Bennington College Young Scientists Awards Open for 2026
Bennington College is accepting applications for its 2026 Young Scientists Awards, offering cash prizes and scholarships to high school students worldwide
Applications for the Bennington College Young Scientists Awards 2026 are now open. The program seeks exceptional high school students in grades 9 through 12 whose work in STEM demonstrates originality, curiosity, and scientific inquiry.
The awards celebrate the next generation of scientists. Their work should challenge conventions and explore new ideas. According to the source, Bennington wants to see projects that show creativity, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to take risks in examining the natural world.
Award Categories and Prizes
The competition is focused on the natural sciences. Students must submit a visual illustration reflecting their unique understanding of an aspect of the natural world. This could be an expression of a scientific concept, a rendering of natural elements, or a poster from independent research. The source explicitly states that AI may not be used in any portion of the submission.
Submissions can win cash prizes and scholarships. The cash awards are distributed as follows:
| Prize Tier | Cash Award |
|---|---|
| First Place | $2,000 |
| Second Place | $1,000 |
| Third Place | $500 |
Additionally, entries deemed "Distinguished" by category and grade level will receive a $250 award. These are for strong original works that may not have won the top prizes.
Scholarship Benefits for Bennington Enrollees
Significant scholarship incentives are available for winners who choose to attend Bennington College. The awards are structured to provide long-term financial support.
Winning and distinguished entries may also be featured on Bennington’s website, social media channels, and in publications. The source notes that these entries will remain the property of the student.
Eligibility and Application Process
The competition is open to students in grades 9 through 12 worldwide. Each student is allowed only one submission. All entries must be original work and will be reviewed for authenticity, with a repeated prohibition on the use of AI.
A sponsoring teacher or mentor must review and approve each entry. The application process differs for seniors. Grade 12 students must submit through the Common Application or Coalition Application process. The source describes this as having no application fees, being non-binding, and requiring no supplemental essays. Once the college application is complete, Bennington will send follow-up email instructions for the Young Scientists Awards submission.
"Since so many YCA participants also apply to Bennington, this approach allows students to submit their college and YCA applications through a single process," the source explains. Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
Submission Timeline
The submission window runs from September 1 at 9:00 AM ET through November 1 at 11:59 PM ET. The deadline for all applications is firmly set for November 1, 2026. Prospective applicants can visit the official Bennington College Young Scientists Awards webpage for more detailed information.
