Category Archives: Other Events & Contests

New York Times Learning Network 26-27 Contests

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests, Uncategorized

Ages: 13-19

Dates: Several Contests open throughout the year.

One page Handout: New York Times 2026-27 Contests

Information for all of the contests can be found @  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/learning/our-2026-27-student-contest-calendar.html

 

100-Word Personal Narrative Contest | Sept. 16-Oct. 28, 2026

In 100 words or fewer, tell a powerful story about a meaningful life experience.

What story from your life can you tell in just 100 words? Based on the storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories, we invite you to write a miniature personal narrative about a meaningful life experience.

What It’s Like to Grow Up in 2026: A Visual Contest | Oct. 28-Dec. 9, 2026 S

how us via any visual medium – including photography, drawing, painting, cartoons, comics, graphs, videos and more – what it’s like to be a teenager now. What are the unique challenges your generation faces and the opportunities the world of 2026 offers you?

STEM Video Interview Contest |Jan. 6-Feb. 17, 2027

Create a video of up to two minutes interviewing an expert about a question of your choice related to science, health , math , engineering or technology.

Open Letter Contest | Feb. 17-March 31, 2027

Write a letter to a specific person or group that persuades them to make a change on an issue that matters to you.

Podcast Contest | March 31-May 12, 2027 Make an original podcast of no more than five minutes that informs or entertains listeners.

Summer Reading Contest | June 4-11; July 2-9; July 30-Aug. 6, 2027

Once each month during the summer we ask, “What got your attention in The Times recently?” Answer in writing or video.

Weekly Current Events Conversation |All School Year

Respond to our daily writing prompts. Each week we publish a selection of student

 

 

 

Breakthrough Junior Challenge Ages 13-18 Closes Sept 17th 2026

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You get it. You’ve grasped an important scientific theory, concept or principle.

Now can you share your insight?

An inventive video can get across complex material that would take pages of text to communicate.

To take part in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, create a short video (2:00 – two minutes max) to explain a big idea in one of these fields:

  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Life Sciences

Your film can take any form you like: animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, whatever. It’s worth keeping in mind that video is a dynamic visual medium – using diagrams, simulations, physical demonstrations etc. is a lot more effective than standing in front of a blackboard talking.

The videos will be judged according to the following criteria:

  • Engagement
  • Illumination
  • Creativity
  • Difficulty

If you’re looking for guidance, you can see some of last year’s top-scoring entries here and below. But remember, to show ‘creativity’ your film should be as original as possible.

 

 

 

Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest 2026-27 Due April 15th

Other Events & Contests

To honor Nebraska author Bess Streeter Aldrich and recognize outstanding writing, the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation announces its 2027 Short Story Contest.

Objective: To generate a fictional short story that is written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works while incorporating a theme that focuses on Nebraska’s family life, economy, history, cultural diversity, and/or geography (past, present, and/or future). Writers are encouraged to focus on historical and/or realistic topics remembering that Mrs. Aldrich had a passion for Nebraska, small-town dynamics, and family antics.

High School (Grades 9-12): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Middle School (Grades 6-8): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Intermediate School (Grades 3-5): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Length: 1,000 to 2,000 words (there is no minimum word requirement for the Intermediate Category)

Scoring: Stories will be based upon the writer’s effective use of theme and the use of the six-traits of writing.

Due Date: Submission Process:  midnight April 15, 2027

A submission link is found at www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/short-story-contest.

Who was Bess Streeter Aldrich (1881-1954) Elmwood? Check out her biography page.

 

For more information and to submit your story go to

https://www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/short-story-contest or check out the handout 

Questions about the contest or an alternative paper submission can be directed to Kurk Shrader, Executive Director (email aldrichfoundation@gmail.com or call 402-867-4233).

Also, anyone who enters the contest is eligible for a free tour anytime before December 31, 2027. A master list of participants will be maintained at the registration desk. Simply tell the guide you were a short story participant.

Bess Streeter Aldrich House & Museum
204 East F St. – P O Box 167
Elmwood, NE 68349

Opera OMAHA: Poetry & Music Project 26/27 Call for Submissions

Learning Opportunities, Other Events & Contests

Students in grades K-12 from Nebraska and Iowa are invited to submit works of poetry on the theme of Memory. Selected poems will be set to music and premiered during a public concert in May, 2026.

“Belonging”

Belonging – the sense that we are connected to ourselves, to the people and places we call home, and to the natural world around us – is the glue that binds us together and makes us feel cherished. This year, we invite you to write about belonging, thinking about the people, places, and surroundings that make you feel connected, or buzz with excitement, like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, like you’re the perfect puzzle piece we’ve been missing all along.

If you need inspiration, check out the project prompts.

Contest Steps and Submission Instructions- Link

Submission Guidelines

  • Open to all K-12 Students in Nebraska and Iowa
  • Students may only submit one (1) poem
  • All work must be original
  • Poems should be in Google Doc or Word file format
  • Poems should be in Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial font
  • Poems may be in any structure, but may not be more than 150 words long
  • Poems should not be more than 1 page in length
  • Poems submissions should not include images
  • Poems can be submitted via the online submission form
  • Poem Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026

Please reach out to the EY coordinator in your building to help you with your poem an submission.

Intl. Academic Competitions: Upcoming Tournaments for Nebraska Students

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Presenting Quiz Competitions in History, Science, and Geography for Elementary, Middle & High School Students Across the USA!

National Science Bee, National History Bee & National Geography Bee Regional Tournaments

Subject-specific individual quiz competitions for students in grades K-12. Each tournament below features all 3 events at different times during the day. For students in grades K-8, prior qualifying through the Online Regional Qualifying Exam in each subject is required. Register on each tournament’s page, linked below! The deadline is 12 days in advance of each event.

Upcoming In-Person Tournaments

TBD

A full list of National Science, History, and Geography Bee Regional Tournaments is maintained here on the website.

Qualifying IAC events can be offered at the elementary and middle school level. Contact the EY coordinator at your child’s school with questions.

Ocean Awareness- Bow Seat contest OPENING IN SEPT 2026

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Prompt for 2027: TBD

Contest Overview

The Contest deadline : TBD
Ages 11-18
Submissions are accepted in:
  • Visual Art: Handcrafted
  • Visual Art: Digital
  • Poetry & Spoken Word
  • Creative Writing
  • Film
  • Performing Arts: Music & Dance
  • Interactive & Multimedia

Rules and guidelines to look over carefully-https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/how-to-enter/#submissionrequirements 

Past winners-https://bowseat.org/gallery/

Please reach out to the EY teacher in your school if you need help

Origami Workshops-Hosted on Zoom

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Origami Connect is OrigamiUSA’s program of online classes, open to anyone anywhere in the world, whether or not you are a member of OrigamiUSA. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Check out  exciting workshop opportunities for folders of all ages.

The events are held virtually throughout the year.

Main Event Website-https://origamiusa.org/connect

Make an account to register https://origamiusa.org/connect-registration

 

 

 

Calling All Doodlers 2027! Check back in mid October 2026

Events & Contests, Learning Opportunities, Other Events & Contests

Doodles are the fun, surprising, and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers, and scientists.

Who: K-12 students are invited to bring their imagination to life in a doodle of the Google logo, using any medium they choose.  Introduction video

What is the 2027 theme-TBD

Due Date:  TBD

Check out the contest page to see past winners and to get some ideas!  All information can be found  @ https://doodles.google.com/d4g/.
EY Badge link 

Nebraska Department Water, Energy, & Environment Calendar Contest-Closed for now

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2026 Winner-Bhavya Swanson Elementary

 

Recycling, composting, and keeping litter in its place are among the many ways we keep Nebraska clean.

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment is inviting students to put their talents to good use by submitting a drawing for the 2027 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” calendar.  We’re looking for drawings that demonstrate the importance of good environmental practices and tips on reducing waste, recycling, and protecting Nebraska’s air, land, and water.

Theme-Create a drawing or painting that shows how we can keep Nebraska clean by recycling, composting, properly disposing of household hazardous waste (like old paint and cleaning products), cleaning up litter, and any other activity that will keep our air, land, and water clean.

Who: Students K-12 in Nebraska

Due Date: May 1, 2027

Artwork Info: Submit all artwork on 8 ½” x 11” unlined white paper in a landscape, or horizontal, orientation.  Please use tape (no staples or glue) to attach the label. Each piece of artwork must have a label! Mail your artwork flat—do not fold. Entries become the property of DWEE and will not be returned. Artwork may be used for promotional purposes. Fill out this Entry Label.pdf  and attach to the back of your artwork.

Media

Markers, watercolors, tempera, oils, crayons, chalk, acrylic, or colored pencils (no pen and ink, please) are accepted.

Main Contest Webpage

Additional Guidelines

2026 Winners

If your artwork is chosen for the calendar, you will:

  • Have your artwork, name and school’s name featured on a page of the calendar;
  • Be invited to an awards presentation at the State Capitol in Lincoln;
  • Receive copies of the calendar to share with family and friends; and
  • Help educate others about how to protect our environment.
Winners of the 2026 calendar contest were recognized in a ceremony at the Capitol on July 24, 2025.