New York Times Coming of Age Multimedia Contest
The New York Times Coming of Age contest invites teenagers to document, reflect on, and express their experiences growing up during this pivotal political moment. Students can submit work in any medium, such as writing, visual art, audio, or video, that explores your political identity, values, and experiences.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
Middle and high school students aged 13 to 19
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
November 4, 2024
Submission deadline
2 months after the contest has closed
Results and winners are notified
Competition Details
1. Eligibility
This competition is open to students aged 13 to 19 who are currently in middle or high school. Home-schooled students who participate in organized learning are also eligible. Parental or guardian permission is required for all entrants.
2. Focus Questions
Participants are encouraged to respond to one or more of the following questions:
- Identity: Who are you, and how does your identity shape your political beliefs and values?
- Conversations Across Divides: What has been your experience talking to people with different viewpoints? What’s been helpful or difficult?
- The Issues: What issues matter most to you, and how do they connect to your life?
- Your Relationship With News: Where do you get news, and how does it shape your worldview?
- Hope for the Future: What are you optimistic about? How might your generation improve on the past?
3. Prizes
Having your work published on The Learning Network and earning a chance to be published in the print editions of The New York Times.
Submission Details
1. Submission Formats
You may submit your entry in any digital medium that addresses the contest’s themes:
- Essays (personal, opinion, or informational)
- Poems
- Diary entries
- Letters or email exchanges
- Photos, illustrations, paintings, comics, or collages
- Videos (up to 2 minutes, must be posted to YouTube)
- Podcasts or audio recordings (up to 2 minutes, must be posted to SoundCloud)
- Graphs, charts, or infographics
2. Notes
- All entries must be accompanied by a short artist’s statement (up to 400 words) explaining the connection between your work and one or more of the contest’s focus questions.
- Written submissions should not exceed 450 words.
- Videos and audio submissions must not exceed 2 minutes.
3. Rules and Guidelines
- All entries must be original and created by the participant.
- You may submit only one entry, but you can work alone, with a partner, or as part of a group.
- You must obtain their permission if your submission includes other people (e.g., in photographs or videos).
- Be sure to use copyright-free or original music and sound effects for audio or video submissions.
- Submissions should be appropriate for a general audience. Avoid offensive language or imagery.
