Ninth Annual Fighting Words Poetry Contest 2026

About the Contest 📖

The Fighting Words Poetry Contest encourages young people worldwide to express their ideas through poetry on major global issues. The contest focuses on the following themes:

• Climate and Environment
• Global Health
• Human Rights
• Information and Artificial Intelligence
• Peace and Conflict

Participants have the opportunity to win cash prizes up to $300 and have their work published on the Pulitzer Center website.

Benefits 🎉

Winners of the contest will receive:

• 1st Place: $300 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website
• 2nd Place: $200 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website
• 3rd Place: $100 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website
• Finalists: $75 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website

Eligibility Criteria ✅

Eligible participants include:

• Current K–12 students
• Young adults aged 18–24

Location 🌎

• Open to participants from anywhere in the world

Application Process 📝

To apply:

1. Visit the official application website.
2. Submit your poetry entry following the guidelines provided.

Application Deadline 📅

• 10 May, 2026

Contact Information 📧

For more details, visit the Pulitzer Center website or reach out through their official channels.

This contest is a wonderful opportunity for young poets to showcase their creativity and contribute to global conversations through the power of words. Don't miss your chance to participate!

• 1st place: $300, publication on the Pulitzer Center website
• 2nd place: $200, publication on the Pulitzer Center website
• 3rd place: $100, publication on the Pulitzer Center website
• Finalists: $75, publication on the Pulitzer Center website