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