essay competition for nurses

Three Nursing Students Win Awards for Gold Foundation Essays

Three nursing students have been awarded cash prizes for their essays in the 2022 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest held by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

The annual essay contest encourages medical and nursing students to reflect on their experiences and engage in narrative writing. Students are asked to respond to a specific prompt in a 1,000-word essay. For the 2022 contest, students were asked to use the following quote as inspiration to reflect on humanism in healthcare, drawing from their experiences as an individual or as a member of a healthcare team (doctors, nurses, therapists, patients, and families, etc.):

“Creating a connected life begins with the decisions we make in our day-to-day lives. Do we choose to make time for people? Do we show up as our true selves? Do we seek out others with kindness, recognizing the power of service to bring us together?” – Excerpt from Together: Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General and Vilcek-Gold Humanism for Healthcare Award recipient

More than 400 essays were submitted. A panel of judges, including healthcare professionals and notable authors, reviewed the submissions. Three winning essays from nursing students and three winning essays from medical students were selected, along with 11 honorable mentions. The winning essays will be published in consecutive issues of the Journal of Professional Nursing and Academic Medicine in the fall/winter of 2022.

Winners receive a monetary award of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.

The three winning nursing students are:

First-Place Essay: Jessica Pierce, Oregon Health & Science University

Second-Place Essay: Victoria Furka, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Third-Place Essay: Chelsea Huffhines, University of Kansas

Learn more about the Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest .

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Dr. Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest

• Eligibility, Selection Criteria, and Process
• Past Winners
• Essay Reviewers

2022 Essay Contest Winners

The Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest asks medical and nursing students to engage in a reflective writing exercise that illustrates an experience where they or a healthcare team member worked to ensure that humanism was at the core of care.

For the 2022 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest, medical and nursing students were asked to reflect on the following quote from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in his book  Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World: 

“Creating a connected life begins with the decisions we make in our day-to-day lives. Do we choose to make time for people? Do we show up as our true selves? Do we seek out others with kindness, recognizing the power of service to bring us together?”

Read the full announcement.

2022 Medical Student Winners

First Place | “The Light” Mason Blacker NYU Grossman School of Medicine Read in Academic Medicine

Second Place | “Every Patient After” Molly Fessler University of Michigan Medical School Read in Academic Medicine

Third Place | “To Tend to a Life Story” Nali Gillespie Duke University School of Medicine Read in Academic Medicine 

2022 Nursing Student Winners

Second Place | “A Song for the Dying” Victoria Furka The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing Read in Academic Medicine

Third Place | “She Served Him Well” Danielle Blackwell Frontier Nursing University Read in Academic Medicine

• Washington State University

WSU Doctoral Nursing Student Wins First Place in Nationwide Essay Contest

When Courtney Polimeni read the email from the WSU College of Nursing Director of the Center for Student Excellence, Chris Sogge , about an essay contest for medical and nursing students, she didn’t think she had the time to consider it. But as Polimeni read the proposal request, something about this one caught her attention and she decided to go for it.

The annual Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest asks medical and nursing students to write about an experience where humanism was at the foundation of the care they provide. The winning essays are chosen by a panel that includes healthcare professionals, journalists, and educators. In 2023, marking the sixth year the contest has included nursing students, more than 530 entries were submitted from students at over 90 nursing schools and over 110 medical schools. The essay contest is sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation .

“This year’s winning essays are beautiful reflections on our shared humanity,” said Elizabeth Cleek, PsyD, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Gold Foundation. “I am deeply impressed by the winners, not only for their talent on the page, but as clinicians in training who exemplify heart and compassion.”

With a decade of experience in nursing, Polimeni immediately thought of a meaningful experience she had with a patient. She changed the names in the story and got to work writing her short essay titled “The Window”. A few weeks later, she heard back from the committee informing her she won first place in the nursing category.

“I heard back, and I was very happy to learn I won,” said Polimeni. “The essay I wrote illustrates the effect of your nursing experience on your perspective and how that influences the care that you provide.”

Courtney Polimeni is a Doctor of Nursing Practice student currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Washington State University. Originally from Rochester, New York, Polimeni moved to Spokane about three years ago. She has worked for both Providence Scared Heart Medical Center and Chas Health and will be applying to an ARNP residency programs upon her 2024 May graduation. She expects to pursue a career in formal nursing education as a professor down the road. In her free time, she is an avid fly fisher, runner, and bow hunter.

The top prize receives $1000 and their essays are published in Academic Medicine and The Journal of Professional Nursing in the 2023 fall issues. Polimeni’s essay (PDF) can be read here .

Washington State University acknowledges that its locations statewide are on the homelands of Native peoples, who have lived in this region from time immemorial. Currently, there are 42 tribes, 35 of which are federally recognized that share traditional homelands and waterways in what is now Washington State. Some of these are nations and confederacies that represents multiple tribes and bands. The University expresses its deepest respect for and gratitude towards these original and current caretakers of the region. As an academic community, we acknowledge our responsibility to establish and maintain relationships with these tribes and Native peoples, in support of tribal sovereignty and the inclusion of their voices in teaching, research and programming. Washington State University established the  Office of Tribal Relations  and  Native American Programs  to guide us in our relationship with tribes and service to Native American students and communities. We also pledge that these relationships will consist of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity.

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Med-Surg Nurses Week 2023 Essay Contest: The Meaning of the Specialty

By amsn members.

Celebrating Med-Surg Nurses Week 2023, the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) launched an essay contest. Participants were asked to share their motivations and experiences in medical-surgical nursing. The contest provided a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of these dedicated professionals.

The responses were filled with power and pride as medical-surgical nurses shared stories, memories, and the specialty’s impact on patients’ lives and patient care. Read on as you celebrate #MSNW23 with your colleagues, and congratulations to essay contest winner Valsamma Abraham, RN, MSN/ED, MTh, CMSRN ! Read Valsamma’s award-winning submission here:

Of all the areas of the nursing profession, why did you choose to pursue medical-surgical nursing?

Medical-surgical nursing is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding field within healthcare. It is not an easy area to work in because it requires a unique blend of skills, dedication, and, most importantly, a deep passion for helping others. This essay will explain why I chose to be a medical-surgical nurse, focusing on the boundless passion and enthusiasm I have for these patients.

Like any nurse, at the core of my motivation lies an unwavering passion for patient care. I had an innate desire to make a difference in the lives of those who are unwell, and I thrive on the opportunity to be a source of comfort, compassion, and support to patients and their families during challenging times. Being a nurse for 35 years, I have had the opportunity to work in critical care areas, transplant units, open hearts, dialysis, and many more specialized units.

One major difference I noticed working in a medical surgical area is a feeling of satisfaction, a feeling of a job well done — especially when these patients get better and are discharged home. This doesn’t happen with ICU patients. In some cases, it takes forever or is even unsuccessful. I had the opportunity to receive the most prestigious DAISY Award for providing excellent care to my patients and families. I have been a recipient of the Nurse Excellence Award three times.

The fast-paced nature of a medical-surgical unit demands a level of dedication that can only be sustained through genuine passion. Patients often arrive with complex medical conditions, and nurses must be prepared to adapt and respond quickly. Medical-surgical nurses possess a unique enthusiasm for learning, especially when the field of medicine is ever evolving, with new treatments, procedures, and technologies. A true medical-surgical nurse embraces these advancements and welcomes the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills. I believe that learning is a continuous process, and I always look for it.

Medical-surgical nursing is not without its challenges. Patients with a wide range of medical conditions, some of which can be life threatening, demand constant vigilance and expertise. It is in the face of these challenges that the passion and enthusiasm of a medical-surgical nurse shine brightest. For me, each challenge is an opportunity. Being a medical-surgical nurse, I clearly understand the importance of teamwork in delivering high-quality care, passion for collaboration, and the camaraderie among my colleagues are fundamental to the enthusiasm for the profession.

In conclusion, medical-surgical nursing is a profession that attracts individuals with an unshakable passion for patient care and an unwavering enthusiasm for lifelong learning. The challenges and complexities of this field serve as opportunities for growth and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. The dedication and commitment of medical-surgical nurses are rooted in their genuine love for nursing and the desire to provide compassionate, high-quality care. It is this passion and enthusiasm that drives me to excel in my roles and continue to make a profound impact on the world of healthcare. — Valsamma Abraham, RN, MSN/ED, MTh, CMSRN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Broward Health Medical Center

Keep the celebrations going by checking out all essay contest contributions below!

Working in a medical-surgical unit is challenging. This helps me stay on my feet, apply evidence-based knowledge and skills I have learned and equipped with altruistic attitude, and constantly deal with various patients and families who are sick. It's a fulfilling role and vocation to see my patients transition from being unwell to being back to their optimum level of health. I also can feel more of being God's extension of healing hands as I take care of my medical-surgical patients. I learn new things every day, and there's never a dull moment in our unit. Being a medical-surgical nurse brings me to a lot of opportunities and helps me grow personally and professionally. — Maricione B. Corpuz, RN, BSN, MAN, CMSRN, Registered Nurse, St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center

From my first nursing class, I was 100% sure I wanted to be a medical-surgical nurse. There was so much about that specific field of nursing that appealed to me. The opportunity to care for patients and their families as a whole was a rewarding goal to look forward to. Medical-surgical nursing doesn't only focus on a specific disease process or a specific injury; we look at the patient as a whole. The chief complaint, how it interferes with the patient chronic illness diagnosis, how it interferes with their daily life, loved ones, and themselves as a whole. Being in this field of nursing has given me the opportunity to provide whole patient health care. If I could choose to restart my career again, I'll choose to be a medical-surgical nurse a thousand times. — Olanike Towobola, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN, Clinical Development Specialist, Samaritan Health Services

I love medical-surgical nursing and have been a nurse since 1974, first as an LPN, then as an RN since 1994. I have done a variety of nursing, but I always come back to medical-surgical nursing. The reason is simple: I love it! I love that I have different patients, different diagnoses, and different situations to learn from each and every day. I love the patients! Talking to them, learning about them, and, in many cases, the veterans have brought history to life for me. I have shared sorrow and joy with patients and families. I have been privileged to call myself a medical-surgical nurse, and I still believe it is the best of all the specialties! — Wendy Rohrbach, Evangelical Community Hospital

What does medical-surgical nursing mean to you?

Medical-surgical nursing is the best nursing can get! I love being a medical-surgical nurse because there are so many different areas you can work in and spread joy to sick or injured patients and their families — from the first to the last day of life.

When I was an entry-level bedside nurse, I once took care of a patient who was very ill. He was pending surgery to amputate his foot. When I entered the room, it felt like something was wrong. I spoke to him, and he was alert and oriented times four and was in good spirits. I did my focused assessment, and while listening to his bowel sounds, I knew something was wrong. I called the physician, who told me to drop an NG tube. I explained the procedure to the patient and apologized because I knew it was a very uncomfortable procedure. He said, "I will be all right because I know my angels are standing by..." While I thought he was talking about us, he did pass away peacefully within the next hour. This is why I am a medical-surgical nurse — helping patients achieve their maximum state of health or peace when transitioning is what nursing is all about. — Angela Simmons, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, Commandant, Uniformed Services University Grad School of Nursing

Medical-surgical nursing means a lot to me. This is the area I have been in since I became a nurse. There were a lot of times that other units like ICU or stepdown tried to recruit me, but I just couldn’t leave medical-surgical. I want to interact with my patients. I want to talk to them. For me, if you are good at medical-surgical, you will be good at all areas you go to. If the whole world of nursing is represented by a mansion that contains different rooms of specialization like intensive care, OR nursing, stepdown, rehab, long-term care, neurology, and many more, I strongly believe that medical-surgical nursing is the doorstep and the whole first floor. This means that you can still enter the mansion through the windows in the upper floors, but you will definitely have a hard time doing it. But if you enter the door and master the first floor, you can easily transition to the upper floors, or you can stay on the first floor and master it. In this case, you don’t even need to go to the upper floors, because you will have all you need on the first floor. For me, medical-surgical nursing is the mother of all specializations. You cannot be an ICU nurse without having your principles of medical-surgical nursing, but you can be a medical-surgical nurse without having ICU experience. This goes with other specialty areas. Medical-surgical nursing is where you learn and hone the fundamentals of being a nurse. — Jann Malone Murrell, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CURN, Charge Nurse, Roper Saint Francis Healthcare

Making Things Happen

When I became a nurse, I was told that if you can do a year in medical-surgical nursing, you can do anything. I had to try it. Now in my fourth year as a medical-surgical nurse, I can tell you truer words have never been spoken. In medical-surgical nursing, we see the bigger picture. Connecting with our patients and our colleagues is the heart of what we do.

I remember taking care of a patient who had been in the hospital for several days. I went into the room to introduce myself and ask him what his goal for the day would be. To my surprise, he said, “Today the goal is to go home. I have tickets to see Billy Joel with my wife in Madison Square Garden tomorrow.” I smiled and told him that I would see what we could do. I honestly did not know if it was possible.

To get the patient home that day, we worked as part of a team to do a number of things. He needed imaging done; he needed equipment delivered; and he needed to know how to take care of himself and his condition at home. Toward the end of the day, as I was printing the discharge paperwork, the patient was beaming. He was going to see rock icon Billy Joel with his wife, who I call the “Uptown Girl.”

While special to me, I would not say that my story is unique. Medical-surgical nurses are making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families each and every day. We care, we collaborate, and we make things happen. As we celebrate medical-surgical nursing, I celebrate the passion that brings us to this specialty. I am reminded of this passion by my own journey, where I discovered that medical-surgical nursing is a great place to start and a great place to stay. — Mark Lee, MS, BSN, RN-BC, Nurse Scholar, Emory Healthcare

I am a registered nurse. It’s not what I do; it’s who I am. I have worked every hour of the day, every day of the year. I don’t get summers off like teachers; I don’t get to leave at 5 p.m. like office workers. Hospitals don’t close in snowstorms or hurricanes — we stay until our relief appears, whether 10, 16, or 24 hours after we arrive. That’s what we sign up for — the privilege of treating our patients.

I cared for a veteran who attended the American Legion convention in Philadelphia a week before he was admitted with pneumonia. Microbiology could not identify the organism that grew from culture. We were frightened. Stories of veterans mysteriously dying after they got home filled the news. We drew straws to decide who would care for him because we had no universal precautions. That disease without a name is now known as Legionnaire’s Disease, and antibiotics kill the Legionella bacillus.

Seven years later, I cared for a young man with disfiguring skin lesions admitted with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. AIDS had been defined by the CDC the year before. The CDC issued the first recommendation for caregivers to wear gowns and gloves. We were to label blood specimens and soiled linens “AIDS Precautions.” This time, managers asked for volunteers to care for these vulnerable patients. AIDS made us think about protecting ourselves from infection more seriously than ever.

Eleven years ago, and a century later, I contracted staph pneumonia that would not clear. I was on four antibiotics, sick, not working, and scared. A year later, I was diagnosed with primary immune deficiency. While I was relieved to have an explanation, my heart broke when I realized I could no longer risk clinical practice. Worse yet, as I isolated at home during the first year of the pandemic, my nursing brothers and sisters were experiencing the fear of infection I knew the previous century and thought was behind us as a profession.

I have pressed my nose against the glass that encases the innermost fears and dreams in my patients’ souls. When that glass shatters, I’ve carefully picked up the pieces, one by one, and helped them rebuild that protective shell. I try not to cut myself, but I have, and sometimes I’ve bled for days. Of course, you don’t hear about those moments in a patient’s life. You hear about the “courageous surgeon” who operated. Patients don’t hesitate to wear that badge of honor. You’ll never hear about the nurse with the patient at three in the morning when his world fell apart. As a nurse, I’ve been privileged to be there when my patient is unprotected, naked, and vulnerable. What happens during those times is between the patients and their nurses. It is recalled in a silent, knowing glance, with the assurance that those secrets are forever held within the glass that encases the innermost fears, dreams, and knowledge in a nurse’s soul. And that’s what medical-surgical nursing means to me. — Patricia Carroll, RN, NPD-BC, RRT, MS, Self-Employed

Thank you to all who participated in the first annual Med-Surg Nurses Week essay contest! Visit the AMSN website to find out how you can continue celebrating #MSNW23.

AMSN Members

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Kilsby student essay competition

We are listening to the voice of the next generation of healthcare professionals..

The BHMA runs an annual student essay competition to broadcast the voice of the best and most innovative thinking from those about to embark on a career in healthcare. We want your fresh insight and opinion on how to transform the health service into a more compassionate and caring version of its current self.

Our title for 2024 (BHMA’s 40th Anniversary):

‘Holistic Healthcare in Action: Reflections on the Past, Directions for the Future’ 

Please use 2 or 3 examples to illustrate your answer.

Essay option:

Essay of 1000-1500 words.

Creative Inquiry option:

The assignment should be in the form of a creative text (please submit photographs/DVD/music file as appropriate) alongside a written reflection of up to 1000 words. Marks will be allocated in four categories: Impact, Perception, Aesthetics and Reflection.

Please complete the form below along with your submission

Deadline June 30th

FIRST PRIZE – Essay and Creative Enquiry

• Your essay published in our journal and online
• Ticket to our conference & awards reception
• Free membership to the BHMA or free journal subscription for 1 year
• Your essay published online

For just £17 per annum, your student membership enables you to access our entire online library of the Journal of Holistic Healthcare plus 10-20% discounts on selected events, courses and other membership packages.

Many Ways of Knowing

JHH 20.3 Journeys into Medicine

Journeys Into Medicine

Health Creation and Creative Health

Holism and Medical Education

What’s missing from medical education?

Embodiment and bodywork

Integrative Medicine

Shifting the paradigm

Frontiers of self-care

Flourishing in Medical Education

Beyond COVID

Mind-body self-care

Stories in medicine

The Real Food Issue

Faith, hope and love in healthcare

Nature Connections

Social Prescribing

Healing Journeys

Transformative innovation in healthcare

Men’s Health

Women’s Health

Children’s Health

Saving the NHS

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Become an  Ambassador

How can a holistic perspective benefit practitioners, patients, and the planet? First Prize Essay

How can a holistic perspective benefit practitioners, patients, and the planet first prize creative enquiry, previous winners & runners-up.

Note that we have recently started publishing winners and a few other choice essays as blog posts. These appear in the side bar above.

2023: Sayed Adam Bukhari , King’s College London, How can a holistic perspective benefit practitioners, patients, and the planet?

2023: Felicity Smith , Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Arts and Crafts in Healthcare: What William Morris can Teach us About the Benefits of a Holistic Perspective for Practitioners, Patients and the Planet

2023: Kate Eustace , University College Dublin, How can a holistic perspective benefit practitioners, patients, and the planet?

2023: Alton Ajay Mathew , Medical University of Lodz, How can a holistic perspective benefit practitioners, patients, and the planet?

2022: Jonathan De Oliveira , St. George’s, University of London ‘What is missing in our clinical education’?

2022: Karla Hamlet , Canterbury Christ Church University – Creative Enquiry ‘What is missing in our clinical education?’ – The Student Voice

2022: Hamaad Khan , University College London ‘What is missing in our clinical education?’

2022: Lucy Butterfield , University of Manchester – Creative Enquiry ‘What is missing in our clinical education?’

2022: Andrew Zhou , University of Cambridge – Creative Enquiry ‘What is missing in our clinical education?’

2022: Pervana Kaur , University of Karol Marnkowski ‘What is missing in our clinical education?’

2021: Deeya Kotecha , Cambridge ‘ How can holistic healthcare influence health inequalities ‘

2021: Jabin Chowdhury , Birmingham ‘ If holistic healthcare is the answer what is the question? A take on healthcare inequality ‘

2021: Annie McKirgan , Liverpool ‘ All Animals are Equal … Or are They? ‘

2020: Lauren Wheeler, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine ‘Holistic lessons from a pandemic…prevention is better than cure’

2020: Isabel Allison, University of Birmingham ‘Holistic lessons from a pandemic’

2020: Megan, University of Southampton: ‘Holistic lessons from a pandemic: Does anyone have a spare pen?’

2020: Simran , University of Southampton ‘Holistic Lessons from a pandemic: ‘All Lives Can’t Truly Matter Until Black Lives Matter’ ‘

2019: Jessica Frost Birmingham Medical School Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food

2019: Aaron Morjaria King’s College, London Is food the foundation for good health?

2019: Josephine Elliot University College, London Is food the foundation for good health?

2018: Thomas Christie Templeton College, Oxford Social Prescribing – are drugs or people the better cure?

2017: Fiona Field Imperial College London Re-imagining healthcare – in partnership with nature

2017: James Bevan University of Southampton Re-imagining healthcare – in partnership with nature

2017: Maddie Leadon University of Cambridge Re-imagining healthcare – in partnership with nature

2016: Robbie Newman Imperial College London Are we medicalising human experience? A radical review

2016: Alice Redfern University of Oxford Are we medicalising human experience? A radical review

2016: Vinay Mandagere University of Bristol Diagnosis: Are we medicalising human experience? A radical review

2015 Julius Kremling Germany, Why connection matters: Understanding patients’ illness by understanding their reality

2015: Tamar Witztum University of Bristol, Resilience in holistic care: Learning from Alice Herz-Sommer

2015: Lucy Brenner Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Cultivating compassion – students to lead the way?

2015: Eleanor Tanner University of Birmingham The Star of Compassion

2014: Olivia Sjökvist University of Hull, Coping with your own vulnerability in caring for a person who has a long-term condition

2014: Laura Clapham King’s College, London Coping with your own vulnerability in caring for a person who has a long-term condition

2014: Chiara Catterwell-Sinkeldam, King’s College London Coping with your own vulnerability in caring for a person who has a long-term condition

2013 Kundan Iqbal The importance of holism in medical care today and ways this can be promoted

2012 Reanne Jones Tears of Joy, tears of sorrow

2011 Thea Collins 2030: What made the NHS sustainable?

2010 Jason Ferdjani Improving global well being, improving personal well being

2009 Krishna Steedhar Student’s health matters

2008 Phoebe Votolato Being a Medical student

2007 Lewis Morgan A good holistic practitioner

Previous winners came from:

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Essay Contest

What do you believe about nursing.

Share your personal story about why you want to become a nurse, what you have learned, who has inspired you or what you want to contribute to the profession.  We are hoping your experiences can encourage other men and women around the country to strive for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing scholarship and realize their dream of becoming a nurse.  We’ll get you started… “I believe this about nursing…”  You take it from here and share how the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation NCIN scholarship program has helped start you on your path, and your insights—practical or emotional, but always inspirational—with the thousands of other students considering a career in nursing.

Content: You might describe how the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation NCIN scholarship has enabled you to pursue a career in nursing, an event that shaped your decision to become a nurse or a unique person who inspired your career choices. 

Tell us: I believe this about nursing…  Photos are encouraged. Word Limit: Please keep your electronic, typed submission under 500 words.  Recognition and Prizes: Essays will be featured on the NCIN Web site and in other NCIN marketing materials.  In addition, scholars will earn practical and fun surprises for their winning efforts. You can submit your essay(s) as many times as you like.   Submissions: All entries should be submitted via this Web site.

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I believe this about nursing...we care to change our patients, our community, and the world. 

I believe this about nursing …“It gives ordinary people the opportunity to be a proponent for every patient especially those who may fall through the cracks of the health care system.” 

I believe this about nursing ... no matter where you come from you can always make a difference. 

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Desert view, summerlin nurses earn nevada hospital association nursing essay contest honors.

This year’s theme, Making a Difference Every Day in Unprecedented Times, focused on the “unique contributions nurses make in the care of patients and their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Nikki Groff, RN

Groff, RN, an Infection Prevention and Education nurse for Desert View Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Pahrump, was honored in the Attraction Category with the question : I answered the call to serve as a nurse in my community during this time of crisis because ...

Groff, a military wife, mom of two and nurse for three years, offered a unique perspective, comparing the call to care for COVID patients as similar to the call to serve in a war setting. Pregnant during the initial phase of COVID, Groff “found myself being the cheerleader… From there, I helped coach and teach any nurse who encountered a problem that they were unsure how to handle.

“I did my best to be the person that my colleagues could depend on to get them through the day. I was no longer the nurse for the patients, but the caregiver for the nurses.”

Through her hard work and empathy skills, Groff accepted the position as Desert View Hospital’s infection prevention and education nurse. Along with the responsibilities of keeping Desert View Hospital up-to-date on the hospital’s COVID response, she also helped vaccinate Nye County community members, rallying her fellow employees, EMTs and nursing students to assist. “By going out into the community with my fellow colleagues, we started to see the love that the community had. They often wanted their pictures with us as we administered vaccines. They thanked us for staying and helping them. They told us stories of how we made a difference in their lives. The nurses may have cared for the community during this time of crisis, but it is the community that is caring for the nurses as the crisis slows.”

Early Ritter, RN

Ritter, RN, BSBA, BSN, Director of Women’s Services/Birthplace for Summerlin Hospital, a 485-bed hospital in western Las Vegas, was honored in the Professional Development category, focusing on the question: My professional development and perspective in nursing has been influenced by COVID-19 because ...

Ritter, a wife, mom of four, grandmother of two, and nurse for 11 years, wrote about fear.

“Fear can grip you, shake you, and challenge your life,” she wrote, “You might be strong enough to sustain in your path, but there are times when it can encapsulate who you are and somehow you are forever changed. It happens a lot in nursing. Wherever you are…whatever you do…once a nurse always a nurse. It is not just a career path but also a calling. Fear is a part of the path of nursing. We fear for the outcome. Some areas we fear for death. Other areas we fear for the life that is changed forever. Sometimes we fear the changes within ourselves.”

As the pandemic made its way to Las Vegas, it sent a wave of uncertainty through the community. “I remember feeling this uncertainty of life. In nursing, we save. We care. We heal. It became the norm to start healing the fear wounds of those who were around us. Laying silent at night and feeling the wet on my face from my tears was common. I knew I would have to fight to save patients and I knew what I had promised in my oath. I just was not sure if I could,” she wrote.

“I watched the steadfast demeanor of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Nursing Officer. They showed up every day. Asked the same questions until answers came. The community started swarming the hospital with support and love. Masks were donated. The food donations came. The community made signs supporting their “Healthcare Heroes.” Nurses came in and fought for the lives of those in the hospital day after day, night after night. Like soldiers, they geared up, showed up and fought. I watched them fight and fought for them in the shadows.

“It’s not over. The fight will be alive for a while. I am different now. I am different because I watched the battle. When I sent in the troops, they fought with courage and strength. I see life differently and live each day making sure the people around me know that I care. I stand with the courageous and defined leaders of a hospital that cared for their staff. Silently and passionately. I chose to be a nurse. For better or for worse I have a career I love. People need strength to overcome fear. People need nurses. I will forever be a better wife, mother, friend, and nurse because of Covid-19.”

Incredibly Powerful Essays

“These are incredibly powerful essays,” said Karla Perez, Regional Vice President. “You know the fears your team has faced head-on, but to have it expressed so eloquently by Nikki and Early – the fear of the unknown, the strength of the team and the support of the community – I know their words represent not only nurses but thousands of other front-line employees, first responders and essential workers. I’m grateful they were able to express what others felt, and continue to feel, as our COVID numbers are once again on the rise.”

Editor’s Note: essay submissions were due in early April, after COVID numbers had dropped significantly in the county and state of Nevada. As of July 2021, numbers are once again increasing throughout the state.

Nursing Scholarships and Grants

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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Nurses have enough obstacles to overcome — financing their education shouldn’t pose another challenge. The country faces a nursing shortage, only magnified by the pandemic. Burnout, declining nursing school enrollment, and an aging nursing population contribute to the problem.

Nursing scholarships and grants provide a financial boost to incentivize students to pursue healthcare careers. Discover the various awards open to nurses at all levels in this helpful guide.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Scholarships and Grants for Nurses and Students

2024 healthline stronger scholarship.

Our fellow Red Ventures brand Healthline teamed up with a mission-driven nonprofit to recognize four students working at the intersection of health and wellness. The specific health and wellness themes change each year.

Who Can Apply: Current and prospective students in healthcare and related subjects may apply.

Amount: $5,000

A Nurse I Am

Ten students receive this scholarship from Cherokee Uniforms. The award includes a bag of Careismatic Brands nursing items and Careismatic Brands Student Nurse Advisory Council membership. Applicants must submit an essay.

Who Can Apply: Any nursing student enrolled in an accredited program may apply.

Amount: $3,000

AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship

Each applicant must submit a resume, transcripts, verification of tribal citizenship, letters of recommendation, and three essays of up to 500 words each for this scholarship. Finalists need to submit additional documents for verification.

Who Can Apply: Candidates must possess tribal citizenship and pursue STEM-related or nursing degrees to qualify.

Amount: $1,000 for undergraduate students; $2,000 for graduate students

Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Scholarship

Along with an online application, each student must provide two letters of recommendation, transcripts, a personal statement, and their estimated family financial contribution. Applicants entering healthcare professions or pursuing healthcare degrees can apply.

Who Can Apply: This award supports Latino students attending high school or college in San Diego County. Eligibility is based on financial need, scholastics, and community awareness.

Amount: $500-$2,000

American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program

Each applicant must submit proof of tribal heritage, a recommendation from a school official, official transcripts, a photograph, and a biographical statement to qualify for this program.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to Indigenous Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing nursing degrees. Recipients are expected to provide healthcare in their communities after graduation.

Amount: $1,500 per semester to recipients in good academic standing

American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Nurses Scholarship

Each candidate should submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, high school or college transcripts with ACT or SAT scores, a resume, and proof of honorable discharge to qualify for this nursing scholarship.

Who Can Apply: Residents of Idaho and members in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion can apply if their higher education was interrupted or they started college later in life.

Amount: $1,000

American Nephrology Nurses Association Scholarships

The organization offers multiple nursing scholarships and grants, including funding for clinical research. Most require an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay, and documentation of eligibility.

Who Can Apply: Students must be ANNA members, pursuing BSNs or master’s degrees in nursing, and actively involved in nephrology nursing to qualify.

Amount: Varies

American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship

Applicants must be in good academic standing with at least one year of college credit. Funds apply only to tuition, books, and academic fees. Only limited awards go out each year.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is available to undergraduate or graduate students who have volunteered with or work for the American Red Cross.

Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nurses Scholarships

AzFFN, part of the Arizona Nurses Association, offers multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students attending nursing school in Arizona.

Who Can Apply: Applicants must live in Arizona, although guidelines vary by individual award.

Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship Program

Each candidate must submit an application, letters of recommendation, and official college transcripts. They must also provide a personal statement, school financial information, documentation of present or prior military service, and a photograph.

Who Can Apply: Applicants may be undergraduate or graduate nurses serving at any rank in the U.S. Army, including those who have received honorable discharge. Accredited nursing or nurse anesthesia programs qualify. Current or former military spouses, children, and parents may also apply.

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation Scholarship

Each candidate must possess a GPA of at least 3.0 and submit an online application, essay, and personal statement to qualify. Funds cover tuition, books, and allowable expenses.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in perioperative nursing.

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Scholarship

Each applicant should submit official transcripts documenting enrollment in a BSN or graduate nursing program, a resume, and a 1-3 page summary of their professional and educational goals and achievements. They also need to upload a headshot.

Who Can Apply: An ARN member enrolled in a BSN or a graduate program who demonstrates at least two years of rehabilitation nursing experience may apply. The award only goes to first-time conference attendees.

Amount: Up to $1,500

Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship

Candidates must provide two recommendation letters, enrollment verification, and an essay to qualify for this award from B4 Brands.

Who Can Apply: Full-time students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing may apply. Eligible candidates must have a gap of at least three years between high school and college.

Amount: Nonrenewable $1,000 paid to the school

California Department of Health Care Access and Information (formerly California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) BSN scholarship

This award is funded by the state’s RN licensing fee and aims to distribute awards across the state to increase RN employment in high-need areas. Candidates can apply online.

Who Can Apply: Students with minimum 2.0 GPAs pursuing BSNs may apply. Each recipient must be willing to work in a medically underserved area in California for 12 months.

Amount: Up to $10,000

California Department of Health Care Access and Information (formerly California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship

Candidates must demonstrate minimum GPAs of 2.0 and be free of other service obligations. Each recipient must spend 12 months of full-time practice in a medically underserved area.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to prospective nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives attending California Board- or committee-approved programs.

Amount: Up to $25,000

Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

The Daughters of the American Revolution sponsors this need-based scholarship. Each candidate must demonstrate financial need and submit their official college transcripts or letter of acceptance into a nursing program to qualify.

Who Can Apply: This award supports three undergraduate students who are accepted into or enrolled in accredited nursing schools.

Amount: $2,500

Cascade Healthcare Solutions Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship

Cascade Healthcare Solutions hosts this essay contest for aspiring nurses. Each applicant must submit a photo and a brief biography with their manuscript for display online.

Who Can Apply: To qualify, a candidate must be an undergraduate or high school student with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Charlotte McGuire Scholarship Program

The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) uses this program to support nurses specializing in holistic nursing. Qualifying AHNA members must hold current registered nurse licensure and demonstrate their commitment to holistic nursing practice.

Who Can Apply: This award funds undergraduates and graduate-level nursing students who are active AHNA members. Each candidate needs a current RN license.

Amount: $1,250

Coursey Enterprises

Coursey Enterprises sponsors two scholarships every spring and fall. Each applicant must submit a 200-word personal essay and photo to qualify.

Who Can Apply: Candidates must be first-year nursing students enrolled in registered nursing or licensed practical nurse programs.

Amount: $250

District of Columbia Lena Ferguson Nursing Scholarship

This award is sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution and administered by the University of the District of Columbia. Two one-time awards go to graduates of public schools or public charter schools in Washington, D.C., in nursing programs at the University of the District of Columbia or the University of the District of Columbia-Community College.

Who Can Apply: Nursing students at the University of the District of Columbia who maintain GPAs of 3.25 or higher may apply.

Edwina Foye Award for Outstanding Graduate Student

The Foundation for Seacoast Health sponsors this award for undergraduates and graduate students studying health-related fields. Eligible graduate students must submit GRE scores and results from the National League of Nursing (NLN) admissions test. Undergraduate applicants should submit NLN, SAT, or ACT scores. All applicants submit statements of support, personal essays, and proof of financial need.

Who Can Apply: Candidates who reside in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, Greenland, Newington, or North Hampton, New Hampshire; or Kittery, Elliot, or York, Maine, can apply.

Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships

ENA offers multiple scholarships for undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral candidates. Each candidate must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0, attend an accredited university, and submit two letters of recommendation — one of which must be from an ENA member.

Who Can Apply: All scholarships are open to student ENA members. Previous recipients cannot apply under the same category.

ExceptionalNurse.com

This website supports nurses with disabilities and offers multiple scholarships for its target readership. Each applicant must have a disability and submit three letters of recommendation, a 1-2 page essay, and official high school and/or college transcripts.

Who Can Apply: A candidate must have a disability and attend or plan to attend a nursing program full time.

Amount: $250-$500

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association General Scholarship

While the award’s annual sponsor defines eligibility criteria, guidelines typically emphasize a nursing specialty such as critical care, oncology, or emergency care. Applicants must provide financial aid certification and official transcripts.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to current students in the U.S. who intend to focus on specialty nursing areas.

Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year

Our Race to Health Equity Diversity Nursing Scholarships

Johnson and Johnson, in partnership with the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association, sponsors this scholarship to increase racial diversity in healthcare.

Who Can Apply: BIPOC students enrolled in state-approved undergraduate programs who show financial need and strong academic achievement can qualify. Graduate students cannot apply unless they are in their first year of nursing studies.

Frances Helen Ziegler Tunnell Scholarship

This need-based and merit-based scholarship supports Vanderbilt University nursing students pursuing MSN degrees. Six awardees receive full tuition scholarships. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, responses to essay questions, and letters of reference.

Who Can Apply: Each candidate must be enrolled full time in an MSN program at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.

George B. Boland Nurses Training Scholarship

This scholarship is administered through a Forty and Eight Voiture Locale. Applications are available only at the Voiture Locale and must be submitted by mail.

Who Can Apply: This award is open to students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees in nursing. Each applicant must reside in a Voiture Locale with an official nurse training program and be a U.S. citizen.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Gladys Carol Scholarship Program

Students must submit recent transcripts, a college acceptance letter, a copy of the Student Aid Report or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and a personal essay to qualify for this scholarship.

Who Can Apply: Each candidate must be an undergraduate student or high school senior enrolled full time in a STEM program. They also need to maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA and achieve a 1290 SAT score or 28 on the ACT.

Amount: $2,500-$5,000

GoodRx Nurses for Change Scholarship

This scholarship aims to increase diversity in healthcare. Students can use the scholarship for two-year or four-year nursing programs. Applicants must register with GoodRx to apply.

Who Can Apply: Current or recently graduated nursing students with minimum 3.0 GPAs from under-represented populations in healthcare are eligible to apply.

Health Resources and Services Administration Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

This award covers tuition, fees, and educational costs for nurses working in critical shortage facilities after graduation. Applicants submit recommendation letters, supporting documentation, and an essay to qualify. Eligible programs include nursing, nurse-midwifery, and nurse practitioner degrees.

Who Can Apply: An eligible applicant must be enrolled in an accredited nursing degree program at the undergraduate level and not have federal judgment liens, existing service commitments, or overdue federal loan payments. The Health Resources and Services Administration prefers students with financial need.

Amount: All tuition, fees, and educational expenses

Hurst Review Services/AACN Nursing Scholarship

Hurst Review and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing co-sponsor this award. Applicants must register with Hurst Review Services before completing an online application. Hurst is a review service for nurses preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination.

Who Can Apply: This award is open to undergraduate students enrolled at AACN schools with GPAs of 3.2 GPA or higher.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship

Qualifying students demonstrate financial need and academic promise in the helping professions, including healthcare and public health. This renewable scholarship suits students entering full-time undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be Jewish, raised in the Chicago metropolitan area, or have worked full-time in the area for at least one year and intend to remain in the area after graduation.

Amount: Up to $4,000

Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

Qualifying undergraduates must be enrolled full time in Kansas nursing programs to qualify for this Board of Regents scholarship. Each applicant should submit a FAFSA, commit to an eligible sponsor, and complete the State of Kansas Student Aid application.

Who Can Apply: This service-based award funds LPN or RN students who commit to practice in Kansas sponsor facilities such as psychiatric hospitals, home health agencies, and adult care homes. This award suits Kansas residents looking to work in Kansas healthcare roles.

Amount: $3,500 (LPNs); $4,500 (RNs)

Lambda Pi Alpha Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship

To qualify for this scholarship, each applicant must submit official transcripts demonstrating a GPA of at least 3.0, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and evidence of at least 20 hours of community service in the past year. A candidate must also have completed at least one semester of nursing coursework, complete an interview, and demonstrate financial need.

Who Can Apply: Candidates must be Lambda Pi Alpha members, Illinois residents, and undergraduate students enrolled in BSN or ADN programs to qualify.

Amount: $1,500

Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Scholarships

Loyola University Chicago students may apply for several nursing scholarships through the school’s online portal. Recipients may study nursing at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be Loyola nursing students to qualify.

Marion A. and Eva S. Peeples Foundation Trust Scholarship

This scholarship is administered by the Johnson County Community Foundation and uses the foundation’s common application.

Who can apply: Applicants must be graduates from Indiana high schools and attend Indiana colleges or universities to qualify.

Mitzi Harris Martin Healthcare Scholarship

Managed by the Johnson County Community Foundation, this scholarship requires each candidate to submit two letters of recommendation, a professional reference, and a personal statement detailing their interest in geriatric or long-term care.

Who can apply: Applicants must be residents of Indiana’s Johnson County, 25 years of age or older, and enrolled or pursuing an advanced degree or certification in the specialty area of geriatric healthcare or long-term healthcare. Eligible candidates must commit to work in the geriatric healthcare community.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarships

This association offers scholarship opportunities for eight undergraduate- and graduate-level nursing students. NAHN’s website provides individual criteria for each award. All scholarships require two references, a 500-word essay, a transcript, and a resume/CV.

Who Can Apply: Candidates must be NAHN members enrolled full time in accredited nursing programs to qualify.

National Black Nurses Association Scholarships

NBNA members can apply for more than 20 scholarships on the organization’s website. Application materials vary among awards. Each applicant should submit official transcripts, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a headshot.

Who Can Apply: Candidates need to be NBNA members at the national and local levels for eligibility. They must maintain current enrollment in a nursing program with at least one full year left in their studies.

Amount: $1,000-$15,000

National CPR Association

Along with a 500-1,500 word essay, each applicant needs to submit their contact information and the name of their school. The first-place winner receives $3,000. Second- and third-place winners receive free access to the CPR certification program.

Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students seeking degrees in the medical sciences, including nursing, may qualify for this award.

National Health Service Corps

Each candidate must demonstrate academic excellence, submit two letters of recommendation, and write three essays for consideration. A recipient is obligated to perform two years of full-time service in an underserved location for each year they receive a scholarship.

Who Can Apply: Full-time graduate students enrolled in accredited programs focusing on primary healthcare who do not have existing service applications can qualify.

Amount: Covers tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend for living expenses

Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania

This nonprofit organization provides scholarships for three residents pursuing nursing diplomas and degrees. Each applicant provides two recommendation letters, transcripts, and a letter of acceptance from their nursing program.

Who Can Apply: Scholarships are open to Pennsylvania residents with 3.0 GPAs or higher in state board-approved programs. High school students cannot apply.

Amount: Varies; $1,000 minimum

Nurses Educational Funds Scholarships

NEF offers financial assistance for graduate-level nursing students. Each applicant should provide three references, a personal essay and goals statement, unofficial transcripts, and a $20 fee.

Who Can Apply: Candidates must be licensed RNs and current graduate students who maintain membership in a professional nursing association. They must have at least two semesters of study left and possess GPAs of 3.6 or higher. Specific guidelines vary by degree.

Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania

Each of this organization’s four scholarships apply specific application guidelines.

Who Can Apply: All awards are open to nursing students who reside in Pennsylvania.

Amount: $1,000-$2,000

Scarlett Family Foundation

Students pursuing STEM or business degrees at four-year nonprofit institutions may apply online on the Foundation’s website. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through their 1040 tax returns. They should also submit information about their academic achievements, community service, and extracurricular activities, along with an essay. More than 750 scholarships are provided annually.

Who Can Apply: Any graduating high school senior or undergraduate student with at least one year left of school may apply. Each candidate must have graduated from high school in one of Middle Tennessee’s 40 counties. A student needs to possess a 2.5 GPA or higher and score a 21 on the ACT to qualify for this award.

Sigma Nursing Research Grants

Sigma administers several nursing scholarships and grants opportunities for graduate-level students. Application processes and eligibility criteria vary with each grant.

Who Can Apply: These grants support graduate-level nursing students conducting research.

Sinclair School of Nursing Scholarships

The University of Missouri Health’s Sinclair School of Nursing sponsors multiple internal, need-based awards for undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility requirements vary among scholarships. The online portal identifies scholarship eligibility based on the applicant’s qualifications.

Who Can Apply: Candidates study at the Sinclair School of Nursing to qualify.

‘Test Yourself’ Scholarship

Students applying for STDLabs’ scholarship should provide their GPA, official transcripts, and an essay of 750-1,000 words. Two awards are distributed every year in the fall and spring.

Who Can Apply: Any student attending an accredited degree program qualifies. Past winners cannot apply again.

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation

To qualify for this award, an applicant must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher, a minimum 1300 SAT score, or a minimum 27 ACT score. If the school the student plans to attend does not require standardized test results, the foundation waves score requirements. Each candidate must also submit two reference letters and a personal statement.

Who Can Apply: Learners whose parents are or were in the military, along with students whose parents did not attend college receive special consideration. Award amounts depend on the awardees’ financial need and qualifications.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Applicants must submit their official transcripts, documentation of community involvement, and two 500-word essays to qualify for this scholarship. This one-time award is administered through the International Scholarship and Tuition Services.

Who Can Apply: Graduate-level nursing students or college seniors who plan to attend nursing programs and have one or more years of school remaining can qualify.

Amount: $5,000 or $10,000

Velma Flies Anderson Scholarship

Qualifying applicants must demonstrate financial need and excellent clinical performance evaluations. Each candidate needs to provide two letters of recommendation, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and live in the Mosaic Life Care Foundation service area to qualify for this scholarship.

Who Can Apply: Undergraduate seniors attending accredited RN programs in the service can apply. Eligible candidates should demonstrate excellent clinical evaluation skills.

Western Governors University Scholarships

Western Governors University nursing students provide documentation of financial need and submit general institutional scholarship applications to qualify. The university offers multiple health and nursing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing nursing.

Who Can Apply: Nursing students attending Western Governors University may apply.

Amount: Up to $5,000

WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship

Applicants should offer documentation that they or someone close to them has experienced mental health challenges to qualify for this scholarship.

Who Can Apply: Any college student who has experienced mental health challenges can apply.

Amount: $500

Page last reviewed on October 10, 2022

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The Best Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

Help your students take their writing to the next level.

When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are a challenging and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience— a real panel of judges —and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of the best student writing contests, and there’s something for everyone. Prepare highly motivated kids in need of an authentic writing mentor, and watch the words flow.

1.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

With a wide range of categories—from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy—The Scholastic Awards are a mainstay of student contests. Each category has its own rules and word counts, so be sure to check out the options  before you decide which one is best for your students.

How To Enter

Students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, may begin submitting work in September by uploading to an online account at Scholastic and connecting to their local region. There are entry fees, but those can be waived for students in need.

2.  YoungArts National Arts Competition

This ends soon, but if you have students who are ready to submit, it’s worth it. YoungArts offers a national competition in the categories of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Student winners may receive awards of up to $10,000 as well as the chance to participate in artistic development with leaders in their fields.

YoungArts accepts submissions in each category through October 13. Students submit their work online and pay a $35 fee (there is a fee waiver option).

3. National Youth Foundation Programs

Each year, awards are given for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. This is a great chance for kids to express themselves with joy and strength.

The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes.

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

If you like this list of student writing contests and want more articles like it, subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted!

Plus, check out our favorite anchor charts for teaching writing..

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2024 Mental Health Essay Contest Awardee: Bronze

A Weighted Wait

Jordan, new jersey.

“Instead of wasting time with those videogames, call Virtua Hospital to see if you could volunteer! It might help you get into nursing school.”

“I already did, Mom. Just to shadow, they need pretty much everything from the middle name of dad’s childhood pediatrician to your Costco membership card number.”

“Contact the local hospice then. I saw signs by Home Depot that they're desperately looking for visitors to cheer up their patients.”

Huh? Hospice? What’s that?

My trusty Google search resulted in something I wasn’t expecting — key words such as “palliative,” “comfort care,” and “life-limiting disease” pulled up.

So hospice is where the terminally ill go to live out their final days. Yikes. I don’t know if I want to do this. I’ve never seen anyone die before, let alone even know people who’d passed away. What would I do if I witness an elderly patient flatline? Or worse, how about watching someone’s beloved cancer-stricken young son take his final gasp of air through his scarred lungs? And then tending to that grieving family — what would I even say? I would need to supplement my diet with protein shakes just to weightlift all the emotional heaviness!

While mentally hyperventilating, I realized I first needed to see what hospice was about. On my first day, I was tasked with assisting Mr. L, a retired wealthy businessman suffering from stage 4 prostate cancer. Mr. L had no one who’d visit, so the volunteer coordinator ensured that I spend my entire allotted time with him. I braced myself for a smug, arrogant, colostomy bag of a human, since clearly nobody wanted to have anything to do with him.

He couldn’t be more opposite

Mr. L was everything that a grandfather should be made of, and more — kind-hearted, rough, with a sharp sense of humor. Within a month, I had grown to adore Mr L and knew more about him than anyone else in the institution. We both looked forward to our time together and the 2 hours of banter we exchanged at each visit. I can tell you his favorites: a medium-rare prime rib with A-1 sauce, The Philadelphia Eagles, a ’68 Camaro, 75% off Walmart clearance racks, and The Monkees (“even though they didn’t write their own music!”) His peeves: the entire state of California, anyone who prefaces insults with 'with all due respect', the Vlasic pickle stork, dribbles of unwiped urine on a toilet seat, and Clay Aiken.

Can you see why I love this guy?

Although Mr. L taught me to not take myself so seriously, the critical lesson I learned from Mr. L and from the hospice experience is how too many people make the mistake of placing value on materials over memories:

“When you're gone, son, nobody will think about your Rembrandt art collection, the luxury Moorestown, NJ digs for which you plunked down a cool $2.5 mil, or your 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California (OK, they'll probably remember that ). My point is, my kids didn’t care about replaceable 'stuff.' I was so wrapped up with dining clients at Michelin star-rated restaurants and traveling internationally several times a month for decades that I neglected to be a present father to my own children. I thought I was being a solid provider and figured the boys would understand when they were older. But all they wanted was for me to play Parcheesi with them occasionally, attend their basketball practices, and teach them how to ride a bike, let alone drive a car. I’ve done none of that. I was always ‘too busy,’ and I barely even know them. And now my life is a physical version of Harry Chapin’s best hit.”

Umm, who's Harry Chapin?

I found the lyrics of Cat's in the Cradle, and…ouch. This was so heartbreaking that I swear I felt pericardium and ventricular tissue shred within my chest. Talk about second-hand devastation. I guess that's why our meetings brought Mr. L (and of course me) such joy — they were deep, meaningful hippocampus souvenirs that could never be simply charged on a Visa.

"People assume that hospice means you can't walk, you can't talk, you can't eat, you can't clean yourself. I've been put out to pasture ever since my diagnosis. Retired, done, and deceased to all who knew me. Death had wait-listed me, and it was only a matter of months before my number was called. But now I feel more alive than ever! I'm vivacious, and I have such a sunny outlook on life ever since you've started visiting me. I've embraced my diagnosis, and you keep me moving forward whenever you stop by. You have given me faith that even at this age, my greatest memory is yet to come! You've been like a grandson to – okay, enough of this sap. Grab me a fruit punch, will ya?"

Wow, I really have made a difference.

Mr. L has changed my life. I’m reminded of mortality, and I understand now that human connection can never be purchased. But more importantly, Mr. L taught me that hospice shouldn't be viewed as a place where the sickest are merely dumped off and forgotten about because society feels they no longer serve a purpose. Hospice patients have mental health needs too, and I'm happy to help caulk those psychological seams any way I can. I look forward to creating many more positive moments with my patients, even if they’re their last.

NIH recognizes these talented essay winners for their thoughtfulness and creativity in addressing youth mental health. These essays are written in the students' own words, are unedited, and do not necessarily represent the views of NIH, HHS, or the federal government.

Page published May 31, 2024

May 2024: NIH Announces Winners of High School Mental Health Essay Contest

Dec. 2023: High School Students Invited to Reflect on Mental Health Stigma in National Essay Contest

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NIH Announces Winners of 2023-2024 High School Mental Health Essay Contest

May 31, 2024 • Institute Update

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is pleased to announce the winners of the  2024 Speaking Up About Mental Health    essay contest. Out of more than 370 submissions across 33 states, NIH awarded 24 youth (ages 16-18) finalists with gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention prizes.

Supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the  Eunice Kennedy Shriver  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the essay contest invited youth to address mental health and reduce mental health stigma that young people may face when seeking mental health treatment.

The winning essays addressed complicated topics such as stigma, trauma, resilience, equity, anxiety, and more. Teens also wrote about specific ideas for improving well-being, such as broader access to leisure sports, reducing time spent on social media, and normalizing mental health treatment and care.

NIH awarded a total of $15,000 in cash prizes to gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention recipients. Read the winning essays at  nimhd.nih.gov/EssayContest   .

Gold winners

• Max, California - Tenacity Through Tumultuousness
• Michaela, Maryland - Exposing the Impact of Social Media on Teenage Mental Health: A Journey of Self-Discovery
• Raphael, Hawaii  - Let's CHAT: Mental Health Impact on Teens Living with Speech Challenges

Silver winners

• Aditi, California – Embracing Authenticity
• Anna, New York - Change Our Approach: How Sports Can Play a Role in Mental Health
• Ciniyah, Illinois - The Roots Affect the Fruit: A Personal Journey of Trauma to Triumph
• Kathleen, Maryland - Behind A Perfect Life
• Paige, Texas - Learn to Live and Accept Your Journey
• Rylie, Maryland - Drowning in Plain Sight

Bronze winners

• Argiro, Pennsylvania - Out in the Open: A Conversation about Mental Health
• Dresden, Maryland - Normalize the Care to Destigmatize the Conditions
• Gabriel, New Jersey - Keeping My Head Up: My Experience with Dad's Brain Cancer
• Hailey, Arkansas - Access for Adolescent Athletes
• Jordan, New Jersey - A Weighted Wait
• Kathryne, North Carolina - Embracing Openness: Unveiling Silent Struggles Surrounding Mental Health
• Maya, Maryland - Speaking up for Change
• Rachel, California - Embracing the Journey Towards Mental Health Acceptance
• Savannah, New Jersey - Taking a Step Today, for a Better Tomorrow

Honorable mentions

• Agaana, Maryland – Accountability for Authority: The Responsibilities of Schools
• Gisele, Pennsylvania - Breaking the Silence
• Jillian, Illinois - Navigating Mental Illness in Teens
• Kyle, North Carolina - How the Neglect of Mental Health Within Black Communities Causes Underlying Issues
• Mason, Maryland - Social Media as a Possible Method to Reduce Mental Health Stigma
• Minsung, Georgia - Hope to Bridge the Gap

If you are in crisis and need immediate help, call or text the  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline     at  988  (para ayuda en español, llame al 988) to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline using their preferred relay service or by dialing 711 and then 988.