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.
For more information, visit Bennington College Young Scientists Awards.
