Creative Writing Awards & Scholarships

The UTC Creative Writing Program invites submissions to the following awards and scholarships. You may submit between the first day of classes in August until the March due date. We announce winners at the English Department Banquet held each spring. The due date to apply is 11:59p ET on the Friday before Spring Break, which is Fri., March 13 for Spring 2026.

Creative Nonfiction Award

Awarded to a UTC undergraduate or graduate student demonstrating excellence in creative nonfiction.

Submit up to 3000 words of creative nonfiction to include one long work or 1-2 flash works. Type your entry using 12-point black Times or Times New Roman font, page numbers, and one-inch margins. Submit your manuscript in a single doc, docx, or pdf.

Ken Smith Fiction Award

Awarded to a UTC undergraduate or graduate student demonstrating excellence in fiction. This award is given in honor of the late Ken Smith, beloved UTC creative writing professor. 

Submit up to 3000 words of fiction to include one long work or 1-2 flash works. Type your entry using 12-point black Times or Times New Roman font, page numbers, and one-inch margins. Submit your manuscript in a single doc, docx, or pdf.

Authors and Artists Scholarship in Creative Writing

Awarded to an undergraduate student with financial need who demonstrates excellence in creative writing and plans to return to UTC for the next fall semester.

Letter: Submit a signed and dated letter of approximately 500 words emphasizing your financial need and discussing the courses, writing, and passions that inspire you. In describing your financial need, include contributing factors that may not be apparent in your financial aid records, and be as specific as possible about how this scholarship would support your creative pursuits. 

Creative Manuscript: Submit 5 pages of poetry or up to 1500 words of prose. You may submit all or part of a prose work, such as a single scene or opening section.

Type your entry using 12-point black Times or Times New Roman font, page numbers, and one-inch margins. Submit your letter and creative manuscript in a single doc, docx, or pdf.

This is not a cash award. The scholarship will be credited toward the winner's fall tuition.

Thelma Styles Igou Poetry Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming or current undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates excellence in poetry and plans to return to UTC for the next fall semester. This award is given in memory of Thelma Styles Igou, poet and former UTC student.

Submit your best poem. All other qualifications being equal, judges will consider financial need. If applicable, include a brief statement of financial need.

Type your entry using 12-point black Times or Times New Roman font, page numbers, and one-inch margins. Submit your work in a single doc, docx, or pdf.

This is not a cash award. The scholarship will be credited toward the winner's fall tuition.