The New York Times Learning Network's annual Summer Reading Contest invites students aged 13-19 to share what they are reading, watching, or listening to in The New York Times and explain why it caught their attention. Submissions can be either a short written response or a 90-second video. The contest runs weekly for 10 weeks each summer (June–August), with students able to submit once per week. Winners are chosen by a team of Times journalists and educators. The 2026 edition is titled "Voice and Choice: Our Summer Reading Contest" and runs June 5–August 14, 2026.
The New York Times Learning Network
Our 16th Annual Summer Reading Contest
OpenMediaCompetition
About the Program
Eligibility
The Learning Network provides fresh opportunities daily for teenagers to both learn more about what’s happening in the news and raise their voices in response to it. All resources use content from The New York Times — articles, essays, images, videos, graphics and podcasts — as teaching tools across subject areas. Intended audience is middle and high school teachers and students (age 13 and up). Intended audience is middle and high school teachers and students. Content is also used in elementary schools and colleges.
Eligible Countries
Worldwide🌎
How to Apply
Application process varies by contest/challenge. Generally, students submit their work online.