Category Archives: Other Events & Contests

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

Ocean Awareness- Bow Seat contest OPENING IN SEPT 2026

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

Prompt for 2027: TBD
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

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

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 

Intl. Academic Competitions: Upcoming Tournaments for Nebraska Students

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

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.

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

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

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.

 

The SciFest Essay Contest- Topic AI Closed for now

Other Events & Contests

WHO: 4th – 12th graders

Type of Contest: Essay

Question Prompt: Artificial Intelligence is changing the way people learn, work, and solve problems. From science and medicine to transportation, education, art, and the environment, AI has the potential to shape the future in powerful ways. If you could use artificial intelligence to help the world, what would you use it for and why?

WHEN: TBD

Information

  • All entrants must live in the state of Nebraska and be enrolled full-time in a public, private or home school
  • Students must be no older than 19 years of age
  • Each student may only submit one essay. However, a teacher/coach may submit multiple essays
  • Do not exceed 1,000 words (150 words minimum)

Visit https://www.nescifest.com/participate/essay/ for more details.

24th Annual “Why I Want to Go to College” Writing Sweepstakes Closed

Events & Contests, MS Learning Opportunities, Other Events & Contests

The Omaha Storm Chasers are partnering with Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, for the “Why I Want to Go to College” writing sweepstakes. Entries must be postmarked by March 16, 2026.

  • Students in grades 7 and 8 are asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through education after high school.
  • “This contest gives students a chance to reflect on their educational goals – their life goals – and how to achieve them,” Treasurer Spellerberg said.
  • Essays should be limited to 750 words
  • Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three winners will be chosen from outside Nebraska.
  • Winners will receive contributions to the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529) college savings accounts – including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. NEST 529 is the state-sponsored college savings program that allows for tax-advantaged investments and tax-free qualified withdrawals.
  • Each Nebraska winner will receive four tickets to the May 3, 2026, Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion. During the game, winners will be recognized during a brief ceremony prior to the first pitch.
  •  Entries should be sent with a cover sheet to Alexis Smith, Omaha Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046.

Reach out to the EY coordinator if you need help with editing or submissions.

Cover Sheet

Rules and Additional Details

 

2025-26 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest-Event Closed

Events & Contests, Learning Opportunities, Other Events & Contests, Reading Enrichment

Website: https://omahalibrary.org/virginia-frank-memorial-writing-contest/

Create your own original fiction featuring a character from a book you read on your own.

Deadline: The deadline for 2026 entries is February 20, 2026. 

Check out the website for more details and read the winning entries from last year’s contest.

 

The Friends of Omaha Public Library are currently accepting submissions for the Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest.  The contest is for students in 5-8th grade.  First prize in each grade is $100.

The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing contest is held each year in the spring to recognize the creative writing talent of area students. This contest, sponsored by the Friends of Omaha Public Library, recognizes the top three winners from each grade. Each winner receives a cash prize and certificate, is recognized in a ceremony at the library, and has their story published on the library website. The school libraries of each winning student are also recognized with a matching cash prize.

Eligibility Requirements

    • Stories must be submitted with an entry form to be considered. Complete all fields either online or on a printed entry form and submit with your story.
    • Students must be in 5th to 8th grade and live in Douglas or Sarpy counties.
    • Students may be enrolled in public, private, parochial or home school.
    • Stories must be typed and no longer than 750 words.
    • Entries must be original fiction featuring a character from a book you have enjoyed and read on your own. Identify the book and author from which your character originated in the title or subtitle of your story.
    • Only one entry per contestant will be accepted.
    • The decision of the judges is final.
    • All entries become the property of Friends of Omaha Public Library (FOPL) and may be featured by Omaha Public Library on its website or social media.
    • Deadline for entries is February 28, 2020.

    Prizes

    • First ($100), second ($75) and third place ($50)
    • Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners from each grade.
    • The school library of the winning students will be recognized with matching cash prizes.

 

About Virginia Frank

The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest began in 2003 and is named in honor of a longtime Friends of Omaha Public Library volunteer. Virginia Frank was a Central High and UNO graduate. She acquired a master’s degree from Brown University and taught English literature and creative writing at UNO for many years. Her passion for students and young people inspired everyone around her, and her enthusiasm encouraged many students to explore their creative writing talents. Frank volunteered thousands of hours with the Friends of OPL to help ensuring a bright future for our public libraries.