CENTRAL COLORADO WRITERSÂ
YOUTH WRITING CONTEST
Our annual Youth Writing Contest celebrates young writers every April. Open to Junior and Senior categories, this is a wonderful opportunity to encourage the next generation of storytellers. Adult CCW members are encouraged to get involved by spreading the word and volunteering as judges!
Contest Categories
We offer two divisions based on age, so every young writer can compete alongside their peers. Both divisions write to the same unique theme, which changes every year. Each writer may submit one original entry electronically (no AI-generated text).Â
Download the Guidelines
Junior Division (Ages 10-13)
Word Count: 500 to 1,000 words
Senior Division (Ages 14-18)
Word Count: 600 to 1,500 words
General Timeline
Download the Guidelines to find specific dates for this year.
March
Final DeadlineÂ
February
Submission Open
April
Winners Announced
How It Works
01
Download the Guidelines
Each year, we release a new theme along with updated eligibility guidelines for both divisions. Download the Guidelines to confirm your division, discover this year's theme, and review the rules and key contest dates.
02
Craft Your Story
Take the theme and make it your own. Write an original piece within your division's word count, and remember that all work must be entirely yours, with no AI-generated text.
03
Review & Submit
Review your story against the guidelines, including formatting, word count, and accurate contact details. Complete the entry form with your parent or guardian, and sign the declaration confirming your work is original and written without AI. Then submit everything before the deadline.
04
Community Judging
Panelists from Central Colorado Writers read every piece anonymously. They look for creativity, technical skill, and emotional impact. (Want to join the panel? Contact us!)
05
Celebrate Success
Winners are announced at a special awards ceremony and recognized across our community channels. Every entry is published online for the community to enjoy. Every writer is celebrated for their courage and craft.
Awards & Recognition
(Subject to Change)
Grand, Silver, and Bronze winners in each division receive cash prizes, a writing enrichment award (reimbursable for approved classes, workshops, or craft books), and a professional critique of their submission.
Winners are honored at an awards ceremony in Buena Vista, Colorado, though you do not need to be present to win.
All entries will be posted online in our archives pages.
