Amplify Teens presents
2026 National Youth Voices Writing Competition
part of
Share your ideas. Shape the future.
Share your ideas. Shape the future.
Every student has a story worth telling and an idea worth exploring. The National Youth Voices Writing Competition invites high school students to dig into meaningful questions — about leadership, community, innovation, and the future — and share their perspective through original writing.
This annual competition gives students a real platform: a chance to sharpen their voice, engage with big ideas, and be recognized for the thinking they bring to the page.
Competition Details
Who Can Enter: Current and active high school members of Amplify Teens who have completed at least 20 hours of community service this calendar year (subject to verification).
Entries: One submission per student, per year
Cost: Free to enter
Length: 250 words maximum
Format: Original student writing, responding to one of the prompts below
Categories:
- Civil Discourse & Intellectual Curiosity
- Community & Service
- Leadership & Character
- Research, Innovation & Ideas
Judging: Blind review by a panel of three independent judges
Deadline: 11:59 PM Eastern Time, August 28, 2026
Do not include your name, school, or any other identifying information in your written response — entries are judged blind. (Your name/school info collected elsewhere on this form will be kept separate from judges.)
Originality: Your entry must be your own original work. Basic spelling/grammar tools are fine; AI-generated content is not permitted. Amplify Teens may verify authorship.
Awards: All participants receive a digital certificate. Ten National Finalists (including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) receive additional recognition, with top winners receiving medals and other prizes. Full award details are in the [Official Rules].
Recognition: National Finalists may be publicly recognized (name and school) through Amplify Teens’ communications and social media, whether or not they choose to publish their essay.
This summary is provided for convenience. In the event of any conflict between this summary and the full Official Rules, the Official Rules control.