Competitions
OCTOBER
9/11 Student Essay Competition, Due Oct. 30
The Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley invites students to participate in their 9-11 Essay Competition. Cash prizes for Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. Submission deadline is October 30. For more information and essay rules.
$300-$1,200 World of Eight Billion Video Contest, Due Oct. 31
Create a one-minute video that addresses one of this year’s global topics, suggests a sustainable solution,Create a one minute video that addresses one of this year’s global topics, suggests a sustainable solution, and connects how human population growth impacts that topic. and connects how human population growth impacts that topic. Open to students in 9-12 grade. Learn more about the World of Eight Billion Video Contest.
1: Create a 1-minute video
2: Address one of this year’s global topics
- Child Wellbeing
- Rainforest Ecosystems
- Sanitation
3: Suggest a sustainable solution(s) (can be new or existing)
4: And connect how human population growth impacts that topic
Awards
- First: $1,200
- Second: $600
- Honorable Mention (2): $300
Up to $30,000, VRW Annual Voices of Democracy, Due Oct. 31 by midnight
This audio-essay program provides 9th-12th grade high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Scholarships are paid directly to recipient's American university, college, trade/technical school.
First place National: $35,000
Others range: $1,000-$21,000
First place National: $35,000
Others range: $1,000-$21,000
NOVEMBER
$50-$200, CourAGE Media Contest, Due Nov.
Create a short video, song, or artwork highlighting the importance of staying substance free. Alcohol, tobacco/vaping, cannabis, and prescription drugs misuse can negatively impact the growing/developing brain. Express why not using keeps you bright. Learn more.
$10,000 Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award, Multiple deadlines
This award is a one-time, non-renewable, need-based grant of up to $10,000. Approximately 20 pre-collegiate musicians ages 8-18 to receive the Award. The Award is given to driven and committed pre-collegiate musicians with financial need to help offset the often prohibitively expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level. Applications are accepted three times a year in April, September, and November.DECEMBER
Amount Varies Creative Youth Awards, Due Dec. 10
The Bay Area Creative Foundation recognizes artistic expression and encourages community support for Bay Area high school artists through case awards and prizes. $100,000 in awards for creative writing, dance, film, music performance, original music, photography, visual art. In addition to the opportunity to receive a cash award, every artist who submits to the CYAs will receive a free year-long membership to MasterClass and will be included in CYAs online Creative Gallery. Learn more.
MARCH
$200-$2,500, The National Personal Finance Challenge, Registration opens Jan. 1
This nationwide competition offers high school students the opportunity to build and demonstrate their knowledge in the concepts of earning income, spending, saving, investing, managing credit, and managing risk. The top 16 teams will advance to compete in the national championship title in the Quiz Bowl. National Finals is an all-expense paid trip and the top four teams win cash prizes. Learn more.
Create a Greeting Card, Submissions accepted July 9, 2025-March 9, 2025
Winners are selected by monthly votes so the earlier you get your submission in, the more time there is for voting. Must be at least 14 years old and enrolled in high school. Learn more about Create a Greeting Card.
$200-$2,500 + an all-expenses paid stay The National Personal Finance Challenge, Competition rounds from March-May
This nationwide competition offers high school students the opportunity to build and demonstrate their knowledge in the concepts of earning income, spending, saving, investing, managing credit, and managing risk. The top 16 teams will advance to compete in the national championship title in the Quiz Bowl. National Finals is an all-expense paid trip and the top four teams win cash prizes. Learn more about The National Personal Finance Challenge.
$2,500 Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest, Due March 13, 2026
Students have multiple topics to choose from, allowing them to write on the subject that speaks to them the most. Open to grades 5-12, ages 10-18, residing in North America, Hawaii, or at a U.S. military address. Learn more about the Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest.
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- Energy
- Wetlands
- Economics
Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair Special Award Opportunity, Project Board Competition in March, 18 selected projects to display in April
The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD), in partnership with Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (CCCSD) and other local water agencies, will once again present the “Excellence in Water/Wastewater/Recycled Water Research” award at the 2026 Contra Costa County Science & Engineering Fair. This special award includes a cash prize for both the student and their school.
Click here for more information.
This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase your analytical and research skills. If selected, your essay will be published in BER's magazine Equilibrium, featured on its website and social media. Submit here. For more information, please email berkeleyeconreview@gmail.com.
