Teens enrolled in online, virtual schools, or other distance learning programs should add the school to their profile just as they would add any other school. If your primary school is a distance learning program, you will be assigned a region based on your home zip code instead of your school zip code. We want… Continue reading
Archives: FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Distance Learning Program?
When a student is enrolled at a school but is not required to be physically present to complete their education, we refer to that school as a Distance Learning Program. Examples of Distance Learning Programs include virtual or online schools and home school networks. Participation in the Awards begins at the regional level with recognition… Continue reading
How long will the Alliance hold on to my artwork?
The Alliance is dedicated to showcasing student work and raising awareness of the incredible talent, originality, and voice of teens through traveling exhibitions and special events. One way we accomplish this is through an extensive calendar of events, which includes the National Exhibition and the Traveling Exhibition. Works that are selected for the Traveling Exhibition… Continue reading
When will my artwork be returned?
Regional Exhibitions: Please contact your Affiliate Partner regarding art return from a regional exhibition. National Exhibition: National Medal works may be requested and held by the national office of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers for up to two years for additional exhibition possibilities. The work will be returned to the participant’s home address, so please notify… Continue reading
If I earn a National Medal, will my artwork be exhibited?
A selection of works by National Medalists will be included in the National Exhibition in New York City. The exhibition includes works that received American Voices & Visions, Gold Medal Portfolio, Silver Medal Portfolio, Gold Medal, and direct scholarships. We can’t exhibit works that are oversized or that are shipped from an international address. Due… Continue reading
If I earn a National Medal, will my work be published?
A selection of National Medalist works will be included in the Awards’ publications of teen art and teen writing. Participants are notified when their work is published and will receive a copy of the publication in which their work appears. If your work receives a National Medal and you do not want it to be… Continue reading
How do you determine which teens receive scholarships for portfolios?
Portfolios are judged without knowledge of the participant’s gender, age, or hometown by artists and industry professionals. The top portfolios are then presented to a scholarship committee, which awards sixteen $12,500 Gold Medal Portfolio scholarships (eight writing and eight art). Additional $2,000 scholarships are given to students earning Silver Medal Portfolios. The committee consists of… Continue reading
Are teens who earn National Medals eligible to receive scholarships?
Yes, 16 graduating seniors are chosen to receive the Gold Medal Portfolio Award, which is accompanied by a $12,500 scholarship. Scholarships of $2,000 are also given to Silver Medal Portfolio Award recipients as determined by the national portfolio panel. Additional direct scholarships for individual works are also provided annually. Please note that not all National… Continue reading
What do teens receive if they earn a National Medal?
National Medalists receive certificates and medals and are considered for national exhibition, publication, and scholarship opportunities. Gold Medalists will be invited to the National Ceremony in New York City at Carnegie Hall on June 11, 2025.
What are national awards?
National Awards include Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Gold Medal Portfolio, Silver Medal Portfolio, Honorable Mention Portfolio, American Visions & Voices Medal, The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartoon, and the New York Life Award.