Submission deadline
April 30,
2027
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- Grades K–12
- Three writing categories
- Up to 1,500 words
Calling all young writers
Your words belong here.Student Writing Challenge 2027
WSKG invites students in grades K–12 to share an original poem, short story, or work of nonfiction. Write boldly, tell the story only you can tell, and share it with readers across our region.
Open to students who live in the WSKG service region. A parent, guardian, or educator may help younger students submit their work.
Who can enter
Local students in grades K–12
What to submit
Original poetry, fiction, or nonfiction
Maximum length
1,500 words per entry
Entries due
Friday, April 30, 2027
About the challenge
Every student has a story worth sharing.
The WSKG Student Writing Challenge celebrates imagination, curiosity, and authentic student voices throughout the communities WSKG serves. Students may enter independently, with support from a family member, or through a classroom or library.
Entries are reviewed within grade-level groups so emerging writers and experienced high school authors are recognized alongside their peers.
Keep the student’s voice at the center.
Adults may help with typing, spelling, and submission logistics, but the ideas, language, and creative decisions should belong to the student.
Choose your category
What will you write?
Students may submit one original entry in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Select the category that best fits the work.
01 / POETRY
Poetry
Use rhythm, imagery, sound, form, or free verse to capture an idea, experience, observation, or emotion.
02 / FICTION
Fiction
Create a short story from your imagination. Realistic fiction, fantasy, mystery, science fiction, and other forms are welcome.
03 / NONFICTION
Nonfiction
Share a true story, personal essay, profile, reflection, or informative piece grounded in real people, events, and ideas.
Grades K–1
Grades 2–3
Grades 4–5
Grades 6–8
Grades 9–12
How to enter
Three steps from draft to submission.
Prepare the student’s original work, review the requirements, and submit the entry online before the deadline.
Write and revise
Create an original poem, fiction story, or nonfiction piece. The final entry must be no more than 1,500 words.
Prepare the file
Save the entry in an accepted document format. Include the title in the file, but do not place private student contact information inside the manuscript.
Complete the entry form
A student, parent or guardian, or educator may complete the online form and upload the finished work by April 30.
Ready to share your writing?
The 2027 entry form opens January 25, 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Before you submit
Review the answers below for eligibility, formatting, judging, and submission details.
Still have a question?
Contact WSKG Education at education@wskg.org.
Who is eligible to enter?
The challenge is open to students in kindergarten through grade 12 who reside in the geographic region served by WSKG. Students may enter independently or through a school, library, homeschool group, or youth organization.
What are the grade-level divisions?
Entries are grouped into five divisions: grades K–1, grades 2–3, grades 4–5, grades 6–8, and grades 9–12.
What types of writing are accepted?
Students may enter original poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Nonfiction may include personal essays, memoir, profiles, reflections, or informative writing.
How long may an entry be?
Each entry may contain up to 1,500 words. The title does not count toward the word limit.
May a student submit more than one entry?
Students may submit one individually written entry. Co-authored entries are not eligible.
May adults help younger writers?
Yes. Adults may assist with typing, spelling, accessibility, and the online submission process. The story, ideas, and wording must remain the student’s own work. Dictated entries from young writers are acceptable when accurately transcribed.
Are illustrations allowed?
Illustrations may accompany an entry when they are created by the student. Judging primarily evaluates the writing. Upload instructions should specify the supported file types and maximum file size.
May students use generative AI to write or revise an entry?
The submitted work should reflect the student’s own language, ideas, and creative decisions. Generative AI should not compose or substantially rewrite the entry. Standard spelling and grammar tools may be used under the same guidance an educator would normally provide.
How should an entry be formatted?
Use a clear, readable font and include the entry title. Do not place the student’s home address, phone number, or other private contact information in the manuscript. The online form will collect the information needed to administer the contest.
How are entries judged?
Entries are reviewed within their grade-level division and category. Judges consider originality, clarity, organization, voice, creativity, and age-appropriate command of language. Mechanical correctness is considered in context and is not the only factor.
When will students hear the results?
Finalists are scheduled to be notified by May 21, 2027. WSKG plans to recognize selected students during a celebration on June 3, 2027. Dates are subject to final program confirmation.
Will submitted work be published?
Selected entries may be shared on WSKG platforms or in challenge-related materials with the required parent or guardian permission. The entry form should contain the complete publication and media release terms.
What is the submission deadline?
Online entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 30, 2027. Late or incomplete entries may not be considered.
Start with one idea.
A surprising character. A true moment. A line that will not leave your mind. Put it on the page and see where it leads.
Enter the 2027 challenge