 513 C St. N.E., Washington, DC 20002-5809; (202) 547-4273.
*November 27. Photography.
The LaMotte Co., provider of environmental-education equipment, offers students a chance to win free equipment for their schools or other educational programs in its Environmental Education Photo Contest. Students or teachers must submit photographs showing students working with current LaMotte testing equipment; entries must include a brief description of how the equipment is used in the classroom. First, second, and third prizes are awarded $500, $250, and $100 merchandise certificates, respectively, for the winner’s school or educational organization; honorable-mention winners receive $50 certificates. Contact: LaMotte Co., P.O. Box 329, Chestertown, MD 21620; (800) 344-3100 or (410) 778-3100; e-mail ese@lamotte.com; www.lamotte.com/ese.
*December 1. Science-By-Mail.
The Boston Museum of Science offers Science-by-Mail, a program that pairs students in grades 4-9 with scientist pen pals who help the youngsters complete hands-on experiments and other activities. Membership costs $54 for groups of up to four children and $324 for an entire class. Contact: Science-by-Mail, Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, MA 02114-1099; (800) 729-3300; e-mail sbm@mos.org .
*December 1. Young Playwrights.
Young Playwrights Inc. invites students ages 18 and under to write original nonmusical plays for the Young Playwrights Festival. The festival aims to identify, develop, and encourage young playwrights to create new work for the theater. As many as four plays are accepted for production at the festival, and 12 students are invited to attend an intensive playwriting workshop in New York City. Contact: Young Playwrights Festival, Dept. TM, 321 W. 44th St., Suite 906, New York, NY 10036; (212) 307-1140.
*December 2. Science Scholarships.
Intel Corporation invites high school seniors to enter its Science Talent Search by submitting reports of independent science, math, or engineering research projects. Forty finalists are chosen for a five-day, expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Science Talent Institute. Finalists compete for scholarships of up to $50,000. Contact: Science Talent Search, c/o Science Service, 1719 N St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 785-2255; e-mail sciedu@sciserv.org; www.sciserv.org.
*December 4. Fire Sprinklers.
High school seniors nationwide are invited to write an essay for the American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Contest. Essays should run 700 to 1,000 words and address the topic: “Why Should Campus Housing Have Fire Sprinklers?” Seven regional winners each receive a $750 scholarship. The first-place winner receives an additional $2,500 scholarship; one second-place winner and one third-place winner get additional scholarships of $1,500 and $750, respectively. Contact: Scholarship Contest, American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12959 Jupiter Rd., Suite 142, Dallas, TX 75238; (214) 349-5965; fax (214) 343-8898; www.firesprinkler.org.
*December 11. Poetry.
Read magazine announces its Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Prize. Students in grades 6-12 may submit up to three typed poems that may be no longer than one page each. Six national winners receive $100, a medal of honor, and publication in Read. Six semifinalists receive $50, a certificate of excellence, and possible publication. Contact: Bowler Poetry Contest, Weekly Reader Corp., 200 First Stamford Pl., P.O. Box 120023, Stamford, CT 06912-0023; (203) 705-3500.
*December 15. Engineering Essays.
Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., is sponsoring a national essay contest to encourage high school students to explore science and engineering. Students are asked to write a 1,000-word essay on an engineering problem. Prizes will be awarded to four winners, one from each high school grade level. Contact: Mark McLaughlin, Trinity College, (860) 297-2139; e-mail mark.mclaughlin@trincoll.edu.
*December 15. Radio.
Earth and Sky Radio, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, invites K-12 students to enter its annual Young Producers Contest. Teams of students write and record a 90-second radio show on a science or nature topic of their choice. Five shows are chosen for broadcast on the Earth and Sky Radio series. Members of the grand-prize winning team receive $1,000 U.S. savings bonds; members of the four other finalist teams get $500 U.S. savings bonds. Contact: Earth and Sky; (512) 480-8773; e-mail contest@earthsky.com; www.earthsky.com.
*December 31. Essays.
Stein Roe Mutual Funds invites students in grades 5-7 to participate in its Young Investor Fund Essay Contest. The essays on the importance of money and investing are judged on content, writing style, and writing mechanics. First-, second-, and third-place winners are selected for each grade. First-place winners receive $5,000 in Young Investor Fund shares. Second- and third-place winners get $2,500 and $1,000 in shares, respectively. Contact: The Young Investor Fund Essay Contest, (800) 403-5437.-CANDICE FURLAN
*December 11. Education Research.
The National Academy of Education seeks applicants for the 1998-99 Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowships for teachers’ research on improving education. Individuals who hold a doctorate or equivalent degree in behavioral or social sciences, the humanities, or education may apply. The degree must have been earned between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1997. Applicants submit proposals for research that would make a significant contribution to education research and to the discipline from which it would draw. As many as 30 fellows are selected. Full-time fellows receive $45,000 for one year; part-time fellows receive $22,500 annually for two years. For more information, contact: National Academy of Education, School of Education, CERAS 108, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-3084; (415) 725-1003.
*December 5. Heroes In Education.
Reader’s Digest is accepting nominations for its American Heroes in Education program, which honors K-12 teachers and principals whose outstanding achievements have affected the lives of students. Co-sponsors are the American Federation of Teachers, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Education Association, and the National Catholic Education Association. Winners receive $5,000, plus $10,000 for their schools. For more information, contact: Jan Brown, Director, American Heroes in Education Awards, Reader’s Digest Association Inc., Reader’s Digest Rd., Pleasantville, NY 10570-7000; (914) 244-2030.
Money.
Neal S. Godfrey’s Ultimate Kids’ Money Book looks at the history of money and its use throughout the world. With colorful pictures, charts, and graphs, the book is intended to help parents and children ages 8-12 understand money and economic principles. The author explains various concepts, including how banks keep track of depositor’s money, and discusses the relative risk of several investments. Cost: $18.00. For more information, contact: Simon and Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
Computers.
Cybersearch, by John A. Butler, is designed to help students, writers, and researchers make full use of the Internet. It provides information on modern methods of electronic searching while emphasizing the importance of libraries and librarians. Cost: $12.95. For more information, contact: Penguin Books, Penguin Putnam Inc., 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014; (212) 366-2272; fax (212) 366-2952.
Careers.
The Career Ideas for Kids book series, by Diane Lindsey Reeves, includes information on careers in art, science, computers, sports, and writing. Each volume features a “Take a Trip!” chapter intended to familiarize readers with various jobs and workplaces as well as the education needed to pursue different careers. The books also include activites, listings, resources, and profiles designed to help readers identify potential careers. Cost: $12.95. Contact: Facts on File, Customer Service, (800) 322-8755; fax (800) 678-3633.
Dr. Seuss.
This site explores all things Seuss through crafts, recipes, sing-alongs, trivia contests, animation, and rhymes with Seuss characters. Games on the site include picture scrambles, “Cat’s Concentration,” and “Save the Trees with Lorax.” Contests for teachers are also featured on the site, and kids can e-mail-and receive a response from-the Cat in the Hat. www.seussville.com.
Drivers Ed.
The Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company site features an interactive game designed to help teenagers learn safe driving. The instructor, Phillup D. Tank, poses a series of driver-safety questions. Correct answers lead drivers to the destination of choice, while wrong answers prompt wisecracks from Mr. Tank. The several levels of difficulty start at training wheels and progress to the fast lane. www.the-fund.com/autogame.
*December 31. Mural Contest.
The Bureau for At-Risk Youth offers its fourth annual Outdoor Prevention Mural Contest to support community-based drug prevention. Schools enter a proposal for an outdoor mural. An artist travels to the winning school to help create the mural, which is then featured on the cover of the fall Bureau for At-Risk Youth catalog. For more information, contact: Bureau for At-Risk Youth, 135 Dupont St., P.O. Box 760, Plainview, NY 11803-0760; (800) 999-6884, ext. 211; www.at-risk.com.
