15 Online Competitions with Prizes for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 25 minutes ago
- 14 min read
If you are a high school student, competitions can be meaningful experiences that help you in multiple ways, from strengthening your resume to providing practical experience in a field of your choice. With opportunities spanning disciplines such as art, entrepreneurship, writing, coding, AI, math, science, and law, competitions allow you to apply your skills to challenges through structured, subject-specific problem-solving. Many of these competitions are conducted fully online, which means you can submit your work from anywhere without having to travel. If you are still exploring academic or career interests, online competitions offer a low-barrier way to test ideas, sharpen skills, and gain exposure to topics and problems in different areas.
Why should I participate in an online competition in high school?
Participating in an online competition in high school can help your profile stand out by demonstrating that you are motivated, capable of working independently, and willing to challenge yourself. It also gives you a chance to build tangible achievements that can strengthen your college admissions profile, especially when the competition aligns with your intended major or future career path. Beyond admissions, these experiences can help you develop discipline, time management, and confidence as you work toward a deadline. If you are interested in gaining recognition and prizes, online competitions can also make learning feel more rewarding and goal-oriented.
To simplify your search, we have rounded up 15 online competitions with prizes for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These competitions span science communication (Breakthrough Junior Challenge), academic essay writing (Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, John Locke Global Essay Prize, Horizon Academic Essay Prize), creative writing (Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, JASNA Essay Contest), visual art and design (Doodle for Google, Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest), video production (Stossel Video Contest, World of 8 Billion, Population Connection), and AI literacy (Stossel AI Challenge), giving students a wide range of formats and disciplines to choose from.
Most competitions are free to enter, including the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, John Locke Global Essay Prize, Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest, Laws of Life Essay Contest, Stossel Essay Contest, Stossel Video Contest, Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests, and Stossel AI Challenge, while a few, such as Scholastic Art and Writing Awards ($10 per submission) and SPJ High School Essay Contest ($10 entry fee), involve small costs with waivers available.
Prize amounts vary significantly, from smaller awards such as the Laws of Life Essay Contest ($100 per winner) and Stossel AI Challenge ($250 to $1,000) to major scholarships such as Doodle for Google (up to $45,000 for the national winner plus a $50,000 school technology package), Breakthrough Junior Challenge ($250,000 post-secondary scholarship), and the Ayn Rand Institute's annual grand prize (up to $22,000).
Several competitions offer additional benefits beyond cash prizes, including publication in the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship (Lumiere Scholars Essay Award), exhibition at Carnegie Hall (Scholastic Art and Writing Awards national medalists), an invitation to an academic conference in London (John Locke Global Essay Prize), and artwork featured on Google.com (Doodle for Google).
Students interested in journalism, policy, and public discourse have multiple strong options, including the Stossel Essay Contest, Stossel Video Contest, SPJ High School Essay Contest, and Stossel AI Challenge, all of which focus on argumentation, media literacy, and evidence-based communication.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; prizes include a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship for the student, a $50,000 prize for the teacher who inspired the student, and a $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab for the winner’s school.
Dates: Submission window: May 11 – September 15; Peer-to-peer Review: September 17 – 30; Administrative Review: October 1 – 3; Evaluation Panel Review: October 4 – 25; Verification of Finalists: October 26 – November 18; Popular Vote Challenge: November 24 – December 9; Announcement of finalists: December 10; Announcement of winner: Not specified
Application deadline: September 15
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 – 18, from around the world
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge centers on creating a short, original video that explains a complex scientific concept in an engaging, accessible way. You will research a topic in physics, mathematics, or life sciences and share your ideas in the form of a short video, using animation, demonstrations, or storytelling techniques. The competition includes a peer-to-peer review stage, where students evaluate each other’s submissions, adding a collaborative evaluative component. Judging will focus on criteria like engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty, so clarity and teaching ability are as important as technical accuracy. Finalists will gain visibility through public voting and judging panels, making the process both competitive and community-driven, and winners get scholarships and prizes for their schools and teachers. The experience can help you build skills in science communication, research synthesis, and multimedia production.
Location: Online
Cost and Prizes: Free; prizes include up to $1,000 in cash + a $3,190 scholarship to the Lumiere Research Program, along with publication of essays in the Oxford Journal of Student Scholarship
Dates: Submission window: March 9 – April 26; Announcement of shortlist: May 11; Announcement of results: May 17
Application deadline: April 26
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award invites students like you to submit an original academic essay that demonstrates critical thinking, structured argumentation, and evidence-based reasoning. As a participant, you will choose from interdisciplinary prompts and develop a clear, well-supported essay of under 2,000 words using strong arguments. Your work will be evaluated by a panel of professors and researchers based on originality, analytical depth, and clarity of expression. You will stand a chance to win a scholarship, cash prizes, and publication opportunities, with selected essays featured in an academic journal. The experience can help you refine research-oriented writing and explore formal academic discourse.
Location: Online + final ceremony for national medalists at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Cost and Prizes: Entry fee: $10/submission (or $30/portfolio), with fee waivers available; winners have their work published on the competition website, and national winners receive scholarships of up to $12,500.
Dates: Fall entry cycle; Deadlines: December – January (varies by region); Regional results: January; National results: March; National ceremony: June; Exhibitions and programs: July and August.
Application deadline: Varies by region; check details here.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 12, ages 13 and up, residing in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Canada
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a platform for middle and high school students to share their artistic, literary, and creative work. You can submit original pieces across categories like comic art, graphic design, jewelry, short stories, painting, poetry, photography, journalism, and essays, in the theme of your choice. Entries will progress through regional and national judging stages, offering multiple levels of recognition and feedback. Your work will be evaluated on originality, technical skill, and the strength of personal voice. The competition awards scholarships and opportunities for exhibition, publication, and national recognition, while also connecting you to a broader creative community. You can use the event to build portfolios that reflect sustained creative effort and thematic exploration. The experience mirrors professional artistic review processes and encourages long-term creative development.
Location: Online
Cost and Prizes: Free; cash prizes up to $1,000 + scholarships of up to $6,450
Dates: Submission deadline: February 1; Notification of shortlist: February 22; Announcement of results: March 8
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Horizon’s Academic Essay Prize is a free online competition that invites students to write structured, original essays on academic topics with a focus on critical thinking. You will select from a range of prompts focused on a topical concern/challenge and construct a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence and research. Essays will be reviewed by a panel of professors and scholars based on clarity, originality, and depth of insight, encouraging you to engage critically with complex ideas. The competition is designed to simulate university-level writing expectations. It can also be an opportunity to practice disciplined research and structured academic expression. Winners get cash prizes and scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program.
Location: Remote
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; five finalists each get a $10,000 college scholarship + their artwork featured on Google.com + Google tech/merch; national winner will receive an additional $45,000 scholarship and a $50,000 school tech package.
Dates: Submission window: October 15 – December 17
Application deadline: December 17
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades K – 12, including homeschooled students; entry forms must be submitted by parents, guardians, teachers, non-profits, and after-school programs on behalf of eligible students.
Doodle for Google invites students to create a 2D artwork inspired by an annual theme, accompanied by a written explanation of their concept. You will explore creative interpretation while ensuring that your work clearly communicates the theme and uses the word “Google”. Submissions will be judged on artistic merit, creativity, and thematic expression, as well as adherence to technical guidelines. The competition timeline includes finalist selection and public voting, allowing broader engagement beyond the judging panel. Selected entries may be showcased publicly, giving you a platform to present your ideas to a large audience. The experience combines visual storytelling with conceptual thinking, helping you build artistic and creative communication skills.
Location: Online + optional final academic conference and awards dinner in London, UK (travel not funded)
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter (late submission fee: £25 – £75); prizes include $1,000 – $10,000 scholarships toward John Locke Institute programs.
Dates: Submission window: April 1 – May 31; late submission dates: June 7 and June 21; Notification of shortlisted essays: July 7; Announcement of winners + optional in-person conference: October 2 – 4
Application deadline: March 31 | Late registration deadline: April 30 (late fees of $10 applicable); registration opens on February 2.
Eligibility: Students around the world who are under 19 years old by May 31 (Junior category: students under 15 | Senior category: students who are 15 – 18 years old)
The John Locke Essay Competition is an essay contest that invites students worldwide to write a 2,000-word essay focused on a question in one of 10 subject areas: history, international relations, philosophy, law, psychology, public policy, politics, economics, and science and technology. Your essay will be evaluated by academics from universities around the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an academic conference and awards dinner in London, but you are eligible to win without attending in person. Winners will receive scholarships of up to $10,000 and recognition.
Location: Online contest; winners are invited to the Annual General Meeting in the U.S. (accommodation funded, but no funding for travel)
Cost and Prizes: Free; prizes include $250 – $1,000 scholarships + publication of essays on JASNA website + free access to select JASNA events
Dates: Submission window: February – June 1; Announcement of winners: August
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school (full- or part-time) and homeschooled students, college students, and graduates around the world
The JASNA Essay Contest invites students at various levels of education to analyze the works of Jane Austen through structured, analytical essays. The theme changes each year; the most recent theme was “Men and Boys in Jane Austen’s Novels,” which invited participants to analyze male characters. Based on the theme, you will write an original literary analysis essay focused on Austen’s texts, zeroing in on select characters and supporting your arguments with textual evidence. The contest places emphasis on your personal interpretation rather than a submission of a research-heavy academic paper. Winning students will secure publication on the official website, receive scholarships, and be invited to JASNA’s Annual General Meeting.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: No cost; prizes — First Place: $2,500 | Second Place: $1,000 | Five Finalists: $200 each
Dates: Submission window: September 10 – March 13; Announcement of winners: May 31
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Middle, high school, and undergraduate students residing in the U.S., Canada, or at a U.S. military address
The Stossel Video Contest requires students to produce a short video (1–3 minutes) that responds to a specific prompt, typically related to economics, public policy, or current issues. You will research your topic, develop a clear argument, and present it through a structured visual format. Entries will be reviewed through multiple rounds by judges with expertise in relevant fields. Judges will focus on clarity, organization, and how effectively the video answers the prompt, rather than production quality alone. The contest allows for collaboration but requires individual accountability in submission. The experience can help you develop skills in argumentation, media production, and concise communication.
Location: Online Submission
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; $100 cash prizes available
Dates: Submission deadline: May 15; winners are announced in the months following the submission (dates not specified).
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 4 – 12 worldwide
The Laws of Life Essay international contest invites students to write about a core value that holds meaning in their lives. You will submit an essay of 250 – 500 words that focuses on a value, such as integrity or compassion, essential to your personal development. The context can help you examine your and others’ perspectives on ethics, morality, and character across cultural backgrounds. Your work will be assessed by a panel of volunteer judges. Winning entries will be shared and recognized as “Most Compelling” or “Exemplary” on the contest website.
Location: Online
Cost/Prizes: Free to enter; cash prizes up to $1,000 + access to special opportunities (e.g., Future Blue Youth Council, internships, and judging roles)
Dates: Submission window: September 15 – June 8; Announcement of results: November
Application deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students ages 11– 18 from around the world; participation requires an adult sponsor (parent, teacher, or mentor).
The Ocean Awareness Contest encourages students to create original work, such as a visual artwork, written piece, or multimedia project, based on an annual environmental theme. You will research ocean-related issues and reflect on your understanding through creative expression. Submissions will be evaluated by a diverse panel of artists, scientists, and educators based on criteria like thematic relevance, originality, and craftsmanship. Winning entries receive cash prizes. The program also offers opportunities for continued engagement, such as leadership roles and internships for participants.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: No cost to enter; prizes — First place: $1,200 | Second place: $600 | Two honorable mentions: $300 each
Dates: Submission window: September 3 – March 4; Notification for finalists: April; Announcement of winners: May 19
Application deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Students worldwide in grades 6 – 12; parent/guardian consent is required for students under 13 and for international participants (GDPR compliance).
The World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest invites students to create short videos exploring the relationship between global population trends and environmental or social issues, and to present solutions. You will conduct research, develop a solution-oriented argument, and present it in a concise visual format. Judges will focus on content accuracy and message clarity over technical production quality. You will be encouraged to use the provided educational resources to support your work. Winners secure cash prizes of up to $1,200. The contest can help you develop skills in research, critical thinking, and public communication.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: No cost; cash prizes — First place: $2,500 | Second place: $1,000 | Third place: $500 | Five finalists: $200 each | Five semi-finalists: $100 each | 15 honorable mentions: $50 each
Dates: Submission window: September 10 – March 13; Announcement of winners: May 31
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Middle and high school students residing in the U.S., Canada, or at a U.S. military address
The Stossel Essay Contest invites students to write a structured response to an economics or public policy prompt. You will be expected to present a clear, structured written analysis, supported by logical reasoning and relevant examples. Essays will be evaluated by multiple reviewers for clarity, organization, originality, and adherence to the prompt, to ensure consistency and fairness. The contest emphasizes concise, persuasive writing that mirrors real-world opinion and policy writing formats. Winners get cash prizes of up to $2,500.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: $10 entry fee; prizes — First place: $1,000 scholarship | Second place: $500 scholarship | Third place: $300 scholarship
Dates: Submission deadline: February 22; Announcement of winners: May
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12 in U.S. public, private, and home schools within the U.S.
The Society of Professional Journalists' essay contest lets you create and submit an original written piece focused on topics related to journalism, media literacy, and the role of a free press in society. You will analyze issues such as misinformation, ethical considerations, and journalists' responsibilities. Judging criteria include originality, clarity, structure, and depth of analysis. You will also practice thinking critically about media systems and their societal impact. The experience can also help you practice informed and responsible communication. You will stand a chance to win a scholarship and get your work published.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: No cost; prizes — Seasonal rounds: up to $3,000 in scholarship/cash prizes | Annual grand prize: Up to $22,000 cash/scholarship prize
Dates: Multiple competitions each year
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines each year; next submission deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Anthem and The Fountainhead: Middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13 and up | Atlas Shrugged: High school, college, and graduate students worldwide
The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests require students to read selected novels by Ayn Rand and respond to prompts with structured essays that explore the works’ philosophical and thematic elements. You will engage in close textual analysis and develop arguments based on your interpretation of the work. Essays will be judged on clarity, understanding of the text, and strength of argumentation. The contest encourages critical thinking about literature and ideas, rather than surface-level summaries, and provides a structured framework for literary analysis and philosophical reflection.
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: No cost; prizes — First Place: $1,000 | Second Place: $500 | Third Place: $250 | 10 Finalists: $100 each
Dates: Submission deadline: January 9; Announcement of winners: February 20
Application deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12 residing in the U.S., Canada, or at a U.S. military address
This AI challenge asks students to interact with an approved AI tool and submit both the interaction and a written reflection analyzing the experience. You will critically evaluate the AI tool's response and its limitations. The entries will be judged on the clarity, depth, and organization of the reflection, rather than the AI output itself. You will also need to demonstrate independent reasoning and ensure that your reflection is entirely original. The contest highlights the responsible and analytical use of emerging technology while helping you practice critical evaluation and reflective writing, and boost your digital literacy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best online competitions with prizes for high school students?
Strong options depend on a student's interests and skills. Students drawn to science communication might consider the Breakthrough Junior Challenge; those who enjoy academic writing might look at the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award or John Locke Global Essay Prize; and those interested in art and visual design might consider Doodle for Google or the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Are there free online competitions with prizes for high school students?
Yes, most competitions on this list are free, including the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, John Locke Global Essay Prize, Doodle for Google, Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest, Stossel Essay Contest, Stossel Video Contest, Laws of Life Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests, and Stossel AI Challenge.
Which competitions are open to international students?
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, John Locke Global Essay Prize, JASNA Essay Contest, Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest, Laws of Life Essay Contest, World of 8 Billion, and Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests all welcome international participants. Competitions such as Doodle for Google, Stossel contests, and SPJ High School Essay Contest are restricted to students in the U.S. or Canada.
Which competitions focus on video production rather than written submissions?
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Stossel Video Contest, and World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest all center on short video submissions, requiring students to communicate ideas clearly through a visual and narrative format rather than a written essay.
Which competitions offer the largest prizes for high school students?
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge offers the largest individual prize at $250,000 in post-secondary scholarships, followed by Doodle for Google (up to $45,000 for the national winner), the Ayn Rand Institute annual grand prize (up to $22,000), and the John Locke Global Essay Prize (scholarships up to $10,000).
When should I apply to online competitions with prizes for high school students?
Deadlines are spread throughout the school year. Early deadlines include Horizon Academic Essay Prize (February 1), SPJ High School Essay Contest (February 22), and Stossel AI Challenge (January 9), while others, such as the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award (April 26), Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest (June 8), and JASNA Essay Contest (June 1), fall later in the spring and summer.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.