About the opportunity
The Bennington Young Scientists Awards recognize exceptional high school students in grades 9-12 who think critically and creatively about STEM. Organized by Bennington College as part of the Young Creators Awards, this competition invites students worldwide to submit original visual representations of the natural world—such as field guides, scientific illustrations, process diagrams, or research posters—accompanied by an optional written explanation. Entries are evaluated by a panel of Bennington faculty and advanced students for originality, quality, and engagement with complexity. No artificial intelligence tools may be used in any part of the creation process.
Funding and benefits
- First place cash prize of $2,000 per category
- Second place cash prize of $1,000 per category
- Third place cash prize of $500 per category
- Distinguished designation cash prize of $250
- Four-year full-tuition scholarship to Bennington College for First Place Winners who enroll
- Four-year half-tuition scholarship to Bennington College for Distinguished Designation Recipients who enroll
- Annual $25,000 scholarship for four years to Bennington College for Finalists who enroll
- Potential publication or showcase opportunities on Bennington's website, social media, and publications
Who can apply?
- Open to high school students in grades 9-12 worldwide
- Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible
- Only one submission per student in this discipline award
- All entries must be original work with zero use of artificial intelligence tools
- All entries must be reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor (or a mentor for homeschooled students)
Required documents
- One or more PDFs or digital photographs (JPEG, JPG, PNG, TIFF, etc.) of the created work (up to five images maximum)
- Optional written explanation of up to 500 words providing context and clarity for the work
- Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process
When to apply
- Submissions open annually on September 1 at 9:00 AM ET
- Submission deadline is November 1 at 11:59 PM ET
- Round 1 judging takes place from November to December
- Round 2 judging occurs in January
- Award winners are announced and published in the Spring
How to apply
- Create an original visual artifact or poster addressing the natural sciences category without using any AI tools
- Have your entry reviewed and approved by a high school sponsor teacher or mentor
- For grades 9-11, submit your entry directly via the online registration link provided by Bennington College
- For grade 12 students, apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application process and complete the follow-up YCA submission instructions sent via email
Additional information
- The competition is completely free to enter with no application fees.
- Grade 12 college applications submitted for this award are non-binding and require no supplemental essays.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- High school students in grades 9-12 with a strong passion for STEM, natural sciences, scientific illustration, or independent research
- Students looking to showcase creative approaches to ecology, biology, environmental studies, or chemistry beyond traditional test scores
- Applicants seeking substantial financial support or tuition scholarships for future undergraduate studies at a liberal arts college
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict anti-AI policy: any use of artificial intelligence tools will lead to disqualification from this award category
- Mandatory sponsorship requirement: entries must be reviewed and approved by a high school teacher or mentor before submission
- Grade 12 applicants must complete a regular college application via the Common or Coalition Application to be officially considered
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This competition offers a valuable platform for young creators and future STEM majors to gain international recognition, build independent research or creative portfolios, and secure significant scholarship funding for undergraduate education.
Our take
High school students with a creative and critical lens toward the natural sciences should seriously consider applying, provided they can secure a teacher sponsor and strictly adhere to the no-AI submission guidelines.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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