Best Humanities Opportunities for High Schoolers
Top humanities competitions, scholarships, and programs for high school students.
126 opportunities found
One Teen Story
One StoryFree writing contest for teen writers ages 13-19. Winners are edited, published, and paid for their work.
Acumen Poetry Magazine - Submissions
AcumenLiterary magazine publishing new poetry, translations, articles, and reviews. Open submissions for poets of all levels.
International Philosophy Olympiad
International Philosophy OlympiadTwo-stage online competition where high school students write essays and debate philosophical questions about ethics, knowledge, and existence.
National Forensic League (NFL) - Partners & Competitions
National Forensic LeagueSpeech & debate honor society offering multiple national competitions including IPPF, American Legion oratory, and international WSDC debate formats w...
Scripps National Spelling Bee
Scripps NetworksPremier national spelling competition for middle and high school students showcasing vocabulary mastery and competitive excellence.
Illinois History Day
Illinois State Museum6-12th grade project-based program for researching and competing in history competitions, with advancement to national competition.
National History Day (NHD) in DC
DC History Center, National History Day Inc.Students research and present on annual NHD themes through various formats. DC-wide contest in March with advancement to national competition.
Texas History Day
Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)Project-based statewide research program and competition for grades 3-12 affiliated with National History Day, where students investigate primary sour...
National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA)
National Speech & Debate AssociationLargest speech and debate organization in the US, supporting interscholastic tournaments and competitions since 1925.
Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (IEB) - 2026 National Cases
Intercollegiate Ethics BowlNational ethics competition featuring case-based discussions on contemporary ethical dilemmas for high school and college students.
Miniversity Singapore Debate Olympiad
Miniversity SingaporeIn-person international debate tournament featuring World Schools Debate competition at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB)
Ethics BowlCompetitive program where high school teams debate and discuss ethical issues, developing critical thinking and argumentation skills.
John Locke Essay Competition
Modus Ponens InstituteEssay competition for high school students on topics related to John Locke and political philosophy.
USA FORENSICS OLYMPIAD Global Summer Cup USAFO 2026
USA Forensics OlympiadOnline forensics competition with debate events (PF, LD, CD). Official qualifier for 2027 USAFO Championship with cash prizes and bids to nationals.
NABJ Scholarships
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)Annual scholarships up to $10,000 for high school and college students pursuing journalism, broadcast, print, online media, photography, graphic desig...
Quest for Excellence Awards - Humanities
QuestBridge$1,000 award for College Prep Scholars with special skills in humanities, social sciences, and/or visual and performing arts.
JEA Student Awards
Journalism Education Association (JEA)National awards recognizing excellence in journalism for high school students across the United States.
Mississippi History Day
Mississippi Department of Archives & HistoryState affiliate of National History Day competition for middle and high school students to conduct historical research around annual themes.
Philosophy Olympiad
Philosophy OlympiadA competitive philosophy olympiad for high school students with registration, competition, and finalist selection phases.
Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention
JEA (Journalism Education Association) and NSPA (National Scholastic Press Association)The nation's largest gathering of scholastic journalists, advisers and journalism teachers featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, awards, and ...
Institute for Speech and Debate (ISD) - Carolina
Institute for Speech and DebateWeek-long residential and commuter speech and debate summer camp at UNC Chapel Hill with specialized instruction in speech events and debate.
Quill and Scroll Student Scholarships in Journalism
Quill and ScrollScholarships for high school seniors pursuing journalism and communications majors in college, including Edward J. Nell Memorial, George and Ophelia G...
SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest
Society of Professional Journalists Foundation and Journalism Education AssociationEssay contest for high school students on media literacy and independent, ethical media with scholarship awards.
Oklahoma National History Day
Oklahoma Historical SocietyAcademic program for grades 6-12 where students research historical topics, create projects, and compete at regional, state, and national levels.
New York State History Day
Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta and the New York Public History TrustYear-long educational program where students explore history, conduct research, and create projects for competition at local to national levels.
ISD (I Speak and Debate)
I Speak and DebatePremier speech and debate summer camp with individualized coaching from top faculty, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
JEA Awards & Contests
Journalism Education Association (JEA)Journalism awards and contests program coordinated by JEA committee, with upcoming deadlines in August.
JEA National Student Media Contests - Fall 2026
Journalism Education Association (JEA)National student media competitions covering journalism, photography, design, broadcast, and digital media across 50 contest categories.
One Teen Story Contest
One StoryAnnual writing contest for teens ages 13-19 to submit original short fiction about the teen experience. Winners published and paid $500.
One Story Writing Classes and Programs
One StoryAward-winning literary publisher offering writing classes, workshops, and intensive programs for aspiring writers.
Institute for Speech and Debate Summer Programs 2026
Institute for Speech and DebateSummer speech and debate programs including Congressional Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum, Interpretation, Oratory, and Foundations.
Poetry Out Loud - Michigan
Michigan HumanitiesDynamic poetry recitation competition for high school students. State champion competes nationally for $20,000 college scholarship.
National History Day Arkansas
National History Day / Arkansas PBSAcademic program for students to research historical topics, create presentations, and compete at local, state, and national levels.
National History Day - Rhode Island
Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS)Students conduct historical research and present projects as documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, or websites in annual competition.
Creative Writing
Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI)Students write original short stories (1,500 words max) responding to future-focused annual topics, competing individually across three grade division...
National History Day in North Dakota
North Dakota StudiesProject-based learning competition where students research historical topics and present in documentary, paper, exhibit, performance, or website forma...
Maryland History Day
Maryland HumanitiesAnnual history competition for middle and high school students to create original projects exploring historical themes through documentaries, exhibits...
National History Day in Delaware (NHDDE)
Delaware Historical SocietyAnnual educational competition for grades 6-12 where students conduct historical research and create projects including performances, exhibits, docume...
National History Day in Minnesota
Minnesota Historical SocietyCo-curricular program for students in grades 6-12 focusing on historical research and analysis on topics of their choosing.
Patriots v. Loyalists Virtual Supreme Court Competition
Harlan InstituteHigh school moot court competition where teams argue for/against American independence using primary sources from before July 4, 1776.
National History Day - Local State Contests
National History Day (NHD)State-level history competitions where students research historical topics and present projects in various formats.
USA FORENSICS OLYMPIAD Global Summer Opener
USA Forensics Olympiad (IOF)Official qualifier for 2027 USAFO Championship featuring debate competitions (PF, LD, CD) with cash prizes and bid opportunities for top competitors.
NSDA Student Membership
National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA)Join a school-based team to compete in speech and debate events, access training resources, and qualify for the National Tournament.
Tennessee History Day
Tennessee Historical SocietyA state-level history competition where students create projects exploring historical themes and compete at district, regional, state, and national le...
National History Day 2027
National History DayAnnual history competition for students exploring the theme 'Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change'
Massachusetts History Day
Massachusetts Historical SocietyState affiliate of National History Day where students conduct historical research and present projects as documentaries, websites, performances, pape...
MYDI Summer Tournament 2026
National Speech & Debate AssociationSummer speech and debate tournament hosted on Tabroom.com for high school competitors.
National History Day in Indiana
Indiana Historical SocietyStudents in grades 4-12 research and present projects on historical topics fitting an annual theme, with optional competition.
Connecticut History Day
Connecticut Democracy Center / National History DayAnnual program engaging middle and high school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning...
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
DebateUSLincoln-Douglas debate competition with seasonal topics including Living Wage, Wealth Tax, and other policy debates.
Scholastic Journalism Credentialing Program (SJCP)
Journalism Education AssociationEarn industry-backed badges in scholastic journalism skills including editing, writing, photojournalism, design, and more.
Wildcat Writers
University of Arizona Writing ProgramHigh school-college partnership program fostering creative and critical literacies through collaborative writing partnerships and community-based acti...
Oregon History Day
Oregon Historical SocietyStudents present Oregon history projects in five categories, competing at regional and state levels toward National History Day.
Terrapin K Ethics Tournaments
Terrapin K Ethics / Modus Ponens InstituteOnline ethics olympiads for middle and high school students emphasizing respectful, rigorous ethical discussion across the Americas and Europe.
APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl
APPE (Association for Practical and Professional Ethics)Intercollegiate ethics competition where students debate philosophical and ethical issues.
APPE International Conference
American Philosophical Practitioners Exchange (APPE)Annual conference for ethics professionals featuring presentations, networking, keynotes, and the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl competition.
Future Problem Solving Program International - Creative Writing
Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI)Students write original short stories (1,500 words or less) imagining outcomes of future scenarios based on annual problem topics.
Institute for Speech and Debate
Institute for Speech and DebateNationally recognized speech and debate summer camp with day and overnight programs for middle and high school students.
National Writing Invitational - Discovery Category
National Writing InvitationalSubmit original discoveries, ideas, facts, experiences, or philosophies on any topic for a national writing competition.
Extemporaneous Speaking
ISD (Institute for Speech and Debate)2-week residential summer program teaching extemporaneous speaking skills, research, and argumentation for competitive debate.
Alabama History Day
Alabama HumanitiesState competition where middle and high school students conduct historical research and present findings as papers, documentaries, websites, performan...
DisLit Youth Literary Magazine
DisLit Youth Literary MagazineSafe space for disabled teens to publish personal memoirs, poems, essays, and creative writing pieces
Quill and Scroll Contests and Critiques
Quill and ScrollThree major annual competitions for high school journalists: Writing/Visual/Multimedia Contest, Yearbook Excellence Contest, and PSJA Journalism Conte...
MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop
MIPA (Michigan Interscholastic Press Association)Five-day residential summer program at Michigan State University for students grades 7-12 to explore journalism and media on campus.
National History Day Georgia
Georgia Humanities and LaGrange CollegeStudents research historical topics related to an annual theme and present findings through exhibits, papers, documentaries, websites, or performances...
The Future of History - 2025 International Conference
FPSPI (Future Problem Solving Program International)International conference exploring how to preserve, protect, and safeguard historical knowledge, sites, structures, records, and artifacts for future ...
JEA National Student Media Contests (NSMC)
Journalism Education Association (JEA)High school journalism competition featuring 50 categories including writing, design, photo, and broadcast for students to showcase excellence.
Ethics Bowl
Ethics in a NutshellAcademic competition focused on ethics and philosophical debate for high school students.
Quill and Scroll Honor Society - Student Membership
Quill and ScrollHonor society membership for high school students excelling in journalism and school media with B grade average or upper third class standing.
National Writing Invitational
National Writing InvitationalMonthly writing contest open to K-12 students. Submit stories in any style for monthly publication and annual awards consideration.
DebateUS
DebateUSOnline debate platform offering policy debate resources, competitions, and educational content for high school debaters.
Your Story
Writer's DigestBimonthly creative writing challenge where participants submit short stories based on provided prompts for publication and prizes.
2027 National History Day in Pennsylvania State Contest
University of Scranton / National History DayState-level history competition for middle and high school students. Participants create projects on annual themes.
Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition
Writer's DigestFiction competition for short stories of 1,500 words or fewer currently accepting entries.
Writer's Digest Personal Essay Awards
Writer's DigestEssay competition with annual announcement of winners in May/June Writer's Digest issue.
Writer's Digest Annual Poetry Awards
Writer's DigestCompetition exclusively for poetry with two categories and prizes for winners.
JEA National Journalism Quiz Bowl
JEA (Journalism Education Association) and NSPA (National Scholastic Press Association)National quiz bowl competition for high school journalism teams testing knowledge across journalism, media law, AP Style, and current events.
The Past is Prologue Essay Contest
American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF)Essay contest exploring the legacy of American military service overseas by writing about historic battles linked to U.S. military cemeteries or monum...
Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE)
APPENon-profit dedicated to advancing scholarship, education, and practice in practical and professional ethics since 1991.
Iowa Summer Journalism Workshops
University of IowaSummer journalism workshops for high school students with scholarships available to offset costs.
High School Journalism Institute
Indiana UniversityTraining program for high school journalists to develop skills and prepare for careers in journalism.
Alaska History Day
Alaska History DayStudents in grades 6-12 create historical projects, build research skills, and learn project management and writing skills.
Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine
Cathartic Youth Literary MagazineA space for youth writing on mental health and identity
Quill and Scroll Student Advisory Board
Quill and ScrollStudent Journalism Collaboration Program connecting student journalists nationwide through virtual meetings to discuss scholastic journalism issues.
Writer's Digest Writing Contests & Competitions
Writer's DigestHub for multiple writing competitions including short stories, screenwriting, self-published e-books, and popular fiction across various genres.
NewPages Young Writers Guide to Contests
NewPagesComprehensive guide to writing contests for young writers, including Scholastic Awards, poetry, and various literary competitions.
Questions: Philosophy for Young People Journal
PLATO (Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization) / Philosophy Documentation CenterAnnual journal publishing philosophical work by K-12 students including essays, poetry, art, and multimedia projects.
The Lincoln Forum Student Scholarships
The Lincoln ForumScholarships for high school and elementary students demonstrating excellence and interest in Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, with all-expenses-pai...
Brown University Pre-College Summer Programs - Writing & Literature Courses
Brown UniversitySummer pre-college courses in creative writing, English, world literature, and communications offered in hybrid and on-campus formats.
The Tomorrow Project Challenges
Young Writers ProjectMonthly writing and art challenges exploring today's issues with solutions for tomorrow. Win prizes and get published.
Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine - Join Our Staff
Cathartic Youth Literary MagazineJoin the editorial team of Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine as a General Editor, Graphic Designer, or Mental Health Writer.
Summer Debate League July Online 2026
National Speech & Debate AssociationOnline debate tournament hosted in July 2026 for high school students
Ozark Creative Writers Showcase Awards
Ozark Creative WritersMultiple writing contests for short stories, poetry, memoirs, and published work with various themes and word limits.
2026 Lecture Series
One StoryEight live Zoom lectures with published authors on craft of fiction writing, February-November 2026.
Ozarks Creative Writers Contest
Ozarks Creative WritersAnnual writing contest with multiple categories for unpublished creative works. Must register for conference to enter.
Writer's Digest Annual Conference
Writer's Digest3-day annual conference offering writing craft instruction, publishing exploration, and career development with successful authors.
Journalism Education Association Awards
Journalism Education Association (JEA)Multiple awards for scholastic journalism educators and professionals including Carl Towley Award, Medals of Merit, Rising Star Award, and scholarship...
PLATO Online Philosophy Classes for High School Students
PLATO - Philosophy Learning and Teaching OrganizationOnline philosophy classes for high school students exploring education, identity, and AI through weekly Zoom discussions.
MPI Education - Classes and Tutoring
Modus Ponens Institute (MPI Education)Philosophy summer camps and tutoring classes including intro to philosophy, epistemology, logic, and AI debate prep.
Poetry in Voice / Les voix de la poésie - #recitepoetry
Poetry in Voice / Les voix de la poésieStudents memorize and recite classic and contemporary poems in English or French, competing for over $75,000 in travel and prizes.
Richmond Debate Institute High School Camp Tournament
Richmond Debate InstituteHigh school debate tournament hosted in Richmond, VA
Wildcat Speech and Debate Camp
K-State Olathe CampusSummer speech and debate camp offering debate in AM and speech/forensics in PM with flexible half-day or full-day options.
Bearcat Debate Institute
McKendree University Speech & DebateSummer debate camp offering Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and novice tracks with practice debates, drills, and a camp tournament.
New Jersey History Day
William Paterson UniversityA history competition for New Jersey students to research and present historical topics through various media formats.
Poetry Out Loud - Minnesota
Minnesota School Counselors Study Club (SCSC)Free statewide poetry recitation competition helping high school students build public speaking skills and appreciation for poetry.
New York Times Learning Network Summer Reading Contest
The New York Times Learning NetworkWeekly summer reading contest where teens submit responses about New York Times articles, photos, videos, or podcasts they've read.
Cathartic Lit Magazine - Contributors/Publication Opportunity
Cathartic Lit MagazineLiterary magazine publishing young writers' work from around the world. 800+ published authors from 43 US states and 37 countries.
Guam History Day
Guam Preservation Trust and University of Guam Micronesian Area Research CenterYearlong program for middle and high school students to creatively develop perspectives of Guam's history through research and presentations based on ...
JEA and NSPA Student Scholarships
JEA (Journalism Education Association) and NSPA (National Scholastic Press Association)Up to 50 need-based registration scholarships for high school students to attend the Fall Journalism Convention in Orlando.
Personal Essay Awards
Writer's DigestAnnual writing competition for personal essays with winners announced in Writer's Digest magazine's May/June issue.
Write the World
Write the WorldA platform for young writers to share their work and receive feedback from a global community.
DisLit Youth Literary Magazine - Essays/Prose/Nonfiction Submissions
DisLit Youth Literary MagazineYouth literary magazine publishing essays, prose, and nonfiction featuring diverse youth voices and writing styles.
VDA Summer Bash
VDA (Vancouver Debate Association)Online speech and debate tournament hosted on Tabroom.com
Ozark Creative Writers Conference
Ozark Creative WritersAnnual writing conference with contests, banquets, and author tables in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Awards
Writer's DigestCompetition exclusively for self-published e-books, currently accepting entries.
Piece of Cake: A Teen-Led Food Magazine - Guest Submissions
Piece of Cake: A Teen-Led Food MagazineSubmit food-related essays, articles, recipes, and restaurant reviews to a teen-led online magazine. Ages 13-22 welcome.
2026 Fiction Chapbook Contest
Story Bottle Co.Submit up to 60 pages of fiction including flash fiction, short stories, linked stories, story cycles, or novelettes.
The Shakespeare Project
Jacksonville State University - College of Arts, Humanities, and SciencesFree introduction to Shakespeare's works for area high school students through professional performances and teacher training programs.
Tiny Writes
Young Writers ProjectA Young Writers Project community feature where members can view and exchange tiny comments and short writing with the YWP community.
Six-Word Memoirs Monthly Contests
Six-Word MemoirsMonthly creative writing challenges where participants respond to prompts in exactly six words. Sometimes with prizes.
SixContest #157: All for Six
Six-Word MemoirsShare your passions, values, and guiding principles in exactly six words for the chance to be featured.
Hawaiʻi History Day
Hawaiʻi Council for the HumanitiesStudents create historical research projects and compete at district, state, and national levels through websites, documentaries, performances, exhibi...
North Carolina History Day
North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural ResourcesInspires historical inquiry in middle and high school classrooms through hands-on discovery as part of National History Day.
Original Oratory and Informative Speaking
ISD (I Speak and Debate)2-week residential or commuter program where students write and deliver 10-minute original speeches from memory, developing their voice and persuasive...
Extemp Congress
Debate USHigh school extemporaneous speaking competition with topics covering international affairs, US politics, economics, and policy issues.
Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Summer Workshop
Intercollegiate Ethics BowlFree online workshop for Ethics Bowl community covering coaching, organizing, judging, case writing, and competition strategies.