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Redwood Writing Contest

The Redwood Writing Contest Returns January 2027

Each spring, the Redwood Writing Project and the Redwood Council of CATE co-host the Redwood Writing Contest for students in grades 3-12. Students are invited to submit original entries in the categories of personal essay, short story or poetry. Submissions are judged by a panel. Winners will be published in and receive a free copy of the contest anthology and are invited to an awards ceremony. The top three entries overall are submitted to the statewide CATE Student Writing Showcase.

Contest Flyer

This year's theme will be announced in January and flyers will be sent out to all Hum Co 3rd-12th grade teachers.

Please contact us at rwp@humboldt.edu to request that a flyer be sent directly to you.  

See below for the 2026 flyer. 

2026 Writing Contest Flyer

Submission Information

Submission links will be open January 16th until April 30th when the contest closes. 

Each entry must be original for the current school year and no use of Generative AI is allowed. Files should be saved as .doc, .docx, or pdf for upload. 

Please note that you need a Google (Gmail) account to submit entries to the contest.  This is for security purposes required by Cal Poly Humboldt.  (But you do NOT need a Cal Poly Humboldt email).   Instructions for creating a Google/Gmail account can be found here. 

See below for submission links and please email us if you have any trouble submitting your entry. 

Purchase Contest Anthologies

2026 Anthology Cover

Submission Links

Submission links are closed as of 4/30/26. Submission links will open for the 2027 Contest in January.

Personal Essay

Grades 3-4 Short Personal Essay Submission Form

Grades 5-6 Short Personal Essay Submission Form

Grades 7-8 Short Personal Essay Submission Form

Grades 9-10 Short Personal Essay Submission Form

Grades 11-12 Short Personal Essay Submission Form

Poetry

Grades 3-4 Poetry Submission Form

Grades 5-6 Poetry Submission Form

Grades 7-8 Poetry Submission Form

Grades 9-10 Poetry Submission Form

Grades 11-12 Poetry Submission Form

Short Story

Grades 3-4 Short Story Submission Form

Grades 5-6 Short Story Submission Form

Grades 7-8 Short Story Submission Form

Grades 9-10 Short Story Submission Form

Grades 11-12 Short Story Submission Form