Bennington College Young Scientists Awards 2026

Deadline: November 1, 2026

Applications for the Bennington College Young Scientists Awards 2026 are now open. The Bennington College Young Scientists Awards celebrate exceptional high school students in grades 9-12 who are thinking critically and creatively about STEM and whose work demonstrates originality, curiosity, and scientific inquiry. The Bennington Young Scientists Awards recognize the next generation of scientists whose work challenges conventions, explores new ideas, and reflects a distinct point of view.

Whether you are curious about pollinator diversity in local gardens or the effects of drought stress on plant growth, they want to see work that demonstrates creativity, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to take risks and examine the natural world.

Category: Natural Sciences

Submit a visual illustration that reflects your specific and/or unique understanding of a particular aspect of the natural world. This could be an expression of a particular scientific concept, the rendering of one or more elements in nature, or a poster reflecting independent research. The goal is to present a personally crafted artifact that demonstrates your knowledge and appreciation of natural science.

AI may not be used in any portion of your submission.

Benefits

Cash Prizes (per category)

First place: $2,000

Second place: $1,000

Third place: $500

Distinguished Submissions

Distinguished designation by category and grade level: $250

Particularly strong submissions of original work may be selected for this designation. While these submissions may not have been selected for the top three composition prizes, students whose quality is distinguished amongst other entries will be recognized.

Scholarships

First Place Winners who enroll at Bennington receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years

Distinguished Designation Recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years

Finalists who enroll receive a $25,000 annual scholarship for four years.

Publication and Showcase

Winning and distinguished entries may be featured on Bennington’s website, social media channels, publications, and other showcase opportunities throughout the year.

These entries will remain the property of the student.

Eligibility

Only one submission in this discipline award is allowed per student.

Open to students in grades 9–12 worldwide.

All entries must be original work and will be reviewed for authenticity.

No AI should be used in any portion of your submission.

Entries must be reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor.

Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process (no application fees required, non-binding, no supplemental essays required). Once the application is complete, they will send a follow-up email with YCA submission instructions. Since so many YCA participants also apply to Bennington, this approach allows students to submit their college and YCA applications through a single process.

Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.

Application

Submissions are accepted beginning September 1 at 9:00 AM ET through November 1 at 11:59 PM ET.

Submit your entry (Grade 9-11)

Submit your entry (Grade 12)

For more information, visit Bennington College Young Scientists Awards.

No AI should be used in any portion of your submission. Entries must be reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor.

Open to students in grades 9–12 worldwide. All entries must be original work and will be reviewed for authenticity.

Cash Prizes (per category)

First place: $2,000

Second place: $1,000

Third place: $500

Distinguished Submissions

Distinguished designation by category and grade level: $250

Particularly strong submissions of original work may be selected for this designation. While these submissions may not have been selected for the top three composition prizes, students whose quality is distinguished amongst other entries will be recognized.

Scholarships

First Place Winners who enroll at Bennington receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years Distinguished Designation Recipients who enroll receive a half-tuition scholarship for four years Finalists who enroll receive a $25,000 annual scholarship for four years.

Publication and Showcase

Winning and distinguished entries may be featured on Bennington’s website, social media channels, publications, and other showcase opportunities throughout the year. These entries will remain the property of the student.

Students currently enrolled in Grades 9-11 (or the international equivalent) are invited to submit only one entry per discipline award by the November 1 deadline. Students may win in only one discipline award.Students enrolled in Grade 12 must first complete either the Common Application or Coalition Application (no app fees, non-binding, no supplemental essays required) to gain access to submit their YCA entries by the November 1 deadline.