Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
Open. Children’s Books.
Raspberry Publications Inc., a publisher of children’s books written and illustrated by young people, invites K-12 students to submit manuscripts for possible publication. Authors receive a standard book contract and royalties, which they are encouraged to put into a trust fund for college. For more information, contact: Raspberry Publications Inc., P.O. Box 925, Westerville, OH 43086-6925; (800) 759-7171.
, an environmental newspaper written by and for kids, requests stories, opinions, comments, and ideas for publication. For more information, contact: Elizabeth Gil-more,
55 Reservoir St., Cambridge, MA 02138; (617) 868-5760;
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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution offers a variety of scholarships for high school students. For more information, contact: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D St. N.W., Washington, DC 20006-5392.
, Turner Broadcasting’s news and features program for schools, airs student-produced videos. Students may submit reports of no more than two and a half minutes on any topic, although they are encouraged to focus on CNN’s monthly themes. Participation is open to schools enrolled in the
program. For more information, contact: CNN Newsroom Program, 1 CNN Center, 10 South, 7th Floor, North Tower, Atlanta, GA 30303; (800) 344-6219;
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Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Hass, the Library of Congress Center for the Book, and International Rivers Network announce the fourth annual River of Words International Environmental Poetry and Art Contest. K-12 students are encouraged to submit poetry or art with watershed themes. The contest is designed to build community awareness and support of watershed protection. Winners are chosen in four age categories in both poetry and art. One international winner and eight national grand-prize winners and their parents are honored at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact: River of Words, P.O. Box 4000-J, Berkeley, CA 94704; (510) 433-7020; fax (510) 848-1008; e-mail
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The American Chemical Society Scholars Program invites African American, Hispanic, and Native American high school seniors to apply for scholarships of up to $2,500. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States and must demonstrate financial need. They also must be high achievers in chemistry or other chemical sciences, and they must intend to major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a chemical-related science in preparation for a career in the chemical sciences or chemical technology. For more information, contact: American Chemical Society Scholars Program, 1155 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (800) 227-5558, ext. 6250;
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The K’NEX Education Division, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and Holt Education, a retailer of educational products, are sponsoring a national “Bridges Across America” Design Competition. Teams of K-12 students are invited to use K’NEX toy rods and connectors to construct the lightest bridge that supports the most weight. The four-month competition begins with individual school competitions during National Engineers Week in February and continues with district, city, semifinal, and final levels. One national prize will be awarded in each of four categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This prize includes $1,200 in classroom gift certificates, plus computer equipment for the winning students and their schools. The competition ends in June at the Astronaut Memorial Foundation Education Center at the NASA Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. For more information, contact: K’NEX Education Division, P.O. Box 700, Hatfield, PA 19440-0700; (888) 222-5639; e-mail
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The Horace Mann Co., an Illinois-based firm that sells insurance and retirement annuities to educators, invites college-bound high school seniors to apply for the Horace Mann Scholarship Program. For students to be eligible, their parents or legal guardians must be employed by a U.S. public school or college. Eligible students also must have a B average and a score of at least 23 on the ACT or at least 1,100 on the SAT. Sixteen awards are given: one $20,000 scholarship, five $4,000 scholarships, and ten $1,000 scholarships. For more information, contact: Horace Mann Companies, Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 20490, Springfield, IL 62715-0001; (217) 789-2500;
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magazine is sponsoring the Outside Adventure grants. Teams of up to six students ages 12-17 are invited to submit proposals for the adventure or expedition of their dreams. A panel of explorers judges how the ideas combine exploration, adventure, potential for success, and benefit to the natural world. One team is selected to go on its proposed adventure, with training and equipment provided. Team members keep journals and take photographs to be posted online. A free guide for teachers is available on how to use this program in classrooms and schools. For more information, contact: John Alderman,
magazine; (212) 972-4650; e-mail
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, a weekly current events program produced for schools by Knowledge Unlimited Inc., announces the
Student Editorial Cartoon Contest. Students in grades K-12 enter cartoons that are judged on clarity, originality, and knowledge of the subject. First-, second-, and third-place winners are named in three categories: K-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Winners receive savings bonds, and the top 100 cartoons are featured in the forthcoming book
. For more information, contact: Knowledge Unlimited, NewsCurrents Editorial Cartoon Contest, P.O. Box 52, Madison, WI 53701; (800) 356-2303.
Parke-Davis, a national pharmaceutical company, invites nominations for the 1999 Parke-Davis Epilepsy Scholarship for college-bound high school seniors. Nominees must have a record of academic and extracurricular excellence and must be undergoing treatment by a physician for epilepsy. Sixteen $3,000 scholarships are awarded. For more information, contact: Jeffrey Tarnoff, Parke-Davis Epilepsy Scholarship Award, c/o IntraMed Educational Group, 1633 Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10019; (800) 292-7373.
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation invites high school seniors to apply for its restaurant- and hospitality-industry scholarship program. High school students must have applied and gained acceptance to a hospitality-related postsecondary program. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Number of winners depends on quality of applications. Winners receive a $2,000 scholarship. For more information, contact: National Restaurant Association, Scholarship Program, 250 South Wacker Dr., #1400, Chicago, IL 60606; (800) 765-2122.
Independent Means Inc., a company that produces programs and products promoting girls’ financial independence, invites 13- to 21-year-old women to create their own business plan for the 1998-99 National Business Plan Competition for Young Women. Three winners receive an expenses-paid trip to a major U.S. city for an awards ceremony and a women’s business conference. For more information, contact: Independent Means Inc.; (800) 350-1816.
Peterson Directed Handwriting is sponsoring the National Cursive Handwriting Contest for students in grades 3-8. One winner from each grade receives a $50 U.S. savings bond and a framed certificate. All entries that are judged excellent are elected to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and are awarded a certificate of recognition. Contestant writing samples should contain at least four lines of writing. Grade 3 entries may be done in pencil; entries from grades 4-8 must be written in ink. Entries are judged on such characteristics as letter formation, forward slant, size, and spacing. For more information, contact: Peterson Handwriting, P.O. Box 249, Greensburg, PA 15601; (724) 837-4900; e-mail
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The National Science Teachers Association and Sears, Roebuck and Co. have launched the second annual Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program. This program encourages students in grades 3-8 to design, build, or modify a tool. Twelve regional winners each receive a $5,000 U.S. savings bond; the national winner is awarded an additional $5,000 U.S. savings bond. For more information, contact: Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (888) 494-4994; e-mail
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Cisco Systems Foundation, Gateway Computers, and the Global SchoolNet Foundation sponsor the International Schools CyberFair ‘99. K-12 students participate by creating Web sites about their community. School- generated sites in eight different categories--including local leaders, history, music, art, business, and environment--are evaluated by students using a Web tool developed by Global SchoolNet. All schools receive recognition and prizes for participating. For more information, contact: Global SchoolNet Foundation; (760) 721-2972;
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Peel Productions Inc. invites students up to age 18 to enter its ABC School Riddles Contest. Students are encouraged to submit rhyming riddles that are based on a letter of the alphabet. Prizes are awarded for the winning entry for each letter of the alphabet, and winning riddles will be published in the forthcoming book,
. For more information, contact: Riddles Contest Rules, P.O. Box 546, Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 304-3269; e-mail
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The National Hot Rod Association, in conjunction with Sears Craftsman, announces scholarships for high school seniors. The Sears Craftsman program awards 21 scholarships of $1,000 each. The Racerz Legends of Drag Racing High School program awards seven scholarships of $300 each. Preference is given to students planning a career in technological, industrial, or marketing fields of the automotive industry. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from public, private, or parochial high schools between January 1 and June 30. Contact: National Hot Rod Association Youth and Education Services, 2035 Financial Way, Glendora, CA 91741; (626) 914-4761, ext. 427.
The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors an essay contest for high school freshmen and sophomores on Rand’s novella
. The top essayist receives a $1,000 award. Ten second-prize winners receive $200 each; 20 third-prize winners receive $100 each. Essays must run between 600 and 1,200 words and focus on one of three topics chosen by the institute. Contact:
Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; e-mail
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The Hitachi Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization, seeks nominations for the 1998 Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community. The award recognizes high school seniors who have distinguished records of community leadership and service. As many as 11 winners receive $5,000 each, disbursed over two years, and participate in an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.; roughly five finalists each receive $1,000. For more information, contact: Yoshiyama Award, P.O. Box 19247, Washington, DC 20036-9247; (202) 457-0588.
The Ayn Rand Institute invites high school juniors and seniors to enter an essay contest on Rand’s novel
. One first-prize winner receives a $10,000 award. Five second-prize winners receive $2,000 each, and 10 third-prize winners receive $1,000 each. The 800- to 1,600-word essay must focus on one of three topics specified by the institute. For more information, contact:
Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6004, Inglewood, CA 90312;
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Students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest sponsored by the NO-ADdiction campaign, a nonprofit initiative working to prevent drug and alcohol use among students. In 300 words or fewer, students explain why they have chosen not to use drugs or alcohol and what they have done to further prevention efforts in their schools or communities. Participating schools hold their own competition and select one essay for national judging by a celebrity panel of judges. Ten students receive $500 each from the NO-ADdiction Scholarship Fund for postsecondary education; one school receives $5,000 for its efforts in drug and alcohol prevention. Contact: NO-ADdiction Campaign, P.O. Box 4628, Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0628; (800) 662-3342; e-mail
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VSA, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, invites individuals with disabilities to enter the 1999 Playwright Discovery Program. Entrants submit an original one-act script that focuses on some aspect of a disability. Work by a playwright 18 years old or younger is selected for production or a staged reading at the Kennedy Center in the fall of 1999. The winner also receives scholarship funds and a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the production. Contact: VSA, 1300 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; (800) 933-8721; fax (202) 737-0725; e-mail
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The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation invites graphic arts educators to submit grant proposals for education projects in the graphic-communications field. Typical programs aim to teach students about graphic arts technology and management. Proposals submitted by April 30 are considered for full funding; proposals for grants of up to $2,500 are accepted on a rolling basis. For proposal guidelines, contact: Susan Snow, Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation, 1899 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 20191-4367; (703) 264-7200; fax (703) 620-0994; e-mail
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The Metropolitan Opera Guild seeks applicants for Creating Original Opera, a seven-day summer program to help teachers of grades 3-7 use opera and musical theater in their classrooms. Tuition, room, board, supplies, and fees are paid by the program, but there is a $190 fee paid by the schools of participating teachers. Deadlines vary by region: South, April 1; Midwest, April 15; Northeast/International, May 1; West, May 15. Contact: Shellie Bransford, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023; (212) 769-7026;
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The Knights of Columbus award Bishop Charles P. Greco Graduate Fellowships for full-time study in a master’s degree program designed to prepare classroom teachers of mentally retarded children. Members of the Knights of Columbus, their immediate families, or the immediate families of deceased members of the Knights are eligible. Applicants submit an autobiographical statement that outlines their interest and experience in working with mentally retarded children, two recommendations from professionals familiar with their work with such children, and undergraduate academic transcripts. Four grants of up to $2,000 are usually awarded. Contact: Committee on Fellowships, Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 1670, New Haven, CT 06507-0901; (203) 772-2130, ext. 332.
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Landmark Editions Inc. announces the 1999 National “Written and Illustrated by...” Awards Contest. Youngsters may enter original books in one of three age categories: 6-9, 10-13, or 14-19. One winner from each category is awarded a publishing contract; winners receive an expenses-paid trip to the Landmark offices in Kansas City, Mo., where the staff assists in the final preparation of their text and illustrations. Authors are paid royalties annually based on sales. Entry fee: $2. For more information, contact: 1999 NWIB Awards Contest, c/o Landmark Editions Inc., P.O. Box 270169, Kansas City, MO 64127; e-mail
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The Lanacane Itch Information Center asks students in grades K-6 to submit questions about outer space to its 1999 Lanacane Itching To Know Science Contest. The ten most interesting entries are answered by NASA astronauts, and one of these ten winners is randomly selected to receive a three-day trip to U.S. Space Camp in Florida, California, or Alabama. Space experts respond to every student who enters the contest. Elementary school teachers of grades K-6 may also participate by submitting an original outer space-related lesson plan or science project. One grand-prize winner receives a trip to U.S. Space Camp for Educators in Alabama, along with $500, a framed award certificate, and an NSS educator package and membership in the NSS. Three runners-up each receive a telescope and cash prize as well as membership. For more information, contact: Lanacane Itching To Know Science Contest, P.O. Box 328-LC, White Plains, NY 10602;
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The Vegetarian Resource Group, a nonprofit organization, invites students ages 18 and under to submit essays on a diet that does not include fish, meat, or poultry. The two- to three-page essays may be based on research, interviews, and/or personal beliefs and experiences. A $50 U.S. savings bond is awarded to at least one winner in each of the following age categories: 8 and under, 9-13, and 14-18. For more information, contact: Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203; (410) 366-VEGE; e-mail
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--John Cochran
