Free essay contest for grades 5-12 or enrolled in college courses

People to People – Holly’s Holiday Global Giveaway Essay Contest; deadline Jan. 31, 2013; details HERE:

http://contests.about.com/od/vacationsweepstakes/p/130131-people-people-hollys-holiday-global-contest.htm

FREE – Junior Authors Short Story Contest

1,000 words; ages 9 to 21; cash prizes; no entry fee; deadline June 30, 2013; details HERE:

http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/

Essay contest for high school students

The Gulen Institute Youth Platform international essay contest; 1,500-2,000 words; deadline Jan. 18, 2013; prizes are $200, $500, $750 and $1,000; details HERE:

http://www.gulenyouthplatform.org/

New Voices Young Writers Competition

deadline Oct. 31, 2012; open to young writers worldwide; poetry, fiction or essays; details HERE:

http://newvoicesyoungwriters.com/