Submissions are open for the Bennington College Young Scientists Awards 2026 (part of the Young Creators Awards) - a free contest for high school students in grades 9 - 12 worldwide who think critically and creatively about STEM and the natural world.
Submit from 1 September 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET through 1 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET. Cash prizes up to $2,000, plus Bennington scholarships for winners who enroll. No AI may be used in any part of a Scientists Awards submission.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Bennington Young Scientists Awards page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Bennington Young Scientists Awards 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | Bennington Young Scientists Awards (Young Creators Awards) |
| Host | Bennington College, Vermont, USA |
| Who | High school students grades 9 - 12 worldwide |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Category | Natural Sciences - visual illustration / scientific artifact (+ optional ≤500-word explanation) |
| Cash prizes | 1st $2,000 · 2nd $1,000 · 3rd $500 · Distinguished $250 |
| Deadline | 1 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Winners | Announced spring 2027 |
| Official page | Bennington Young Scientists Awards |
What to Submit
Submit a visual illustration that reflects your unique understanding of an aspect of the natural world - a scientific concept, elements in nature, or a poster of independent research. Goal: a personally crafted artifact showing knowledge and appreciation of natural science.
Examples include a local field guide; scientific illustration of a plant, bird, or insect; a research/community poster; or a process diagram rooted in direct experience. Optional written explanation up to 500 words for context (not a science lecture).
Optional prompt: What is something many people in your neighborhood never notice about the natural world around them?
Benefits
- Cash prizes: $2,000 / $1,000 / $500 (1st - 3rd) and $250 Distinguished designations
- First-place winners who enroll at Bennington: full-tuition scholarship for four years
- Distinguished recipients who enroll: half-tuition scholarship for four years
- Finalists who enroll: $25,000 annual scholarship for four years
- Publication/showcase on Bennington channels (student retains ownership)
Eligibility
- Students in grades 9 - 12 worldwide (international equivalent OK)
- Only one submission in this discipline per student; may win in only one discipline award
- Original work; no AI in any portion (AI submissions are disqualified for Scientists Awards)
- Must be reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor
- Already graduated from high school: not eligible
- Grade 12: must first complete Common App or Coalition App to Bennington (no fee, non-binding, no supplements) to receive YCA submission instructions
How to Apply
- Review guidelines on the official Scientists Awards page.
- Grades 9 - 11: start via the Young Creators student information form, then submit through the YCA portal by email instructions.
- Grade 12: apply via Bennington admissions / YCA process (Common or Coalition App), then follow the YCA email instructions.
- Submit PDFs or digital photos (JPEG/PNG/TIFF, etc.) - up to five images; one strong high-res image is often best. Deadline: 1 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Questions: youngcreatorsawards@bennington.edu
Official Links
Bennington Young Scientists Awards
Student information form (Grades 9 - 11)
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FAQs - Bennington Young Scientists Awards 2026
When is the deadline?
1 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Submissions opened 1 September 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Is there an entry fee?
No - free to enter.
Can I use AI?
No for Scientists Awards. AI use is only considered under Innovators Awards rules.
What are the top cash prizes?
$2,000 first, $1,000 second, $500 third, plus $250 Distinguished awards.
Where do I submit?
Grades 9 - 11 via the YCA portal after the student info form; Grade 12 via Common/Coalition App first, then YCA instructions by email.
