COMPETITIONS & CONTESTS

Check Out these Competitions & Contests
for KIDS, TEENS, FAMILIES, AND SCHOOLS!

2026 Game Jam

The official theme for the jam is Growth and Decay! What does that bring to mind? The beautiful cycle of nature, a thriving city slowly crumbling to dust, mechanics that build up only to break down, or something else entirely? There’s no single “correct” way to interpret it, and we’re excited to see how this theme inspires you to create. Good luck!

Win Cash Prizes

Games must be submitted as hyperlinks to public games on Scratch or itch.io.

Learn More Here

DEADLINE: Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 PM

Scholastic Kids Press (ages 10-14)

Kids ages 10-14 are NOW eligible to apply for the 2026-2027 Scholastic Kids Press program 📚 Applications are due 5/15

Who Can Enter:
Ages 10-14

Learn More Here

DEADLINE: May 15

Spectrum Charity Chess Tournament (All Ages & Levels)

Chess for Champs hosts its 3rd Annual Spectrum Charity Chess Tournament.
Open to all skill levels. Supporting Spectrum Autism Support, Education & Resources

Register Soon!

Event Date: April 25 (11am-3pm)

Jane Austin Society – Annual Student Essay Contest (for high school, college, and grad school)

JASNA conducts an annual student Essay Contest to encourage the study and appreciation of Jane Austen’s works in new generations of readers.

Awards: $250-$1,000 scholarship

For High School, College, And Graduate School)

LEARN MORE HERE

Deadline: June 1, 2026

The Rube Goldberg Cartoon Contest

—All ages are welcome – completely free to enter!
–Invention cartoons will be selected for the web gallery show
–Judged by the RGI team and members of the NCS
–Prizes include Visa gift cards, a Rube Goldberg print & more!

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026

REGISTER HERE

The America Library of Poetry – Student Poetry Contest

The Annual Student Poetry Contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 3-12 (including home schooled and tutored children)

ENTER HERE

Submission Deadline: August 30, 2026

Kids 13 and under – Ranger Rick Photo Contest

Kids 13 and under can enter any nature-themed photo they’ve taken on their own using a camera or phone camera app. Every month, winners will be selected by the judges and posted on the contest homepage in the Recent Contest Winners slideshow. Online winners will be in the running for Ranger Rick’s “Your Best Shots” Magazine Award. Magazine Award winners will be selected three times each year for publication in Ranger Rick magazine’s December–January, April, and August issues.

DEADLINE: ONGOING