One of the things I get to do as a Librarian in Lacey is run the Lacey Loves to Read Teen Writing & Art Contest (LLTR). Occasionally, I get asked for ideas of opportunities similar to the LLTR contest that are open to teens outside of Lacey. Recently, I worked with the Youth Services Consultant at the Washington State Library to compile the list below. Contact us, opens a new window if you know of something similar that we missed!-
Washington State PTA:
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United States Fish & Wildlife Service: Junior Duck Stamp Contest, opens a new window
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Washington Center for the Book: Washington State Zine Contest, opens a new window
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Cavalcade of Authors West: Writing & Bookmark Contest, opens a new window
Magazines:
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Teen Ink, opens a new window is one magazine that's been around for a long time, and is built around work from teens
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The Teen Mag article - Here's a link, opens a new window to an article listing a whole bunch of magazines who take writing submissions from teens
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New York Times article with over 70 places to publish writing and art as a teen
High School-only Opportunities:
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Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: The Superintendent's High School Art Show, opens a new window
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Washington Art Education Association: Youth Art Month Flag-Banner Contest, opens a new window
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United States House of Representatives: Congressional Art Competition, opens a new window
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Washington State Arts Commission: Washington Youth Arts Leadership Program, opens a new window
- National Institutes of Health: Teen Mental Health Essay Contest
Other Timberland Library Stuff:
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Books by Kids for Kids, opens a new window - at the Lacey Timberland Library, we have a collection of books that kids have written and given to the library for checkout! Any kid can bring in a book to be added to that collection.
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Teen Art in the Lacey Teen Space - At the Lacey Timberland Library, we are gradually filling the Teen Space walls with art from local teens. There are no regional limits for that collection. Come take a look, and let me know if you have a piece you'd like to share!
I also advise students to talk to people at their schools, including Art and ELA teachers. They could start a student-driven contest, or teachers may know of other opportunities.
Happy creating!
