Current Contests
Each year, Projekt NYC hosts a series of creative and civic minded contests that empower NYC teens to share their voices, ideas, and talents. From photography and poetry to financial literacy and law, our contests challenge students to think critically, express themselves creatively, and engage with their communities.
Educators can use our contests to inspire classroom projects, encourage student participation, and connect learning to real world impact. Students will have the opportunity to be featured in press & public exhibits and published in Projekt NYC anthologies, magazines, & online.
What Freedom Looks Like Art Contest
Freedom means something different to every young person. It can be found in family, friendship, self-expression, identity, or the ability to create change.
This contest invites NYC public, private & charter school students to capture their vision of “freedom” through photography, illustration, digital art, or mixed media.
Whether it’s the freedom to speak out, to dream big, to love who you are, or to live without fear, each submission should tell a personal and powerful story.
Creative Prompts (Students Choose One):
Freedom in My City: Show what freedom looks like in your neighborhood, community, or daily life.
Freedom Within: Explore identity, self-expression, or mental health through art.
Freedom & Justice: Reflect on the fight for equality, inclusion, or social change.
Freedom to Dream: Capture hope, ambition, and future possibilities.
Eligibility:
Open to all NYC school students (grades K–12).
Individual entries only.
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Accepted Mediums:
Photography (digital or film)
Digital art or illustration
Mixed media (scan of physical artwork acceptable)
Art must be created on an 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper and must be flat. The picture can be a photograph, drawing, painting, mixed media, or hand-drawn digital art. The art must be completely original (not copied from any other sources) and must be created by the student.
Submission Requirements:
Up to 2 original works per student
Image file: JPG or PNG, minimum 1500px on longest side
Short Artist Statement (150 words max) describing what “freedom” means to them
Entry submitted via Google Form with name, school, and parent/guardian consent
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Please use the form for your entry HERE
Awards & Recognition
Several prizes will be awarded and every entry will receive certificates of participation.
All finalists will be featured in a digital gallery on Projekt NYC’s website and Instagram, with top works showcased at a gallery exhibit in February & published in our teen magazine in September 2026.
Contest will be judged in categories by grade: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 & 9-12
Freedom to Innovate: Future Solutions STEM Challenge
Freedom means something different to every young person. It can be found in the ability to think freely, to solve problems, to question, and to imagine a better future for all.
This contest invites NYC middle & high school students to capture their vision of “freedom” through innovation, creativity, and STEM thinking. Students will use science, technology, engineering, or math to design ideas that expand what freedom can mean in our world.
Whether it’s the freedom to breathe clean air, to connect, to move safely through our city, or to build a fairer future, each project should show how innovation can create opportunity and empower change.
Creative Prompts (Students Choose One):
Freedom to Breathe: Design a solution that addresses environmental challenges in your community.
Freedom to Connect: Use technology to help people access education, communication, or opportunity.
Freedom to Move: Create an engineering or design idea that improves safety, accessibility, or mobility.
Freedom to Thrive: Develop a STEM-based solution that improves health, safety, or well-being.
Freedom to Learn: Imagine how innovation can expand education and knowledge for all.
Eligibility:
Open to all NYC middle & high school students (grades 6–12).
Individual or team entries (up to 4 students)
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Accepted Formats:
Written proposal (1–2 pages) describing the problem and your STEM-based solution
Optional visual (sketch, diagram, infographic, prototype photo, or short video)
Reflection statement (150 words max): How does this idea help people live more freely?
Projects can be conceptual or practical but they must be original, created by the student(s), and demonstrate the use of science, technology, engineering, or math to make a real world impact.
Submission Requirements:
One submission per student or team
Upload written proposal as a PDF or Word file
Optional visuals as JPG, PNG, or MP4 (for short videos)
Include full names, school, grade(s), and parent/guardian consent for participants under 18
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Please use the form (WHEN CONTEST OPENS) for your entry
Awards & Recognition
Several prizes will be awarded, and every participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Winning categories include:
Most Innovative Solution
Best STEM Integration
Most Socially Impactful Idea
Grand Prize Winner — Freedom to Innovate Award
All finalists will be featured in a digital gallery on Projekt NYC’s website and Instagram, with top projects published in our September 2026 Magazine
A Book That Changed Me Reading Contest
March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate stories that shape how we think, dream, and see the world.
Projekt NYC invites school students in grades 4-12 across New York City to reflect on a book that made a lasting impact on them, one that changed their perspective, helped them grow, or inspired them to take action.
Students select one book that has influenced them. It can be fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or even a memoir.
Students write a review or personal reflection explaining:
Why they chose this book
What the book taught or revealed to them
How it changed their outlook, feelings, or goals
Submissions should focus on personal connection and voice, not just a summary. Students are encouraged to share how the story’s message connects to their own life or community.
Grades 4-8 300-500 words
Grades 9-12 700-1000 words
Prizes Include:
Cash Prizes & Bookstore Gift Cards
Runner-Up Book Bundles
Certificates of Achievement for all participants
Publication in Projekt NYC 2026 Magazine (September 2026 issue) for all finalists
Spotlight features on Projekt NYC’s website and social media
Educators of top finalists will receive recognition for fostering literacy and student creativity.
Eligible Books
Students may choose any book that has meaning to them such as novels, nonfiction, memoirs, or even poetry collections as long as they can explain its personal impact.
We encourage educators to tie the contest to classroom reading lists or independent reading goals.
Who Can Enter
Open to NYC school students (Grades 4–12)
One entry per student
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
How to Submit
Entries should be submitted via the official Projekt NYC Contest Submission Form (link will be posted when contest opens February 1st).
Students will upload their written piece as a Word or PDF file and complete the entry fields for name, school, grade, and contact information.
Deadline March 29, 2026
Teachers and librarians can integrate this contest into classroom reading or independent study projects.
Freedom to Learn Financial Literacy Challenge
April is financial literacy month and financial knowledge gives young people the power to make choices, build independence, and create their own future.
The Freedom to Learn: Financial Literacy Challenge invites NYC high school students to design a financial literacy mini curriculum for middle school students, helping younger peers understand how money works and how smart decisions can lead to a life of opportunity.
This contest celebrates leadership, creativity, and the freedom that comes from understanding and teaching financial empowerment.
Students create a 3–5 lesson financial literacy mini curriculum for middle school students (grades 6–8). The curriculum should make financial learning fun, clear, and meaningful. Something a teacher, volunteer, or student leader could actually use.
Creative Prompts (Students Choose One):
Freedom to Budget: Teach students how to make smart spending choices and distinguish needs vs. wants.
Freedom to Save: Show how saving, investing, and setting goals help build independence.
Freedom to Earn: Explain the value of work, entrepreneurship, and using money responsibly.
Freedom to Give: Highlight how generosity and community involvement create shared success.
Freedom to Plan: Help students imagine how their future choices in education, careers, and saving can create lasting financial freedom.
Awards & Recognition
Cash prizes + Chance to teach created curriculum to middle school students throughout NYC
Certificates of Achievement for all participants
Category Awards:
Most Creative Curriculum
Most Practical for Classrooms
Most Empowering Message of Financial Freedom
All finalists will will be recognized on the Projekt NYC website and social media, and select lessons may be adapted into real workshops through the Projekt NYC Financial Literacy Volunteer Program during the 2026–27 school year.
Eligibility:
Open to all NYC high school students (grades 9–12).
Individual or team entries (up to 4 students)
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Submission Requirements
A 1-page overview describing your curriculum’s theme, goals, and audience
3–5 mini lessons or activities (summaries, slides, worksheets, or visuals)
A 150-word reflection: How does financial literacy help young people live more freely?
Submit as a single PDF or folder (Google Drive link accepted)
Include student name(s), school, grade(s), and parent/guardian consent (if under 18)
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Please use the form (WHEN CONTEST OPENS) for your entry.
Know Your Rights Law & Advocacy Challenge
Freedom depends on knowledge including knowing your rights, your responsibilities, and how to use your voice for justice.
The Know Your Rights: Law & Advocacy Challenge invites NYC high school students to explore the laws and civic issues that shape their generation.
Participants will research, analyze, and advocate for a cause they care about, presenting creative campaigns that educate and inspire others to act.
This contest empowers young people to become informed citizens, leaders, and changemakers in their schools and communities.
The Challenge
Students will choose a youth-relevant legal or civic topic, research it, and create a three-part advocacy submission that combines research, creativity, and real world action.
Your project should clearly explain an issue, why it matters, and what change or awareness you hope to achieve.
Creative Prompts (Students Choose One):
Freedom of Speech & Expression: Explore how students can responsibly use their voices online or in school.
Freedom & Equality: Address discrimination, gender equity, or social justice issues.
Freedom & Safety: Discuss youth rights related to surveillance, privacy, or digital citizenship.
Freedom to Participate: Examine voting age, civic engagement, or youth representation in policy.
Freedom & Education: Investigate students’ rights in schools from discipline, cell phones to free press.
Awards & Recognition
Cash prizes
Certificates of Achievement for all participants
Category Awards:
Best Legal Analysis
Most Impactful Advocacy Campaign
Most Creative Call to Action
All finalists will be recognized on Projekt NYC’s website and social media, with winning entries showcased during the September 2026 Magazine & Civic Showcase.
Eligibility:
Open to all NYC high school students (grades 9–12).
Individual or team entries (up to 4 students)
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Submission Requirements
Each submission should include three parts:
Legal or Civic Summary (1–2 pages) Explain the issue, relevant laws or policies, and key facts.
Advocacy Component Create a way to raise awareness (poster, short video, infographic, or social media concept).
Action Proposal (1 page) Suggest a realistic action step students or community members can take.
Reflection (150 words max) Why does this issue matter to you, and how does it connect to freedom?
Submit all materials as one PDF or folder (Google Drive link accepted)
Include student name(s), school, grade(s), and parent/guardian consent (if under 18)
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Please use the form (WHEN CONTEST OPENS) for your entry.
School Sports Journalism Contest
A Youth Reporting Contest Celebrating School Sports & Student Athletes
The High School Sports Journalism Contest invites NYC middle & high school students to step into the role of sports reporters and storytellers, covering real games, players, and athletic moments at their schools.
This contest celebrates youth sports as more than competition. It celebrates it’s teamwork, resilience, and pride in our communities. Students will document those stories, shining a light on the athletes and spirit that make their school unique.
The Challenge
Write a 400–600 word sports article about a recent or upcoming game, a standout athlete, or the spirit of your school’s sports community.
Your article should read like something from ESPN, Bleacher Report, or The Athletic and be engaging, detailed, and full of heart.
Creative Prompts (Students Choose One):
Game Story: Cover a recent matchup, highlight the action, key moments, and atmosphere.
Player Profile: Spotlight a teammate, captain, or coach whose story inspires others.
Behind the Scenes: Write about the people who make your team work, from trainers to fans.
Freedom to Compete: Reflect on what sports have taught you about discipline, equality, or teamwork.
Freedom to Rise: Tell the story of a team or player overcoming obstacles.
Awards & Recognition
Cash prizes + publication in Projekt NYC's 2026 Magazine
Certificates of Achievement for all participants
Category Awards:
Best Game Coverage
Best Player Profile
Most Creative Sports Feature
All finalists will receive a chance to be published on the Projekt NYC Sports Desk, our online youth sports blog celebrating NYC student journalists and athletes.
Eligibility
Open to all NYC middle & high school students (grades 6–12)
Individual entries only
Each student may submit 1-2 articles
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Submission Requirements
Original article (400–600 words, Word or PDF format)
Title, author name, school, and date of game or interview
Optional photos (student-taken or used with permission)
Parent/guardian consent required if under 18
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Please use the form (WHEN CONTEST OPENS) for your entry.
Arts & Performance Journalism Contest
A Youth Reporting Contest Covering Theatre, Dance, and Music in NYC Schools
The Arts & Performance Journalism Contest invites NYC middle & high school students to become arts reporters and reviewers, capturing the excitement and creativity of their school’s theatre productions, concerts, dance showcases, and performances.
This contest celebrates the writers who give voice to the performers, students who can translate sound, color, and emotion into words that make others feel & celebrate the moment.
The Challenge
Write a 400–600 word review, feature story, or reflection about a recent or upcoming performance at your school.
Your piece should describe the atmosphere, highlight standout performances, and explore the deeper themes of creativity, teamwork, and expression.
Creative Prompts (Students Choose One):
Performance Review: Cover your school’s spring musical, play, dance concert, or recital...what made it special?
Performer Profile: Feature a student, ensemble, or director who brings passion and purpose to the stage.
Behind the Curtain: Tell the story of what happens backstage — the work, nerves, and collaboration that make the magic happen.
Freedom of Expression: Reflect on how the performing arts give young people a voice.
Awards & Recognition
Cash prizes + publication in Projekt NYC's 2026 Magazine
Certificates of Achievement for all participants
Category Awards:
Best Theatre Review
Best Concert/Dance Coverage
Best Performer Profile
Most Expressive Writing
All finalists will receive a chance to be published on the Projekt NYC Arts Review Blog, spotlighting the incredible creativity found in NYC schools.
Eligibility
Open to all NYC middle & high school students (grades 6–12)
Individual entries only
Each student may submit 1-2 articles
Must include a completed Student Entry & Release Form (signed by parent/guardian if under 18)
Submission Requirements
Original article (400–600 words, in Word or PDF format)
Include title, author name, school, and performance title/date
Optional photos (student-taken or used with permission)
Parent/guardian consent required if under 18
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Please use the form (WHEN CONTEST OPENS) for your entry.