Students in grades 3–12 are invited to enter the National Academy of Engineering’s 2027 EngineerTeen Writing Contest. A first-place prize of $1,000 will be awarded in each of four grade categories!
This year’s theme is “How to Train Your Robot.”
Imagine a robot joining a place where you learn, such as your classroom or library. How would you help it become safe, fair, and helpful?
To enter, students will create two things:
A written story explaining what their robot needs to learn, mistakes it might make, and how they would help it improve.
A storyboard with 4–10 illustrated panels showing the robot observing, making a mistake, receiving feedback, and improving. Drawings may be hand-drawn or digital. Think of it as a short comic strip!
Writing limits depend on grade:
Grades 3–4: Up to 800 words
Grades 5–6: Up to 1,000 words
Grades 7–9 and 10–12: Up to 1,200 words
Grades 7–12 must also include an APA-style reference list. Students should read the full directions for their grade before beginning. Entries must be the student’s own original work.
A parent or guardian must approve participation and complete the online submission form. Enter the written story directly into the form and upload the storyboard.
Find the grade-level directions, rules, and submission form here:
EngineerTeen Writing Contest
Entries are due February 1, 2027, by 9:59 p.m. Arizona time.
Questions or trouble submitting online? Contact EngineerTeen@nae.edu.
We’d love to see our Tigers share their ideas!
