The annual EngineerGirl/EngineerTeen Writing Contest from the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is now open and accepting submissions.
The 2026 Writing Contest is co-hosted by the NAE’s EngineerGirl and EngineerTeen programs. The theme this year is “The Art of Engineering” and we’re asking students to use the engineering design process to create a work of art, and a written statement, to express how engineers create a better world. The contest is open to all students in grades 3-12 and the deadline is February 1, 2026. The prize for first place in each of three grade categories is $1,000! There is also a note for educators and tips for using the contest in a classroom available on the contest site.