If you’re in high school and thinking about applying for academic or research awards, it’s important to understand how they differ from structured programs. Awards are typically output-based, meaning you are evaluated on the work you produce rather than your participation in a course or program. Unlike programs that guide you through a curriculum with mentorship and scheduled sessions, awards require you to independently develop and submit a project, paper, or solution. The focus is on what you create, how well you execute it, and how clearly you present your ideas.
When applying for these awards, you usually work through a structured but self-driven process. This often includes reviewing existing research or literature, forming a research question or hypothesis, and then designing a method to test or explore it. Depending on your field, you might conduct experiments, analyze datasets, or build models using tools such as Python, R, or MATLAB, or lab equipment. Many students also use writing and formatting tools such as LaTeX to prepare formal submissions. Your final output could take the form of a research paper, technical report, poster, codebase, or presentation, depending on the competition. Submissions are typically evaluated based on criteria such as originality, methodological rigor, clarity of explanation, and how well your work contributes to the field or solves a defined problem.
Here’s a list of 15 awards for high school students that recognize independent work, research, creativity, and impact across STEM, humanities, and leadership domains.
1. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Location: United States (final recognition event in Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Free
Prize: $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 scholarships
Submission Deadline: Application will open in the fall
Eligibility: Students 18 or younger who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a significant individual or team project
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a highly selective award that recognizes high school students for completing advanced, original work in fields such as STEM, literature, philosophy, music, or interdisciplinary research. Instead of participating in a program, you submit a substantial project that demonstrates depth, originality, and impact, often at or near a college graduate level. Your submission can include a research paper, portfolio, or technical work, along with supporting materials and recommendations from nominators. The application process involves an initial project review followed by a full submission with detailed documentation of your work. Projects are evaluated by experts based on their significance, quality, and contribution to the field. Finalists are invited to a recognition event, where top projects are awarded scholarships.
2. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Location: United States (finalist week in Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Free
Prize: $2000 for Scholars; $up to 250,000 for top finalists
Submission Deadline: Opens in June
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an original research project
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a research-based competition where you submit an independent scientific project along with detailed documentation of your work. Instead of attending a program, you develop a research study over time, which may involve designing experiments, analyzing data, and writing a formal research paper. Your application includes essays, transcripts, and recommendations, along with a full explanation of your research process and findings. Submissions are reviewed by experts who evaluate the rigor, originality, and clarity of your work. A group of Scholars is selected first, followed by finalists who present their research and participate in interviews during a final judging round. By the end of the process, you gain experience in conducting and communicating advanced scientific research at a national level.
3. Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Location: International (final competition held in a host city each year)
Cost: Free (participation via qualifying fairs)
Prize: Category awards from $600 to $6,000; top awards up to $100,000
Submission Deadline: Not direct entry; qualification through affiliated fairs (Finals Week held in May 9-15)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) who qualify through regional, state, or national affiliated science fairs
The Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) is a global research competition where you present an original scientific project after qualifying through an affiliated fair. Instead of applying directly, you first develop a research project, compete at local or national levels, and advance if selected. At the final event, you present your work to expert judges, explaining your research process, methodology, and findings through posters and interviews. Projects span multiple scientific categories, and are evaluated based on originality, scientific rigor, and clarity of presentation. During the competition week, you also attend seminars, interact with other student researchers, and engage with professionals in science and engineering. By participating, you gain experience presenting advanced research in an international setting and receive feedback from experts in your field.
4. Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
Location: United States (regional symposia and national event)
Cost: Free
Prize: Regional awards around 1000–2000; national scholarships up to 12000
Submission Deadline: Varies by regional symposium (typically winter)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with original STEM research
The Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a research-based competition in which you present an original STEM project at regional and national symposiums. You begin by submitting a formal research report to your regional program, outlining your methodology, data, and findings. If selected, you present your work either through an oral presentation or a poster, explaining your research process to a panel of expert judges. Strong projects advance to the national symposium, where you present again and compete at a higher level. Your work is evaluated based on scientific rigor, clarity of communication, and originality. Throughout the process, you gain experience presenting research, responding to questions, and engaging with other student researchers and professionals in STEM fields.
5. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Location: United States (regional and national recognition)
Cost: 10 per entry; 30 per portfolio
Prize: Cash awards up to $12,500
Submission Deadline: Typically December–January (varies by region)
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a submission-based competition where you present original creative work across categories like visual art, writing, and design. Instead of participating in a program, you create and submit pieces such as paintings, photographs, poems, or short stories, depending on your chosen category. Your work is evaluated by jurors based on originality, technical skill, and clarity of personal voice. Submissions go through a regional judging process first, where top entries receive Gold Keys, Silver Keys, or Honorable Mentions, with Gold Key works advancing to the national level. At the national stage, selected works are considered for higher recognition, publication, exhibition, and scholarships. Through the process, you gain experience in building a portfolio, presenting creative work for evaluation, and understanding how artistic work is reviewed in competitive settings.
6. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Location: United States (Scholars Weekend event in April)
Cost: Free
Prize: $20,000 scholarship
Submission Deadline: September 30 (application opens August 1)
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. meeting academic requirements and demonstrating leadership and community impact
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship where you are evaluated on your academic performance, leadership, and involvement in community service. Instead of submitting a research project or portfolio, you complete an application that highlights your activities, achievements, and impact over time. The selection process includes multiple stages, where applicants are reviewed based on consistency, initiative, and the scale of their contributions. Semifinalists and finalists are chosen through application review, with final scholars selected for recognition. The program emphasizes how you demonstrate leadership in real-world settings rather than a single output or project. By the end of the process, selected students receive a scholarship and recognition for sustained academic and extracurricular engagement.
7. Congressional Award
Location: United States
Cost: N/A
Prize: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals (national recognition)
Submission Deadline: Rolling (self-paced goal completion)
Eligibility: U.S. students ages 14–24
The Congressional Award is a goal-based recognition program where you set and complete activities across four areas: public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition or exploration. Instead of submitting a single project, you track your progress over time, documenting hours and milestones in each category. You might volunteer consistently with an organization, develop a new skill such as music or coding, follow a structured fitness plan, and plan an independent or team expedition. Your work is reviewed based on commitment, consistency, and completion of set goals rather than comparison with other participants. The program is non-competitive, meaning you progress at your own pace toward Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels. By the end, you build a documented record of sustained effort across different areas of development.
8. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
Location: University of Bath, United Kingdom
Cost: Free
Prize: Gold, Silver, Bronze medals and Honorable Mentions
Dates: N/A
Eligibility: High school students who qualify through national selection processes
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a high-level mathematics competition where you solve a set of challenging proof-based problems across topics like algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. You do not apply directly; instead, you qualify through a series of national-level exams, such as the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad, based on strong performance in earlier rounds. At the competition, you attempt six problems over two days, each requiring detailed written solutions that demonstrate logical reasoning and mathematical rigor. Your work is evaluated on accuracy, depth of understanding, and clarity of proof. The problems are designed to test how well you can apply advanced concepts to unfamiliar situations. By participating, you gain experience in high-level problem-solving and mathematical reasoning in an international competitive setting.
9. DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award
Location: United States (awarded through DECA chapters and conferences)
Cost: Free (requires DECA membership)
Prize: National recognition and honor award distinction
Submission Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who are active DECA members and demonstrate leadership and participation
The DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award recognizes high school students for sustained involvement and leadership within DECA activities. Instead of submitting a single project, you complete a series of requirements across categories such as leadership development, community service, career exploration, and DECA participation. You track and document your activities over time, including events attended, roles held, and contributions made to your chapter. Your submission is reviewed based on completion of these criteria and the consistency of your engagement. The process emphasizes applied experience, such as participating in competitions, attending conferences, and taking on leadership roles. By the end, you build a structured record of your involvement in business and career-focused activities through DECA.
10. AP Scholar Awards
Location: Throughout the U.S. and outside the U.S. for the AP International Diploma.
Cost: No cost
Prize: Certification
Dates: Students are notified via email during late summer/early fall.
Eligibility: To qualify for an award, high school students must meet all specified criteria. For instance, a 3.25 average score but fewer than the required number of 3 or higher scores won’t qualify for a higher-tier award.
Every autumn, the AP Program felicitates high school students for their exceptional performance in college-level coursework through a range of AP Scholar Awards. These encompass various levels and criteria. These awards signify the dedication and excellence of students engaged in rigorous academic pursuits at the high school level.
There are three levels to this award. You become eligible for the AP Scholar Award if you have scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams; for AP Scholar with Honor, you need an average score of at least 3.25 across all AP Exams taken, with scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams, and for a AP Scholar with Distinction, you will need an average score of at least 3.5 across all AP Exams taken, alongside scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
11. Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Location: United States
Cost: Free
Prize: Monetary awards and national recognition
Submission Deadline: Typically, November
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–12 engaged in volunteer or community service activities
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recognize students for sustained involvement in volunteer work and community initiatives. Instead of submitting a research project or academic output, you apply by documenting your service activities, leadership roles, and the impact of your contributions. Your application may include projects such as organizing community drives, mentoring peers, or leading local initiatives that address specific needs. Submissions are evaluated based on commitment, initiative, leadership, and the overall impact of your work on the community. Selected students receive recognition at the state and national levels, along with monetary awards. Through the process, you build a record of your service experience and demonstrate how your efforts contribute to meaningful community outcomes.
12. Conrad Challenge
Location: Global (final event: Conrad Innovation Summit, typically in the United States)
Cost: Free
Prize: Scholarships, internships, and development opportunities
Submission Deadline: Starts in August
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (team-based participation)
The Conrad Challenge is a team-based innovation competition where you develop a solution to a real-world problem in areas such as aerospace, cybersecurity, energy, or health. You begin by forming a team and identifying a problem, then move through stages of research, ideation, and prototyping. Your work involves building a structured solution, which may include technical models, business plans, or product designs, depending on your approach. You document your process and submit materials that explain your idea, its feasibility, and its potential impact. Selected teams advance through multiple rounds, receiving feedback and refining their projects. Finalists present their solutions at the Conrad Innovation Summit, where they explain their design, research, and implementation strategy to judges.
13. John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize
Location: Global (final awards ceremony in Oxford, United Kingdom)
Cost: Free
Prize: Scholarships up to $10,000, publication, and academic recognition
Submission Deadline: Currently open
Eligibility: Students worldwide (junior and senior divisions, typically under 15 and ages 15–18)
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is an academic writing competition where you respond to a selected prompt with a structured, evidence-based essay. You choose one question from a list across subjects like economics, politics, law, or history, and develop a clear argument supported by reasoning and examples. The process involves researching the topic, engaging with different viewpoints, and organizing your ideas into a well-structured essay within a set word limit. Your submission is evaluated on clarity of argument, depth of analysis, and ability to think critically about complex issues. Strong essays demonstrate how well you can build and defend a thesis using logical reasoning and relevant evidence. By participating, you gain experience in academic writing and argumentation at a level similar to introductory college coursework.
14. American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)
Location: Global (administered through schools and testing centers)
Cost: Varies by school or testing center
Prize: Advancement to AIME, USAMO, and potential selection for the International Mathematical Olympiad; national recognition
Submission Deadline: October 28
Eligibility: Students worldwide (AMC 8, 10, and 12 based on grade and age criteria)
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) is a multi-level exam series where you solve challenging math problems that test logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving ability. You begin with AMC 8, 10, or 12, depending on your grade and age, and strong performance can qualify you for higher rounds like the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) and the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). Each stage increases in difficulty, moving from multiple-choice problem solving to more advanced, proof-based reasoning. The process requires you to apply concepts from algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics in unfamiliar contexts. Your performance is evaluated based on accuracy and depth of understanding, with top scorers recognized nationally. By progressing through the competition, you gain experience in high-level mathematical reasoning and competitive problem solving.
15. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Location: Global
Cost: Free
Prize: $250,000 scholarship; $100,000 science lab for school; $50,000 teacher prize
Submission Deadline: September 15
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 worldwide
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a video-based competition where you explain a complex concept in physics, mathematics, or life sciences through a short, engaging video. Instead of submitting a research paper or exam, you create a visual explanation using tools such as animations, demonstrations, or storytelling to make difficult ideas accessible. The process involves selecting a concept, researching it in depth, and designing a clear explanation that balances accuracy with creativity. Your submission is evaluated based on how well you communicate the concept, the level of difficulty, and the originality of your presentation. Strong entries often use analogies, visuals, and structured narration to break down advanced topics. By participating, you develop skills in science communication, conceptual understanding, and visual storytelling.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: Regeneron ISEF