ZENGER PRIZES
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Encouraging Christian students to write feature stories based in biblical objectivity, rigorous reporting, and a commitment to truth-telling
For five years, Zenger House, a Christian foundation, has given Zenger Prizes to top journalists: Click here to explore the winning articles thus far. The 2026-2027 academic year will mark the first cycle of prizes for students of high
school age.
DEADLINE:
Submissions due by April 15, 2027; winners announced in May
Cash Award
The High School Zenger Prize award is $1,000, $750 to the author(s) and $250 to the nominating faculty member or a home school organization.
Recognition
Winners will receive publication on the Zenger House website, a virtual mentorship session with a Christian journalist, and a letter of commendation.
Eligibility & Submission Guidelines
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Open to students in grades 9–12 who attend accredited Christian high schools in the United States, and to home-educated Christian students. Students outside the United States may be eligible with approval from the Zenger House board of directors.
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Your submission should be an original journalistic work (article, podcast, or video) produced individually or in small teams of up to three students. It should grow out of ground-level reporting with sensory detail based in site visits and interviews. We will not accept devotional pieces, editorials, and largely first-person essays.
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You should submit a statement explaining the story’s purpose and pledging that it is your own work produced without AI use or rewriting by parents or teachers.
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Format: Written entries in PDF or Word format; multimedia entries as MP3/MP4 files or links to hosted content (e.g., YouTube, SoundCloud).
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Upload entries via the form below.
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If helpful, download a printable flyer here: Zenger Prize for High School Students
Award Categories
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Print: Articles (500–2,000 words) published in school newspapers, local community outlets, or online platforms with a proven audience.
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Multimedia: Podcasts or videos that tell a compelling story through interviews, observation, or narrative.​
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NOTE: Profiles should be based on original reporting growing out of in-person interviews, site visits, or primary source research. Stories should show how faith inspired subjects to take risks, engage the world, and deal with challenges.
A Prompt
​One way to develop potential stories: Think of a protagonist with a mission. This central character faces an antagonist or antagonism and accomplishes the mission by overcoming obstacles. As in biblical history, protagonists are not superheroes but humans with flaws. Journalists honor heroism while telling the truth, not doing public relations. Many Zenger professional winning articles are profiles: see winning articles here.
Judging
Judging Criteria:
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Original Reporting (30%): Evidence of pavement-pounding journalism, such as interviews, site visits, or primary source analysis.
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Biblical Objectivity (30%): Application of biblical wisdom, balancing confidence, skepticism, and humility in storytelling.
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Narrative Quality (20%): Use of sensory detail, clarity, and engagement to create a compelling story.
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Impact and Relevance (20%): Ability to highlight meaningful issues, particularly those affecting local communities or underserved groups.
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Judging Panel:
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Zenger House board members and Christian educators.
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Judges will evaluate entries for alignment with Zenger House’s mission and standards of journalistic excellence.
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A representative of Zenger House will contact finalists for brief interviews to discuss their work.
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NOTE: Zenger House prohibits the use of AI for any part of content creation, from ideation to execution.
Helpful Resources
Click the images to read Zenger House founder
Marvin Olasky's writings on the elements of story construction:
CONTACT
Inquiries and Nominations
For any inquiries or questions, please complete the form below.
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