Michigan Writers Fest Awards $84K to Student Scholarships

High school writers in northern Michigan have a chance to win college scholarships while sharing their creative voices with their community.

The National Writers Series in Traverse City just opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program. The nonprofit has already awarded $84,000 to Michigan students since it started in 2010.

This year, eight students will win prizes. Four first-place winners get $1,000 scholarships, brand new laptops from North Guard Technology Group, and something even more special: their work published in the National Writers Series Literary Journal. Four runners-up receive $500 each.

Students can submit work in fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry. The only requirements? They must be juniors or seniors during the 2025-2026 school year and live in one of five northern Michigan counties: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau. Public, private, parochial, and homeschool students all qualify.

There's no application fee, and students can apply two years in a row. The deadline is March 1.

Winners get more than money and equipment. They'll read their work at a year-end book launch celebration and attend an awards ceremony on May 5. New York Times bestselling author Tom Perrotta will help hand out the awards that night.

The Ripple Effect

The scholarship program reflects the vision of National Writers Series co-founder Grant Parsons, who insisted on supporting young writers from day one. Three of the four scholarships have been endowed and named to honor supporters: Leslie Lee, Anne and Bill Montgomery, and Judith Lang. The poetry scholarship honors Marcy and Bob Branski, who have funded it for years.

"These awards encourage passionate writers and help students with college costs," said Anne Stanton, executive director of National Writers Series. "Just as importantly, they open up significant academic doors, especially for those students who are aiming high."

The scholarships are part of the festival's year-round Raising Writers program, which includes educational classes, workshops, and Battle of the Books competitions. The organization partners with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to make it all possible.

For aspiring writers in northern Michigan, the message is clear: your words matter, and your community wants to help you share them with the world.