High school awards represent the pinnacle of extracurricular achievement, serving as formal recognition for a student’s exceptional talent, dedication, or innovation in a specific field of study. Unlike academic programs or summer camps, which are primarily instructional and focus on the acquisition of new skills through a structured curriculum, awards are retrospective and evaluative.
What do awards for high schoolers involve?
The process of competing for national and international honors is a rigorous undertaking that mirrors professional and collegiate standards. You will often engage in long-term research workflows, utilizing tools like Python for data analysis or JSTOR for literature reviews to produce high-caliber submission formats, such as technical manuscripts or creative portfolios. Evaluation criteria for these prestigious awards are typically managed by panels of industry experts, tenured professors, or distinguished professionals.
Here are 15 prestigious awards for high school students for you to explore.
If you’re looking specifically for ways to fund your higher education, check out our guide on scholarships for high school students.
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Prize: Up to $250,000
Submission Deadlines: November 6
Cost: Free
Location: Finals held in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school seniors
The Regeneron STS is one of the oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competitions for high school students. You’ll submit an original, independent research project across various scientific disciplines for evaluation by a panel of expert scientists. Forty finalists are selected to compete for the top awards and meet with national leaders. The program focuses on identifying future leaders in STEM who demonstrate exceptional scientific inquiry.
2. National Merit Scholarship Program
Prize: $2,500 single-payment scholarships; Corporate and college-sponsored awards
Submission Deadlines: Automatic entry via PSAT/NMSQT in October
Cost: PSAT costs (often covered by schools)
Location: School-based testing
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (typically juniors) who take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships based on standardized test scores. Approximately 1.3 million students enter each year, with 15,000 finalists eventually selected based on their academic record and SAT/ACT scores. Semi-finalists represent the top 1% of scorers in each state. This prestigious award program for high school students is widely recognized by college admissions offices as a benchmark of academic excellence.
3. U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Prize: Presidential Scholars Medallion
Submission Deadlines: By invitation; Applications are due March 12
Cost: Free
Location: Recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
This program is one of the most prestigious awards for high school students, established to recognize the country’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Most students are selected based on exceptional performance on the SAT or ACT, while others are nominated through the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists or for excellence in Career and Technical Education. A commission appointed by the President selects up to 161 scholars annually. The award represents a lifetime distinction and includes a national recognition program held each June.
4. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Prize: $6,000, $2,400, $1,200, and $600 cash awards for 1st through 4th place winners, respectively (across 22 categories); Additional awards ranging from $10,000 – $100,000 are provided to selected 1st place winners
Submission Deadlines: Varies by regional fair; Finals are May 10 – 15
Cost: Varies by fair; Often free or subsidized
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Eligibility: High school students who win a top prize at a Society-affiliated local or regional fair
Regeneron ISEF (previously called the Intel ISEF) is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, hosting nearly 2,000 students from over 70 countries. You’ll present your independent research projects to doctoral-level scientists and industry professionals. The competition occurs across 22 different scientific categories, ranging from animal sciences and biomedical engineering to robotics and intelligent machines. The event provides a global stage for students to showcase innovation and compete for significant scholarships and internships.
5. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Prize: $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000 scholarships
Submission Deadlines: February 18
Cost: Free
Location: Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18 or younger and have completed a significant piece of work
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes students who have created a work of extraordinary caliber in STEM, literature, music, or philosophy. This prestigious award for high school students emphasizes the completion of a high-level project that has the potential to benefit society. Winners are named “Fellows” and are honored for their contributions to their respective fields. The selection process involves a rigorous review by experts in your chosen category.
6. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Prize: $250,000 post-secondary scholarship; $50,000 for the teacher; $100,000 for a school lab
Submission Deadlines: September 15
Cost: Free
Location: Award ceremony in Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 worldwide
This global competition requires high school students to produce a short video explaining a complex scientific or mathematical theory. Submissions are judged on your ability to communicate difficult concepts in creative and easy-to-understand ways. Categories include Physics, Life Sciences, and Mathematics, and you’ll be judged on the following criteria: engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty. The winner is celebrated at the televised Breakthrough Prize ceremony alongside world-renowned scientists.
7. United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)
Prize: $12,500 college scholarship and a week-long trip to D.C.
Submission Deadlines: December 1
Cost: Free
Location: Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors serving in an elected or appointed leadership position
The USSYP is a merit-based program that brings two high school students from every state to Washington, D.C., for an intensive week of government study. You’ll meet with Senators, the President, and Supreme Court Justices to gain a deep understanding of the American political process. The program is funded by the Hearst Foundations and requires an application through your state department of education. It is designed for high school students interested in careers in public service and government.
8. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Prize: Gold and Silver Medals; Scholarships up to $12,500
Submission Deadlines: Varies by region; Generally, December – January
Cost: $10/entry, $30/portfolio (fee waivers available)
Location: Ceremony held at Carnegie Hall, NY
Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13+)
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious award program for creative teenagers. You can submit work in 30 categories, including poetry, painting, journalism, fashion design, and more. Certain categories, like art and writing portfolios, are reserved for graduating seniors. Entries are first judged regionally, and Gold Key winners move on to national adjudication. These participants will be eligible for national awards, as well as the American Voices & Visions Award.
9. The Congressional Award
Prize: Gold Medal presented by Congress
Submission Deadlines: February 1 for Gold Medal submissions; July 1 for Bronze and Silver Medal recipients
Cost: $35 registration fee (can be waived)
Location: Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: U.S. residents aged 14-24
This is the most prestigious award the U.S. Congress bestows upon young people. It is a non-competitive, goal-oriented program where you earn medals by completing hours in Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The Gold Medal requires a minimum commitment of 400 hours of service over at least 24 months. It emphasizes long-term commitment and character development rather than a single project.
10. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Prize: $20,000 scholarship for finalists
Submission Deadlines: September 30
Cost: Free
Location: Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, GA
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most competitive achievement-based scholarships in the United States. It recognizes students for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. The selection process is multi-phased, narrowing down nearly 100,000 applicants to 150 winners. Recipients become part of a massive alumni network of diverse leaders across various industries.
11. Conrad Challenge
Prize: Scholarships, patent assistance, and an all-expenses-paid trip
Submission Deadlines: Registration closes October 30
Cost: $499/team for the Innovation Stage (financial aid available)
Location: Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston, TX
Eligibility: Teams of 2-5 students (ages 13-18)
The Conrad Challenge is an entrepreneurial competition that asks you to design sustainable solutions for global problems. Teams compete in categories like Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber Technology and Security, Health & Nutrition, Energy and Environment, and The Water Challenge. The process involves creating a business plan, a technical brief, and a power pitch for a panel of industry experts. It focuses on the intersection of STEM education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
12. National History Day (NHD) National Contest
Prize: $1,000 (first place), $500 (second place), $250 (third place), as well as special prizes ranging from $250 to $10,000
Submission Deadlines: May 19
Cost: $165
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who win the state-level contests
NHD is a year-long academic program where you’ll conduct original research on a historical topic related to an annual theme, the most recent one being ‘Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History’. You’ll present your findings in one of five categories: Documentary, Exhibit, Paper, Performance, or Website. The competition encourages the use of primary and secondary sources and critical thinking. Top projects from each state advance to the national finals to be judged by professional historians.
13. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Prize: $10,000 award for higher education or a service project
Submission Deadlines: April 15
Cost: Free
Location: Nationwide
Eligibility: Students aged 8-18 who are permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada
The Barron Prize celebrates public-spirited young people who have made a significant positive impact on people, their communities, and the environment. It recognizes “heroic” individuals rather than large groups or organizations. Each year, 25 winners are selected: 15 receive the primary $10,000 award, while 10 are named as honorees. The selection committee looks for diverse projects ranging from social justice initiatives to innovative environmental conservation efforts.
14. American Mathematics Competitions
Prize: Qualification for AIME and USAMO, and certificates of distinction
Submission Deadlines: Exams are typically held in November
Cost: Varies (roughly $5-$10)
Location: Local schools or testing centers
Eligibility: Students in grade 10 or below (AMC 10) or grade 12 or below (AMC 12)
The AMC 8, 10, and 12 are the first in a series of competitions that lead to the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). AMC 10 and 12 are 75-minute, 25-question multiple-choice exams that test problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge. High scorers are invited to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). The competition is designed to identify and encourage exceptional mathematical talent across the country.
15. World Food Prize: Global Youth Institute
Prize: Borlaug-Ruan International Internships and USDA fellowships
Submission Deadlines: Varies by state; October 20 – 22 for the Global Youth Institute
Cost: Free
Location: Des Moines, IA + Virtual
Eligibility: High school students who have participated in a state/national Youth Institute
This program invites high school students to research and write a paper on a specific global food security issue. Selected students participate in the Global Youth Institute, a conference where they interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates. You’ll discuss your research with international experts and peers from around the world. Students must first participate in a state or national Youth Institute and be selected as a delegate to attend the Global Youth Institute.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investigative journalism, media studies, political reporting, data journalism, and the ethics of news and information, 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: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation