2025 Appalachian Scholars Contest

Ask a question. Tell a story. Solve a problem. Raise awareness. Research. Explore. Connect.

We want to celebrate the diverse voices and scholarship of WVU students.

The Appalachian Scholars Contest invites submissions across multiple categories, showcasing creativity, research, and storytelling. Whether through a poem, a scientific blog, a personal narrative, or a research paper, we encourage you to share work that connects with regional audiences in Appalachia.

All submissions should be relevant to Appalachia by centering on topics or issues that impact the region

Categories for Submission:

Creative Works

• Poetry – Original poems reflecting culture, landscape, personal experiences, and perspectives relevant to the Appalachian region and audience.

• Short Fiction – Compelling short stories exploring character, place, and theme relevant to the Appalachian region and audience.

• Narrative (Creative Nonfiction) – Personal essays or memoir-based writing relevant to the Appalachian region and audience.

Research & Scholarship

• Scholarly Writing – Research essays in your academic field that are relevant to the Appalachian region and audience.
• Share Your Science – STEM-based submissions on topics relevant to the Appalachian region and audience.

ELIGIBILITY. Each current WVU undergraduate student may submit ONE entry that originated in their academic or creative work at WVU. Submissions must be unpublished and not previously recognized with an award.

DEADLINE. Friday, Oct 3, 2025

PRIZES and RECOGNITION

The first place in each category (Creative Works - Research & Scholarship - Share your Science) will receive $300 (applied to the students’ accounts) and an awards certificate.*** Winners will also be featured on the SpeakWrite website and recognized during Mountaineer Week.

Register here.