2026 Fighting Words Poetry Contest – May 10
Posted by on March 10, 2026
It’s one of our favorite times of the year—the 2026 Fighting Words Poetry Contest is open!
This annual contest invites students from around the world to use poetry to respond to the global issues featured in Pulitzer Center-supported reporting.
This year, we are excited to expand this opportunity to welcome submissions from 18-24 year olds and share what issues young adults are passionate about and how creative writing can be utilized to process current events and illuminate underreported stories.
Entrants should first visit the Pulitzer Center website to select a news story, and then write a poem of any form and length that includes lines from the story and responds to its themes and central issue. After a rigorous judging process, winning entries will be selected in five focus areas: Climate and Environment, Global Health, Peace and Conflict, Human Rights, and Information and Artificial Intelligence. Young adult and K-12 student entries will be judged separately.
Winners and finalists will receive cash prizes and publication on the Pulitzer Center website.
More in "Miscellaneous"
- Zoom Event: How Are We Practicing Democracy This Year? – Apr 23
- Fab Fits Thrift Store (Prom-ready for free)
- Connecting Communities Webinar: Bank On and Reaching the Unbanked in our Communities – May 7
Stay Current in Philly's Higher Education and Nonprofit Sector
We compile a weekly email with local events, resources, national conferences, calls for proposals, grant, volunteer and job opportunities in the higher education and nonprofit sectors.
Subscribe