FOR RELEASE: November 14, 2025

Students in Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to submit stories and poems for the 2026 KET Young Writers Contest. The contest, which runs November 14 through March 15, encourages students to celebrate the power of crafting stories, poems and illustrations by submitting their own, original work. Categories include Poetry, Illustrated Stories, Short Stories and Graphic Novel.  

In celebration of the 250^th birthday of the United States, KET is including the new subcategory of Persuasive Writing: Civics. KET invites young writers to think deeply about civics – what it means to take part, make change and shape the future. Persuasive writing pieces in this subcategory will be eligible for special recognition and prizes.

To enter, students must submit original, single-author work.

Complete rules and contest entry forms are available at KET.org/writerscontest.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, providing trusted programming, lifelong learning opportunities and essential services to more than two million people each week. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on X @KET and at facebook.com/KET.