National awards for high school students are recognition-based opportunities that evaluate your performance, achievements, or output in a specific area. Unlike programs, which focus on learning and participation over a period of time, awards are typically outcome-driven; you are assessed based on what you produce, such as a project, essay, research paper, portfolio, or competition result. This makes them more selective and often more competitive.

These awards can span a wide range of fields, including academics, research, arts, leadership, and community service. Some require you to submit original work, while others are based on performance in competitions or nominations. In most cases, the evaluation process involves judges, criteria, and rankings, which means your work is compared against that of other students at a national level.

What do national awards for high school students involve?

Awards usually involve a clear submission or performance component rather than ongoing participation. You may need to prepare a project, complete an application, or compete in multiple rounds depending on the award structure. This process often requires independent effort, planning, and refinement of your work before submission.

Compared to programs, awards are less about guided learning and more about demonstrating what you already know or can create. They can be a strong addition to your academic profile, as they highlight achievement, initiative, and the ability to stand out in a competitive pool.

To help you explore your options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 National Awards for High School Students, selected for their credibility, competitiveness, and recognition value.

If you are interested in writing, you can check out these essay competitions. 

15 National Awards for High School Students

1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Location: Finals in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Prize: 300 scholars receive $2,000 each; their schools also get $2,000. 40 finalists receive at least $25,000; the top place receives up to $250,000
Application Deadline: November 6
Dates: Final week: March 5 – 11
Eligibility: High‑school seniors

The Regeneron Science Talent Search requires you to conduct original, independent research in science, math, or engineering, often over several months or longer. You will define a research question, carry out experiments or analysis, and document your work in a formal research report similar to a scientific paper. The application includes this report along with essays, recommendations, and academic background information. Your work is reviewed by multiple PhD-level judges who assess both the quality of your research and your overall profile. Evaluation focuses heavily on research rigor, originality, scientific thinking, and your potential as a future leader in STEM.

2. Regeneron ISEF

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Prize: No cost; Hundreds of awards across categories. Check the details here
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: May 9 – 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is a global competition where you present an original research project developed through independent investigation. You begin by identifying a research question, designing experiments or models, and collecting and analyzing data over time. Your work is documented in a formal research paper that explains your methodology, results, and conclusions. At the fair, you present your project through a poster and take part in one-on-one interviews with expert judges, defending your approach and findings. Projects are evaluated based on scientific rigor, originality, and clarity of explanation.

3. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Location: U.S. and Canada
Cost/Prize: Entry fees are $10 per individual entry and $30 per portfolio; Multiple scholarships and cash awards. Check the details here
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on your region. First regional deadline: December 1. Some are as late as January 6
Dates: National award week: June 9 – 11
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards invite students to submit original work across categories like visual art, writing, film, and photography. You create and refine your piece independently, focusing on developing a clear concept, technique, and personal style. Submissions typically include the final artwork or written piece, sometimes accompanied by brief descriptions of the work. Entries are first judged at the regional level, with top works advancing to national consideration. Evaluation is done anonymously and focuses on originality, technical skill, and the strength of your personal voice or vision.

4. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Location: Hosted by Bennington College, Vermont, USA
Cost/Prize: First-place winners in each category are awarded a prize of $2,000; second-place winners receive $1,000; and third-place winners receive $500. More awards and scholarships are given. Check details here
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: Contest open September 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12

The Bennington Young Writers Awards invites high school students to submit original work in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. You will develop a polished piece of writing, such as a short story, essay, or a small set of poems, within a strict word limit of 1500 words. The process involves drafting, revising, and refining your work to ensure clarity, structure, and originality before submission. Entries are submitted in typed format and must be approved by a teacher or mentor. Judges evaluate submissions based on originality, writing quality, and the strength of voice and storytelling.

5. Brower Environment Leadership Awards

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA; awards ceremony held annually in Berkeley
Cost/Prize: No cost; $3,000 cash prize
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: NA
Eligibility: Students aged 13–22 living in North America (including Mexico, Canada, and U.S. territories

The Brower Youth Awards recognize students who lead impactful environmental projects or campaigns rather than submitting a traditional research entry. You are expected to design, organize, and implement a sustained initiative, such as a community campaign, advocacy effort, or environmental solution, with measurable outcomes. The application involves documenting your project’s goals, actions taken, impact, and your personal leadership role in driving the work forward. You will also reflect on your motivation, commitment, and how your project can scale or be replicated in other communities. Judges evaluate entries based on leadership, innovation in approach, real-world impact, and long-term potential.

6. National History Day (NHD) Contest 

Location: The National Contest is held at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
Cost/Prize: Student Registration Fee: $165; Teacher Registration Fee: $65; Awards will be given. Check details here
Application Deadline: May 19
Dates: June 14 – 18
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–12 (Junior Division: 6–8; Senior Division: 9–12)

The National History Day Contest requires you to conduct original historical research centered around an annual theme. You will gather and analyze primary and secondary sources, build a clear historical argument, and organize your findings into a chosen format such as a research paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website. The process involves outlining, drafting, and refining your project while maintaining proper citations and a structured narrative. At the competition, you present your work (or display it) and answer questions from judges about your research process and conclusions. Evaluation focuses on historical accuracy, depth of research, strength of argument, and clarity of presentation.

7. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Location: Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta
Cost/Prize: $20,000 scholarship
Application Deadline: September 30
Dates: Final in April
Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in the application year

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship that evaluates students based on leadership, service, and overall impact rather than a single project submission. You apply by completing a detailed application that highlights your academic record, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and community initiatives. The process involves documenting your activities, quantifying impact (such as initiatives led or communities served), and progressing through multiple selection stages. Semifinalists and finalists may submit additional essays or participate in interviews that assess leadership, initiative, and long-term goals. Evaluation focuses on sustained impact, leadership consistency, and your ability to create meaningful change in your community.

8. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Location: Global competition
Cost/Prize: $250,000 college scholarship for the student winner, $50,000 prize for the winning student’s teacher, and $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab
Application Deadline: September 15
Dates: Winners are announced typically in the fall
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 years

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge requires you to create a short (maximum 2-minute) video explaining a complex concept in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. You will first select a concept, break it down into clear components, and design a script that communicates the idea effectively to a general audience. The process often involves using tools like animation software, simulations, diagrams, or filmed demonstrations to visually represent the concept. Your final submission is a polished video that combines scientific accuracy with engaging storytelling and clear explanation. Evaluation focuses on engagement, clarity (“illumination”), creativity, and the difficulty level of the concept explained.

9. Space Center Houston’s ‘The Conrad Challenge’

Location: Innovation Summit is held at Space Center Houston, Texas, USA
Cost/Prize: Several awards are distributed. You can check the details here
Application Deadline: NA
Date: Activation Stage: August 28 – October 30, Innovation Stage: October 31 – January 8, Innovation Summit: April 22 – 25
Eligibility: students ages 13–18 working in teams of 2–5 with an adult coach

The Conrad Challenge requires you to work in a team to design a solution to a real-world problem in areas like aerospace, energy, or health. You will go through a structured process that includes identifying a problem, researching existing solutions, and developing your own product or innovation. This involves creating detailed deliverables such as a business plan, technical concept explanation, and supporting materials that outline feasibility and impact. As you advance, you refine your idea and prepare a formal pitch, presenting your solution to judges at the final Innovation Summit. Evaluation focuses on innovation, marketability, technical understanding, and the potential real-world impact of your solution.

10. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Location: Washington, D.C. (Award reception)
Cost/Prize: No cost; Scholarships worth $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000
Application Deadline: February 18
Dates: NA
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 18 or younger are eligible to apply

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes students under 18 who submit a significant, original project in fields like STEM, literature, music, or philosophy. You will develop an independent project, typically starting with a clear idea or research question and building it into a complete piece of work over time. This involves creating, testing, or refining your work and documenting your process and outcomes in a formal written submission or portfolio. Your application includes detailed project documentation along with supporting materials relevant to your work. Projects are evaluated by experts based on depth, originality, and the potential impact or contribution of the work.

11. CSPA Awards Programs

Location: Administered via Columbia University, New York, USA
Cost/Prize: No cost; Winners will receive certificates
Application Deadline: September 5
Dates: NA
Eligibility: High school students 

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association Awards recognize excellence in student journalism through the Crown Awards and Gold Circle Awards. You participate by submitting complete publications (such as newspapers, magazines, or yearbooks) or individual pieces like articles, designs, or multimedia work produced during the contest period. This involves compiling and formatting entries as PDFs, physical copies, or digital links, depending on the category and format. For Crown Awards, judges evaluate the overall quality of a publication, while Gold Circle entries focus on specific student contributions across writing, editing, and design. Evaluation is based on journalistic quality, content execution, design, and overall effectiveness within the publication format.

12. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Location: Administered by the Young Heroes Project, Boulder, CO
Cost/Prize: $10,000 award
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: NA
Eligibility: Students aged 8–18 years

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes recognizes students who have led meaningful service or community impact projects rather than submitting a formal research or academic entry. You apply by documenting a project or initiative you have created or led, detailing its purpose, actions taken, and measurable impact on people or the environment. The process involves presenting your leadership journey, including challenges faced, decisions made, and how the work has sustained or expanded over time. Supporting materials typically highlight your role, outcomes achieved, and the broader significance of your work. Evaluation focuses on impact, initiative, compassion, and the consistency of your leadership and service.

13. U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP)

Location: National finals take place in Chicago, IL
Cost/Prize: Winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and a national trophy (per project) as well as a framed U.S. SJWP Winner certificate and an all-expenses-paid trip to Stockholm, Sweden
Application Deadline: SJWP deadlines vary by region
Dates: Final: June 8 – 10
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who have reached the age of 15 by August 1 of the competition year, and have conducted a water-science research project

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize requires you to conduct an original research project focused on water-related issues such as quality, conservation, or sustainability. You will design and carry out a study, which may involve experiments, fieldwork, or data analysis, while documenting your methodology, results, and conclusions in a formal research paper. The process typically includes collecting and analyzing data using scientific tools (e.g., lab equipment, statistical methods, or modeling software) and refining your findings through multiple competition stages. You submit your written research and, at advanced stages, present and defend your project to expert judges. Evaluation focuses on scientific rigor, originality, clarity of methodology, and the relevance of your findings.

14. American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) DNA Day Essay Contest

Location: Virtual
Cost/Prize: No cost; Prizes are given to top students
Application Deadline: March 4
Dates: Results announced: April 24
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12

The ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest requires you to write a structured argumentative essay responding to a prompt related to genetics and human health. You will research scientific literature, interpret genetic concepts, and build a clear, evidence-based argument that addresses the question. The process involves organizing your essay with proper reasoning, supporting claims with accurate scientific explanations, and refining clarity and coherence. Your final submission is a written essay that demonstrates both subject understanding and critical analysis. Evaluation focuses on scientific accuracy, strength of argument, clarity of writing, and how effectively you use evidence to support your position.

15. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)

Location: Various locations for training and international competition
Cost/Prize: $125 registration fee/school; Medals and the opportunity to compete at the international level
Application Deadline: Applications open in August
Dates: NA
Eligibility: U.S. high school students

The USA Biology Olympiad is a multi-round biology competition that primarily tests your theoretical knowledge and analytical skills through rigorous exams. You begin with open and semifinal rounds consisting of advanced multiple-choice and short-answer questions covering areas like genetics, ecology, physiology, and molecular biology. Success in these rounds requires deep content mastery, problem-solving, and the ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar scenarios. The top students advance to a national training camp, where they engage in intensive laboratory work, learning techniques such as microscopy, experimental design, and data interpretation. Evaluation is based on exam performance and practical lab skills, with top performers selected to represent the U.S. at the international level.

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