Random House’s commitment to individuality and artistic expression is at the heart of our company philosophy, and also guides many of our corporate philanthropic activities. The Creative Writing Competition is an initiative that encourages students in New York City’s public high schools to give a voice to their creative talents.
Since 1994, more than two million dollars have been awarded by Random House’s Competition to students and their schools for original works in many genres: poetry, memoir, fiction, drama, and graphic novel. In addition, the program brings together New York City educators, community leaders, authors, and industry professionals to inspire, guide, read, judge, and celebrate thousands of young writers discovering their own unique voices.
Last month, the Random House Foundation, Inc.Creative Writing Competition awarded almost $100,000 in scholarships to fifty-nine New York City public high school seniors. The awards ceremony included dramatic readings, spoken-word poetry, and graphic novel presentations from top winners, including the recipients of $10,000 scholarships.
Authors involved in the Random House Foundation, Inc. Creative Writing Program this year included Christopher Paolini, R. J. Palacio, Jennifer Close, Tony Danza, Erin Gruwell, Lauren Kate, and Matt de la Peña.
If you’d like to get involved and volunteer your time, email the Foundation’s program director, Melanie Fallon-Houska, at mfallon-houska@randomhouse.com.
If you’d like to get involved and volunteer your time, email the Foundation’s program director, Melanie Fallon-Houska, at mfallon-houska@randomhouse.com.