Contest List

All of these contests and competitions should be open to homeschoolers. If you discover that one is not, please let me know. (Homeschool Buyers Co-op also has a e list of scholarships & contests for members. It is free and confidential to join.**)

Ongoing contests:

1. Year 20 (2008-09) of the USA Mathematical Talent Search has started at www.usamts.org. The postmark deadline for Round 1 solutions was October 14, 2008.
   
   
2. Amazing Kids has their own list of contests.
   
   
3. Freshi Flix Contests: The next generation filmmaker (kids 18 and under). Current contests involve kids entering video's/short films and storyboards. Various prizes and deadlines.
   
   http://www.freshiflix.com/events/view_contests.php

4. Ranger Rick Photo Contest for anyone 13 or under can enter, with a parent's or guardian's written permission. Every three months, one winner will be featured in Ranger Rick magazine and on the Ranger Rick website. The winning photographer also will receive a Certificate of Recognition and 5 copies of the magazine displaying his or her prize-winning shot. (deadlines: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31) For details, entry form & address for entry:
   http://www.nwf.org/kidZone/kzPage.cfm?siteID=3&departmentId=80&articleId=956

January/February deadlines:

1. NEW: Improving the Lives of Children Essay Contest: "The New America Foundation's Workforce and Family Program is announcing a contest for high school seniors to provide their views on the best way to improve the lives of America's young people. New America will be offering $2,500 to the student who best answers the question, "You have just been elected the President of the United States. What is the most important thing you will do to improve the lives of America's children?" Deadline: Feb 20 deadline.
   
   
2. NEW: For 5th Graders only: Enter the 2009 Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest Today. Contest Opens November 1, 2008 and closes January 31, 2009. See the web site for all the details: www.conservewildlifenj.org/teacher/species/edge.html
   
   
3. January and February registration for Math League Math Contests for Grades 4 through 8, and Algebra 1 students. Over 1 million students from the United States and Canada participate in Math League Contests each year. Every contest has questions from different areas of mathematics. The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests. Schools compete in statewide or multistate league competitions.(annual, High school registrations were due October 15, 2007) Contest problem books, $12.95 each; contest registration ~$30 per grade.
   
   
4. Kids' Science Challenge: Contest for third- to sixth-graders has 4 unique divisions: flavor science, water quality, skateboard engineering and the search for life in outer space. Students propose an original question, problem, or experiment that relates to one of those four areas. Entries are judged in each field of science or engineering and the most original will win the grand prize for that field – a visit with the scientist or engineer to work with them to turn their ideas into realities, along with possible appearances in Kids’ Science Challenge videos and Pulse of the Planet radio programs. The contest site also has updates, games, biographical information about the scientists, research hints, and teacher and parent resources. Children can enter individually or as a team. Entry deadline is January 31, 2009. Find the list of prizes, curriculum & online activities at kidsciencechallenge.com. Free hands-on science kits to the first 1000 entries.
   
   
5. NEW: The 2008-2009 NEUROSCIENCE FOR KIDS Drawing CONTEST is now open! Click for full details. Drawings must be done by hand using pencils, pens, markers, and/or crayons. Feel free to use words in your drawings. Be creative! ENTRY FORMS (use either one): ENTRY FORM (PDF) | ENTRY FORM (WORD) Entries will be divided into four groups based on age:
   
• If you are in Kindergarten to Grade 2: Picture about "My brain helps me ________."
• If you are in Grades 3 to 5: Picture should be about "Brain Fitness: I keep my brain healthy by ______."
• If you are in Grades 6 to 8: Picture should be about "My brain is like a _______ because _________." (Special hint: drawings that compare the brain to a computer, book or robot usually do NOT win.)
• If you are in Grades 9 to 12: Picture about "Brain research is important because________."
• To enter the drawing contest, mail your completed entry form with your drawing to: Dr. Eric H. Chudler,Department of Bioengineering; UWEB E/O, Box 355061, 1705 NE Pacific St, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5061. Do NOT send your entry by email. Entries must be received by February 1, 2009, and cannot be returned.
  
  
6. National Junior Classical League Creative Writing: this contest allows members to demonstrate their writing talents via an essay of about 1000 words on a classically related theme or situation. Deadline: mid-February 2009.
   
   2009 Topic: Tell the story of an Olympic hero. Create a fictional Olympic athlete and tell their story. It may be set during the Greek or Roman period of the Olympic Games, but NOT the modern Olympics. Make sure to research the details of the ancient Olympics and cite your sources.
   
   
7. The Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Award Program is the Guardian Life Insurance Company's annual initiative designed to reward the enterprising spirits of girls ages 12 to 18. Guardian awards prizes to 15 girls who demonstrate budding entrepreneurship; are taking the first steps toward financial independence; and make a difference in their schools and communities. Prizes totaling $30,000 are granted to three top winners and 12 finalists each year, to further their entrepreneurial pursuits or save for college. The 2009 Award Program runs September 1, 2008 through February 27, 2009. www.guardianlife.com/womens_channel/girls_going_places/girls_going_places.html

May/June deadlines:

1. Molecular Frontiers Institute is accepting questions from youngsters 12 to 18 years old for the Molecular Frontiers Inquiry Prize. You must log in at the MoleCules Club to submit questions. Prizes will be awarded to the 20 boys and 20 girls who submit the best questions about molecular science. Submissions usually due in early May.

TBD:

1. as of 8/5, no details on whether homeschoolers can compete. Poster and Essay Contest – Theme: “Foods of My Family.” Area teachers will receive mailers with instructions for their students and information about the Key Ingredients exhibit. The essay is a food-oriented oral history project. Students will interview a family member to find out their memories of food, cultural associations, the significance of a specific food, etc., and write down the recipe. Recipes will be added to the website. Younger students will draw their impressions. Teachers will also be provided with the resources available on the Key Ingredients website.

   The winners will receive gift certificates to local restaurants. Posters and essays will be on display at the County Library and Acorn Hall during the exhibit and posted on the Key Ingredients website.
   

2. What are the Laws of Life? the core values that we take with us wherever we go and whatever we do: "You are only as good as your word." Honesty is the best policy. " "To have a friend, be one." The Laws of Life Essay Contest challenges young people of all ages to discover for themselves the values that will guide them throughout life. Get your community involved in the Laws of Life contest - run one! Right now the only NJ site I see is Plainfield. While most contests take place in high schools, programs have been started for kids of all ages, from elementary school to college. For students: some questions to consider as you begin to think about your laws of life essay:
   
   • Describe an event from which you learned a lesson "the hard way."
   • Who is someone you admire? What are three qualities that you admire about that person?
   • Who has been really important in your life in helping you learn your values? How?
   • What could you change about yourself to become a better person?
     

** - If you homeschool your children, at any level, I recommend looking into the many benefits of the Homeschool Buyers Co-op. I use their purchasing power of a group the most and have seen deals for resources that I could never buy as an individual – at any price. However, you can also print an ID, use their lists of curriculum, money saving tips, and ... contests and scholarships too. Instead of supporting the local PTA, you can buy an "Entertainment Book" from them and have homeschooling get some benefit.