How Can I Find Poetry Scholarships for High School Students?

I'm really into writing poetry and was wondering if there are scholarships available for high school students like me. I'm not sure where to start looking or what the process might involve. Are there any particular scholarships or contests that are well-respected or have good opportunities? If you've won a poetry scholarship or know someone who has, I'd love to hear about your experiences and any advice you might have for standing out in the application process!

If you're passionate about poetry and are looking for scholarships that align with your interest, there are definitely a few out there that you might want to consider. Here are a few to get you started:

1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: This is a prestigious competition for high school students in the U.S. which also includes a poetry category. While not exactly a scholarship in the traditional sense, the program provides awards and recognition that can be helpful in college applications and beyond.

2. The We the Students Essay Contest: While this contest isn't exclusively focused on poetry, they do like creative responses. They have also awarded scholarships to poetry submissions in past competitions.

3. National YoungArts Foundation: This foundation works to identify promising artists in various fields, including writing. They offer cash awards and mentorship opportunities, as well as a chance to be nominated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

4. Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award: This UK-based competition is open to young poets around the world, aged 11-17. While there's no monetary reward, the prestige of the award is significant.

The application process can vary widely depending on the poetry scholarship or contest. Some might ask for a selection of your poems, while others might have a specific prompt or theme you need to follow. Stand out by showing your unique voice and perspective, and don’t shy away from experimenting with different poetic forms. Review the rules and guidelines thoroughly to ensure that your submission fits the requirements.

When you search for these opportunities, use databases like Appily and Fastweb that allow you to input your interests and skills and return scholarships that align with your profile. These sites might also provide some insight into smaller, local contests that might have less competition than national or international scholarships.

Best of luck to you! Writing poetry is a valuable skill and a wonderful way to express yourself, and it's fantastic that you're looking for opportunities to further develop your talent and possibly fund your education at the same time.