EngineerGirl/EngineerTeen Writing Contest

National Academy of Engineering · National

Formerly known as the 'EngineerGirl Essay Contest,' this annual National Academy of Engineering contest is now co-branded EngineerGirl/EngineerTeen. It is open to individual students, no matter their background or identity, across three grade tiers — elementary (3-5), middle (6-8), and high school (9-12). The 2026 theme, 'The Art of Engineering,' asked entrants for an original artwork plus a written statement on how engineers improve the world. Prizes are $1,000/$750/$500 for 1st/2nd/3rd place, awarded separately within each grade-tier category, and it is free to enter.

Eligibility

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

Fields of studyEngineering

DemographicsOpen to individual students of any gender or background across grades 3-12 — the 'EngineerGirl' branding reflects the broader site's mission of encouraging girls into engineering, but the contest itself carries no gender restriction.

Applying

Award$0.5k–$1k

Openslater in '26

DueNot yet posted (2026 cycle closed February 1)

EssayRequired

Rec. lettersNot required

RenewableNo

Awards/yr—

$1,000/$750/$500 for 1st/2nd/3rd place, awarded within each of the three grade-tier categories (3-5, 6-8, 9-12) separately

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