How to enroll
Students enter directly through the online portal. A teacher is linked to each entry, but the school does not have to run anything.
- Use the Region Finder on the Scholastic site with your school zip code. DFW zips map to Region-at-Large South (art and writing).
- Create a teen account and have a parent approve the permission email
- Upload work, link a teacher, and pay by Dec 2 (11:59 PM Eastern)
Not sure which region you're in? Enter your school zip code in the Region Finder.
Find your region ↗In plain words
Students submit original art or writing in one of 29 categories, from painting and photography to poetry and short story. Entries are judged blind, first at the regional level and then nationally. Dallas–Fort Worth teens (including Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties) are in "Region-at-Large South," run directly by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, with a December 2 deadline.
Kids who already make art or write on their own and want outside recognition
Your kid wants a one-day contest. This rewards finished, polished work.
What it takes
Step by step
- 1Create a student account on the Scholastic Awards portal (a parent email is required for permission)
- 2Pick the category that fits the work best and upload it
- 3Connect the entry to a teacher, who can review it
- 4Pay the entry fee by the December 2 deadline, or choose the fee waiver
- 5Check the dashboard on Regional Announcement Day, January 27, 2027
Where it leads
- Entries dueDec 2
- Regional awards announcedJan 27, 2027
Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention. Gold Keys go on to national judging.
- Region-at-Large virtual ceremonyMar 10, 2027
- National Medals
Announced in spring. National Medalists are eligible for scholarships.
Key dates
Dates marked TEXAS or MINNESOTA are that state’s chapter dates. Other states set their own: check the official site.
- 39 DAYSEntry and fee deadline (Region-at-Large South)TEXASWed, December 2, 2026, 10:59 PM Central
- 95 DAYSRegional Announcement DayTEXASWed, January 27, 2027
Free prep
Add these dates to my calendar
Dates update on their own when an organizer changes them. Nothing about your child is stored.