Note (April 2026): The "How to..." Informational Writing Contest is not on the 2025-2026 contest calendar. The New York Times Learning Network rotates its contest offerings each year, and this contest does not appear in the 2025-26 lineup. Students interested in similar writing opportunities are encouraged to consider the Open Letters: Opinion-Writing Contest and the My List: Review Contest, which also reward clarity, creativity, and engagement with an audience. It is unknown whether the contest will return in future years.
The "How to..." Informational Writing Contest invites students aged 13 to 19 in middle or high school to write a "how-to" essay of 400 words or fewer. Participants must explain how to do any task, ensuring the topic is appropriate for a family newspaper. A key requirement is to find, interview, and quote one expert on the chosen subject. The contest is inspired by The New York Times Magazine's "Tip" column. Submissions are judged by New York Times journalists, Learning Network staff, and educators. Winners have their work published on The Learning Network.