With the recent announcement that Princeton is bringing back required test score submissions - leaving only one Ivy-League hold out - the competitive landscape of admissions continues to shift. No longer is it a strategic move to include or exclude your results, so student will be looking for more ways to differentiate themselves and add complexity to their applications. Awards have always been an excellent way to accomplish this. Whether you plan on applying to Ivy League schools, participating in competitive summer programs, researching scholarship resources, or even just looking to challenge yourself, earning recognition at the national or international level can take you far.
Below is a list of 17 of the most respected academic and similar awards and competitions for high school students — spanning science, writing, mathematics, economics, and more. Each entry includes a detailed synopsis, clear eligibility, prize information, and important timelines to be aware of.
1) Davidson Fellows Scholarship
What it is:
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a national program that rewards students 18 or younger who have completed a significant, original piece of work in fields like science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or liberal arts. Projects submitted must reflect serious depth—often approaching graduate‑level scope - and will be judged by external experts.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be 18 or younger as of the deadline, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Teams of two are allowed as long as both team members meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants must also submit two nomination forms, and the work must be their own creation. Community service efforts and athletic achievements will not be considered.
Timeline:
The application opens in the fall; the preliminary application portion (project summary) is reviewed within ~1–2 business days. After approval, applicants complete full submissions (nominators, supporting materials). The 2025 application deadline was February 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.Final award notifications are in July.
Prize:
Scholarships awarded are $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 based on the quality and impact of the work. Awards must be used for qualified tuition and related education expenses.
2) Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
What it is:
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), administered by the Society for Science, is considered by many to be one of the most prestigious U.S. high school science competition. It asks students to submit original, independent scientific research (with full documentation) and judges work by experts. Through decades, STS has served as a launching pad for future scientific leaders.
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens or permanent residents, currently enrolled as high school seniors. Applicants must submit original research, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
Timeline:
The application typically opens in June. The submission deadline is early November. From ~1,900 applications, ~300 Scholars are selected (~January), and ~40 finalists are invited to Washington, D.C. in March for in-person interviews and judging.
Prize:
All scholars receive monetary awards (e.g. $2,000) and complementary awards to their schools. Finalists receive more significant awards. The top prize (among finalists) is $250,000, with second and third prizes also substantial.
3) Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)
What it is:
The Regeneron ISEF is the world’s premier international science competition for high school researchers. Finalists from affiliated fairs globally present original projects across 22 scientific categories. The event features expert judging, special awards from sponsoring organizations, and wide visibility.
Eligibility:
Students (grades 9–12 or equivalent) who win top prizes at regional, state, or national science fairs affiliated with the Society for Science are eligible.
Timeline:
The week-long competition event, 'Finals Week', occurs in May, and winners are announced on the final day. Over the week, finalists also engage in science fairs, seminars, and networking events. The 2025 fair distributed more than $9 million in awards.
Prize:
In each of the 22 Grand Award categories:
1st place: $6,000
2nd: $2,400
3rd: $1,200
4th: $600
From among 1st‑place winners, top awards are selected: e.g., the George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award ($100,000) and Regeneron Young Scientist Awards ($75,000) in 2025.
In 2025, over $9 million was distributed in total across Grand and Special Awards.
4) Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
What it is:
JSHS is a U.S. Department of Defense–sponsored annual research competition where high school students present original STEM research. Through regional symposia, outstanding student work is advanced to a national symposium. Participants present orally or via poster to expert symposium judges. The competition also offers exposure to DoD labs, professional development, and networking.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 9–12 who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are eligible to compete via their regional JSHS programs. Entry is via original research; participants must submit a formal report to their regional symposium.
Timeline:
Regional symposia typically occur in late winter or early spring. Regional winners advance to the National Symposium (often in the spring) where top projects are judged.
Prize:
JSHS distributes over $400,000 in scholarships and cash awards across regional and national levels. At the national level, in 2025 the awards included scholarships in the range $4,000–$12,000 for oral presentation winners; additional cash awards for poster presentations. At the regional level, typical awards include $2,000 (1st), $1,500 (2nd), and $1,000 (3rd) in undergraduate tuition scholarships.
5) National History Day (NHD)
What it is:
National History Day is a project-based competition in which students conduct original historical research, analyze sources, and present their findings via one of five media formats: research paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website. Participants tie their work to the year’s annual theme and are judged on historical argument, research quality, and presentation clarity.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 6–12 within U.S. states, territories, and international affiliates may participate via their affiliate program(school/district) and must conform to the contest’s Rule Book guidelines. Individuals or groups of up to 5 may enter.
Timeline:
Students compete locally or in school‑level contests (typically January/February), then advance to affiliate/regional contests in Spring. The 2026 National Contest is scheduled for June 14–18, 2026 at The University of Maryland.
Prize:
At the national level, category winners receive medals and/or certificates.
Special Prizes from external sponsors are also awarded. “Outstanding Affiliate Awards” are granted to two entries from each affiliate (one junior, one senior).
6) Coca-Cola Scholars Program
What it is:
A merit‑based U.S. scholarship program awarding $20,000 to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, service, and positive impact in their communities. Over its history, CCSP has supported thousands of scholars.
Eligibility:
Open to high school seniors graduating in the application year in the U.S. Applicants must meet academic criteria (GPA, transcript) and exhibit leadership and service commitments. The foundation considers U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, special parolees, etc.
Timeline:
Application opens August 1 and closes September 30 (5pm ET). Semifinalists and finalists are selected after application review. Selected Scholars are celebrated during Scholars Weekend (in April).
Prize:
Each year, 150 scholars are selected to receive $20,000 scholarships. Total annual funding across programs is approximately $3.55 million.
7) John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize
What it is:
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is one of the world’s most recognized academic writing competitions for high school students. Founded by the Oxford-based John Locke Institute, the competition encourages intellectual curiosity and independent thought through essay writing across disciplines including economics, law, politics, and history, among others. Students select one prompt from a list of challenging, open-ended questions such as “Should Oxford lower its admissions standards for the sons and daughters of generous benefactors?” or “Diversity is fashionable, but is it valuable?” and craft a structured, analytical response supported by clear reasoning and evidence.
Judges reward essays that demonstrate the ability to reason critically, engage with multiple perspectives, and develop a coherent, well-supported thesis. Winning essays often show a level of sophistication comparable to undergraduate work, making this competition an exceptional credential for college admissions.
Eligibility:
Open to students of all nationalities. Junior and Senior divisions allow younger students (under age 15) to compete alongside high schoolers aged 15–18. Essays must respond to one prompt and follow the official word limit (typically 2,000 words).
Timeline:
Essay questions are released each spring. Registration typically closes by May, with submissions due in June or early July.
Prize:
Winners receive up to $10,000 in scholarships toward John Locke Institute summer programs. Category winners and runners-up also receive commendations, publication opportunities, and invitations to Oxford for the annual academic ceremony.
8) American Mathematics Competitions
What it is:
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) is the most prominent mathematics contest series in operation in the United States and serves as the foundation for identifying and training members of the U.S. team for the International Mathematical Olympiad. The program is administered by the Mathematical Association of America and challenges students to solve increasingly difficult mathematical problems that require creativity, logic, and proof-based reasoning.
Each competition sequence begins with the AMC 8, 10, and 12 exams and advances to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), and ultimately, the International Mathematical Olympiad. Participation and success demonstrates exceptional analytical ability and is widely respected by selective universities.
Eligibility:
Open to students worldwide, typically: AMC 8 for middle school students under 14.5 years old, AMC 10 for students in grade 10 or below and under 17.5 years old, and AMC 12 for those in grade 12 or below and under 19.5 years old. Advancement to AIME and USAMO is by invitation only based on performance.
Timeline:
The AMC 8 is held in January, while the AMC 10 and 12 are administered in November. AIME follows in February or March, and USAMO/USAJMO takes place in late spring.
Prize:
Top scorers are honored on the AMC Honor Roll of Distinction and may advance through subsequent rounds. U.S. Olympiad winners are invited to elite summer programs such as the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) and have the opportunity to represent the United States at the International Mathematical Olympiad.
9) International Economics Olympiad (IEO)
What it is: The International Economics Olympiad (IEO) is a global competition that brings together the top high school students in economics, business, and financial literacy. Participants first qualify through national competitions to represent their countries at the international level. The contest includes economics exams, business case challenges, and financial literacy components judged by experts in the field.
In addition to testing theoretical understanding, IEO emphasizes real-world applications and teamwork through its case challenge component, making it a standout for students interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or public policy.
Eligibility: High school students selected through national rounds organized by each participating country.
Timeline: National qualifiers occur in spring. The international Olympiad is held each summer (e.g., July or August).
Prize: Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded. Special prizes and certificates are also offered for top performances in individual categories or case competitions.
10) Breakthrough Junior Challenge
What it is: The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video contest that invites students to explain complex scientific concepts in physics, mathematics, or the life sciences through an engaging short video. The challenge encourages not only subject mastery but also strong communication skills.
Winning entries are selected based on creativity, difficulty of the concept, and clarity of explanation. Past winners have explored everything from quantum tunneling to statistical paradoxes using animations, storytelling, and clear analogies.
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 from around the world.
Timeline: The competition typically opens in May and closes in late June. Finalists and winners are announced in the fall.
Prize: The grand prize includes a $250,000 college scholarship, a $100,000 science lab for the winner's school, and a $50,000 prize for the teacher who inspired the student. Finalists may receive recognition and media exposure.
11) Space Center Houston's 'The Conrad Challenge'
What it is: The Conrad Challenge is a purpose-driven innovation competition that empowers teams of high school students to design solutions to real-world problems in areas like health, energy, aerospace, cyber-technology, and the environment. It was named after astronaut Pete Conrad and emphasizes creativity, marketability, and impact.
Students move through multiple phases: developing their concept, creating a business plan, and presenting their product to judges. Finalists are invited to the Innovation Summit to pitch to experts and investors.
Eligibility: Open to students ages 13–18 working in teams of 2–5 with an adult coach.
Timeline: Registration opens in fall, with rounds continuing through spring. The Innovation Summit is held in April.
Prize: Finalists receive trophies, recognition, and opportunities for patent assistance or startup support. Some receive scholarships or mentorship offers from corporate partners.
12) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
What it is: The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a worldwide program where high school teams build and program industrial-sized robots to compete in annual game challenges. It combines the excitement of sports with the rigor of science and engineering.
Students work with mentors to learn CAD, engineering, software development, and teamwork. Beyond competitions, the program fosters innovation, community outreach, and real-world skill development.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; teams are usually school-based or community-based and mentored by adults in STEM fields.
Timeline: Kickoff occurs in January; regional competitions run from February to April. The World Championship is held in late April.
Prize: FRC offers over $80 million in college scholarships. Teams win awards for engineering, entrepreneurship, outreach, and design.
13) Rise Global Challenge
What it is: The Rise Challenge, a program from Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust, is a global initiative to identify and support exceptional 15- to 17-year-olds who are working to solve major problems. Applicants submit a project proposal, complete a video interview, and participate in a talent assessment.
Winners become Rise Global Winners and receive long-term benefits including education support, mentorship, funding for future ventures, and membership in a lifelong network of problem-solvers.
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17 from anywhere in the world. Applicants must submit a project that contributes to a social, scientific, or community issue.
Timeline: Applications open annually, typically in fall, and proceed through several selection rounds.
Prize: Winners receive need-based scholarships, residential summits, access to funding pools, mentorship, and career development support.
14) Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP)
What it is: The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a prestigious global competition focused on water-related research. Students present innovative projects that improve water quality, access, or sustainability. The U.S. competition is managed by the Water Environment Federation (WEF).
Winners of national contests represent their countries at the international finals in Stockholm during World Water Week.
Eligibility: U.S. students aged 15–20 who have completed a water-related science project.
Timeline: State-level competitions begin in spring. U.S. finalists are selected in May. The international competition occurs in August.
Prize: U.S. winner receives $10,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Stockholm. The international winner receives a $15,000 award and a blue crystal prize from the Crown Princess of Sweden.
15) Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
What it is: This is the oldest and most prestigious creative competition for middle and high school students in the U.S. It recognizes excellence in 28 categories including photography, drawing, poetry, journalism, and novel writing.
National Medalists are invited to Carnegie Hall and their work may be exhibited or published. Many top U.S. artists and writers were once Scholastic winners, including Stephen King, Amanda Gorman, and Andy Warhol.
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7–12 in the U.S. and its territories.
Timeline: Regional deadlines vary but typically fall between December and January. National awards are announced in spring.
Prize: Gold and Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions, and National Medals. Seniors may earn scholarships up to $12,500.
16) National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS) Publication & Awards
What it is: The NHSJS is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research by high school students. It accepts work in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, and more. In addition to publication, the NHSJS annually recognizes outstanding submissions with formal awards.
Students whose work is published benefit from the credential of publication in a scientific journal while still in high school.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide. Submissions must be original and cite relevant literature. Authors work with NHSJS editors during review.
Timeline: Rolling submissions accepted year-round. Awards are given annually.
Prize: Award-winning papers are spotlighted online and may be nominated for additional recognition. Authors can cite the publication and award on college applications.
17) Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
What it is:
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors inspiring young leaders who have made a significant positive impact on their communities or the environment. Established in 2001 by author T.A. Barron in honor of his mother, Gloria Barron, the award recognizes students who demonstrate courage, compassion, and perseverance while leading service projects that benefit others. Past winners have created technology companies, nonprofits, machine learning conservation platforms, and humanitarian efforts that continue to influence lives around the world.
This is an ideal opportunity for students interested in civic leadership, sustainability, community activities, or social entrepreneurship to showcase genuine impact.
Eligibility:
Open to students aged 8–18 currently residing in the United States or Canada. Projects must be led by the applicant and demonstrate at least 12 months of ongoing effort. Team projects are accepted if the applicant is the primary leader.
Timeline:
Applications open in December and close in mid-April. Winners are announced in the fall.
Prize:
Each year, 25 students are selected as Barron Prize Young Heroes. Winners each receive a $10,000 award to support their education or service project, along with recognition in national media.
Takeaways
Prestigious awards and competitions do more than pad a résumé, if chosen correctly. Rather, they serve as tangible proof of commitment, creativity, and intellectual excellence. Whether through publishing, problem-solving, or persuasive writing, these opportunities give students the chance to showcase real, high-level thinking.
If you're a student preparing for selective college admissions or elite summer programs, identifying one or two competitions that align with your interests and pursuing them seriously can be a game-changing investment of time.
About Echelon Scholars
Echelon Scholars is an advanced research mentorship program founded by researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. We help high school students develop original, state-of-the-art research and publish in peer-reviewed, postgraduate-level venues such as IEEE, ACM, and Elsevier. Our students have gone on to earn recognition at competitions like Regeneron STS, ISEF, the Atlas Fellowship, and more, and to date have a 100% success rate with getting our students published at post-graduate conferences.
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