The Bennington Young Scientists Awards celebrate high school students (grades 9–12) who think critically and creatively about STEM and whose work shows originality, curiosity, and scientific inquiry. The award is part of the Bennington College Young Creators Awards.

Category: Natural Sciences

Participants submit a visual work reflecting their own understanding of an aspect of the natural world, such as a scientific concept, an element of nature, or a poster presenting independent research. Examples include:

• A field guide to the animals, insects, flowers, trees, geology, topography, or hydrology of your local community.
• A scientific illustration, drawing, or painting of a natural subject, with anatomical labels or brief descriptions.
• A poster outlining a key concept, natural phenomenon, research proposal, or community plan.
• A process diagram or illustrated figure explaining a feature of the natural world, preferably rooted in direct experience.

An optional prompt is offered for inspiration: What is something many people in your neighborhood never notice about the natural world around them? An optional written explanation of up to 500 words may accompany the work.

How to submit: One or more PDFs or digital photographs (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.), up to five images. Physical copies are not considered or returned.

Evaluation: A panel of Bennington faculty and advanced students reviews every entry for originality and quality of the work, evidence of a distinct personal point of view, and engagement with complexity. The pool is then narrowed to finalists.

Dates:

• September 1: Submissions open.
• November 1 (11:59 PM ET): Deadline.
• November–December: Round 1 judging.
• January: Round 2 judging by an external panel; winners selected.
• Spring: Winners announced and entries published or showcased.

Note: No AI tools may be used in any part of the submission. Entries that use AI are disqualified from this award (they may only be considered for the Young Innovators Awards).

• Students in grades 9–12 anywhere in the world.
• Only one submission per student in this category.
• Grade 12 students must first submit their Common Application or Coalition Application and indicate interest in the Young Creators Awards (no fees, non-binding, no supplemental essays).
• The work must be original and will be reviewed for authenticity.
• No AI may be used in any portion of the work.
• Entries must be reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor (homeschooled students may use a mentor).
• Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.

Cash prizes (per category):

• First place: $2,000.
• Second place: $1,000.
• Third place: $500.
• Distinguished designation (by category and grade level): $250.

Scholarships for those who enroll at Bennington College:

• First place winners: full-tuition scholarship for four years.
• Distinguished designation recipients: half-tuition scholarship for four years.
• Finalists: $25,000 annual scholarship for four years.

Publication and showcase: Winning and distinguished entries may be featured on the college's website, social media, and publications, and remain the property of the student.