2026 Theme: The Journey
We are pleased to announce the YouthInk 2026 writing contest launches on December 15, 2025! The YouthInk writing contest was created to support the literary arts among young people in the Orinda community. YouthInk is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who live in Orinda or attend an Orinda school.
Entries must be a story (fiction or non-fiction), poem, or other creative writing form; presented in English, and written specifically for the contest and without teacher or parent involvement. Length must be 750 words or less. Submissions will be evaluated on content, clarity, structure, and originality.
Prompt
The writing prompt for 2026 is The Journey; however, you may write about anything you like—real or imaginary—adhere to the prompt or not! There is no limit to your imagination.
Entry
Contest opens December 15, 2025, and closes on February 8, 2026.
Click here for the YouthInk 2026 entry form.
Entries will only be accepted via the entry form or email to oyouthink@gmail.com with the following:
- Completed entry form. Make sure to include all required information in your submission.
- Please share your document in Word, PDF, or Google doc, with the name of your piece as the title. Please do not put your name on the document.
- Your name will go on the entry form that you submit with the document.
Once you have submitted your entry, you will receive a receipt notification from oyouthink@gmail.com to confirm your entry was successfully submitted.
The entries will be judged by a panel of local, professional, and bestselling authors, writers, reporters, and children’s book editors.
Prizes
First Place $250, Second Place $125, and Third Place $75, and ten honorable mentions gift certificates. Winners will be notified by mail and receive their prizes at an Awards Ceremony on May 7, 2026. The ceremony is open to the public and all family and friends are invited.