NSAL Writing Scholarship

Scholarship Overview: The NSAL Writing Scholarships in Short Story are annual scholarships for young writers ages 16 to 22.
Application Available: August 30, 2025
Deadline Date: February 1, 2026

Scholarship Details:

The NSAL Writing Scholarships in Short Story are annual scholarships available through the National Society of Arts and Letters to young writers ages 16 to 22.

• Successful applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of future success.
• The scholarship funds are for private study, special training or personal advancement. The funds can be used for college tuition, but not for housing, travel or personal expenses.
• Scholarship funds are sent to the institution, teacher or program selected by the scholarship recipient. Scholarship recipients have 15 months to use the funds.
• Scholarship recipients may reapply as often as their age allows and are eligible to participate in other NSAL competitions.
• Scholarship recipients may be asked to read from their work at a future NSAL awards ceremony or showcase.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Contestants must be citizens of the USA or residing legally in the USA on February 1, 2025.
2. Applicants should be at least 16 years old, but not yet 23 on March 1, 2026.
3. Judging will be done with the 16- to 18-year-olds in one group and the 19- to 22-year-olds in another group. There will be awards in both groups.
4. Scholarship applications will be submitted to the NSAL Chapter nearest their homes or schools. For contact information, see the last page of this brochure.
5. Applicants must not be (or previously have been) under exclusive professional management or representation.
6. Submissions must not have been published.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. We will accept one fiction short story submission per applicant.
2. Each story submission must be a minimum of 1,000 words and may be a maximum of 7,500 words.
3. No AI content, or AI assisted content. Applicants must be the sole author of their original work.
4. Manuscripts must be clearly typed, double spaced, and use a clear, simple font such as Times New Roman in 12 point size.
5. Please submit in PDF format.
6. Submissions will be judged blind, so please do not include your name, email, or any identifying characteristics on the short story itself. On your short story’s first page, please include the title and word count along with your initials. Pages should be numbered consecutively in the top right corner beginning after the title page.
7. Please ensure the file name of your submission is only the title of your story and your initials.

TIMELINE

• Scholarship applications are due to be submitted online by February 1, 2026.
• The deadline for chapter finalists applications submissions to national is March 1, 2026.
• NSAL Writing Scholarships in Short Story winners will be announced the third week in April 2026.

Application Requirements: Essay

Essay Details:

One fiction short story a minimum of 1,000 words and a maximum of 7,500 words.

Award Amount: Multiple awards

Award Details:

$10,000 in scholarships are awarded each year.

Website/URL: https://www.arts-nsal.org/scholarships/nsal-writing-scholarships

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Name: Judy Martorelli
Contact Email: smartorielly@verizon.net
Additional Contact & Submission Information:

Submit your application online

Additional Scholarship Information:

Questions? Please reach out via email to your local NSAL Chapter or to nsal.literature@gmail.com
NSAL Chapter for Delaware:
New Jersey: New Jersey Chapter (includes Delaware, New England)
President: Judy Martorelli
smartorielly@verizon.net

Filters:

Eligibility: U.S Citizen/Permanent Resident
Areas of Study: Open to All, Anthropology, Sociology, & Social Sciences, Arts (Visual & Performing), Communications & Journalism, Education & School Supports, Cultural, Minority, Group Studies & Global Studies
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Student (9-11), High School Senior, College Student, Technical/Trade Student
Location Specific: Delaware, Regional