The New York Times Student Contests

About

The New York Times Student Contests are internationally recognized writing competitions open to students aged 13 to 19. Each year, thousands of students from around the world participate in challenges such as the Summer Reading Contest, Editorial Contest, Review Contest, and STEM Writing Contest.

Participants select a New York Times article, video, or podcast of their choice and craft a thoughtful written response that demonstrates critical thinking, personal insight, and writing craft. Top entries are selected by New York Times editors and featured on the official Learning Network website.

With a strong emphasis on authentic voice, real-world engagement, and concise, meaningful writing, these contests provide outstanding opportunities for students to strengthen their English writing and stand out on college applications—especially to top universities in the U.S. and U.K.

Contest Categories:

Summer Reading Contest – Weekly responses to Times articles, videos, or podcasts
Editorial Contest – Opinion essays on current issues
Review Contest – Critical reviews of cultural works (books, films, shows, etc.)
STEM Writing Contest – Explain a scientific concept clearly and creatively

Eligibility:

Open to students aged 13–19, from anywhere in the world.

Contest Schedule:

Each contest runs at different points throughout the year, typically lasting 4–8 weeks.
The Summer Reading Contest is the most popular, running mid-June through August with weekly entry cycles.

Why Join:

Winning entries are published on The New York Times website
Develop real-world writing, critical thinking, and media literacy
Boost your college applications with nationally recognized writing achievements
All submissions are reviewed by Times editors and educators for quality and originality

Official Site: NYT Learning Network – Student Contests

Courses for NYT Contests

Summer Reading Writing Workshop

A creative writing workshop tailored for The New York Times Summer Reading Contest. Students will read Times articles, videos, or podcasts and craft weekly responses filled with personal insight and thoughtful analysis. With expert feedback, students will revise their work for official submission.

Age Range: 13–19
Duration: 10 weeks
Outcome: 1 polished weekly response + 1 contest submission

Editorial & Journalism Writing Studio

This course prepares students for editorial and review contests hosted by The New York Times. Students will learn how to write persuasive opinion pieces and journalistic features with clarity, logic, and depth, developing real-world writing skills.

Age Range: 14–19
Duration: 6 weeks
Outcome: 1 editorial essay + 1 cultural review

STEM Writing for Public Audiences

Designed for science-minded students, this workshop teaches how to explain complex STEM topics in clear, engaging English for a general audience. It prepares students for the NYT STEM Writing Contest and builds scientific communication skills.

Age Range: 14–19
Duration: 4–6 weeks
Outcome: 1 full-length STEM contest submission