The 2022 Scholastic Awards season is here, and with it are some changes to the program. Every year, we make improvements to our technology, the entry process, and sometimes our categories so that participating in the Awards is easy for everyone, whether they are returning to the Awards or new to the program. Keep reading to find out what’s changed and our scholarship opportunities for 2022.
Entry Forms
Educators are not required to sign entry forms. However, students must still select an educator when they enter their work. Some awards include cash prizes for both the student and their educator, so it’s important to select an educator for each work.
Entry forms still require the signatures of the student and their parent or guardian.
Portfolio Requirements and Statements
Art and Writing Portfolios must include six works. Seniors can enter up to two art and/or two writing portfolios, but the same works cannot appear in multiple portfolios.
Portfolio entries must include two statements: an Artist or Writer Statement and a Personal Statement. These statements will be important elements for the consideration of scholarships. If you have questions about the difference between an Artist or Writer Statement and a Personal Statement, check out our blog post for help.
Scholarships and Cash Awards
Applying for scholarships is easy! Some scholarships require simply checking a box at the end of the application, while others ask for a short 50-word statement. Find out more about our different scholarships and how to apply for them below.
The Alliance/ACT-SO Journey Award
The Alliance/ACT-SO Journey Award, in partnership with the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), offers full-tuition scholarships to attend summer art or writing programs to ACT-SO scholars (in grades 7–11) who apply to the Scholastic Awards and receive a Gold or Silver Key.
How to apply: During the online entry process, ACT-SO scholars should select ACT-SO as their “Other Educational Program” or opt in to the Alliance/ACT-SO Journey Award at the end of their application.
Best-in-Grade Award
The Best-in-Grade Award, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, offers $500 scholarships to 24 Gold Medal winners (two artists and two writers per grades 7–12.)
How to apply: All Gold Medal-winning work will be considered.
Civic Expression Award
The Civic Expression Award, underwritten by the Maurice R. Robinson Fund, offers $1,000 scholarships to six students whose works explore political or social issues.
How to apply: At the end of your application, opt in to the Civic Expression Award. You will be prompted to include a short statement of 50 words or more about your work.
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartoon
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartoon, underwritten by The Herb Block Foundation, offers $1,000 scholarships to three students whose visual art offers commentary or criticism on current events, social events, or political topics.
How to apply: Select “Editorial Cartoon” as your art category when applying.
New York Life Award
The New York Life Award, underwritten by the New York Life Foundation, offers $1,000 scholarships to six students whose works explore personal grief and loss. State scholarships of $500 are also available to two students from each of the following states: Arizona, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, and Tennessee.
How to apply: At the end of your application, opt in to the New York Life Award. You will be prompted to include a short statement of 50 words or more about your work.
One Earth Award
The One Earth Award, underwritten by the Salamander Fund of the Triangle Community Foundation, offers $1,000 scholarships to four students whose works address the pressing issue of human-caused climate change.
How to apply: At the end of your application, opt in to the One Earth Award. You will be prompted to include a short statement of 50 words or more about your work.
Portfolio Awards
The Portfolio Awards, made possible by generous individual donors and other supporters, offer 16 Gold Medal Portfolio winners with $10,000 scholarships and 30 Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolio winners with $1,000 scholarships.
How to apply: All Gold Key-winning portfolios will be considered.
And that’s it! You’re all caught up and ready to enter your work into the 2022 Scholastic Awards. If you have questions about the entry process, please visit our FAQ page or contact us at info@artandwriting.org.