Carolina Canvas Awards

A visual art and creative writing contest for multilingual learners in North and South Carolina

"Bridging Worlds, Building Futures"

Entries Accepted: February 1 - April 15,  2026

Winners announced by April 27, 2026

Who is eligible?

Multilingual learners who are currently enrolled in a class or program taught by a Carolina TESOL member are invited to submit original writing or artwork that responds to the theme, "Bridging Worlds, Building Futures.” Creative writing entries may be submitted in any language. Please provide an English translation if the submission is not in English. All art and writing entries must be submitted electronically (JPEG, PDF, Word Doc, etc.).

Entries will be judged in five categories: primary (grades K-2), intermediate (grades 3-5), middle school (grades 6-8), high school (grades 9-12), and adult (college, university, trade school, adult education, ESL/literacy program). CASH PRIZES will be awarded in each category to both the member and the participant, and winning submissions will be displayed at the Carolina TESOL Conference in Charleston, SC in November 2026. 

Prompt for Students:
The theme of the contest is, “Bridging Worlds, Building Futures, ” What worlds do you live in? What helps you move between them? How does language help connect people across cultures? These moments become bridges, shaping who you are and where you are going. They reflect your experiences, your hopes, and your identity. What do you want others to know about you, your community, and the future we are building

Resources for Teachers:

The Carolina Canvas Award Committee has provided a Teacher Support Document to help educators prepare students to participate in the contest. The document contains an explanation of the contest theme, suggested vocabulary to teach, supportive texts, rubrics, and ideas for types of entries. If you have any questions, please contact Mayra Morales-Scott at [email protected].

RULES

  1. All written entries must be typed and submitted in PDF format. Do not include any identifiable information in the file name. It should be the title only.

  2. Artwork must be submitted electronically. If needed, participants may submit a photo of the artwork. Image and video files will be accepted.

  3. All participants must submit a signed permission form. The form is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Vietnamese. Teachers will indicate on the contest application that a permission form has been received, and the teacher will keep the forms on file locally.

  4. Each Carolina TESOL member may only submit one writing piece and one art piece for each level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 and adult). An entry form must accompany each written and art project. If more than one entry is submitted for a level, then the first entry will be accepted. 

  5. The Carolina TESOL member must be in good standing when the contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026.


JUDGING


The Carolina TESOL member may make suggestions to students for improvement. However, the final written or art project should reflect the student’s own best, original effort. Contest entries will be judged by a panel of art and writing experts and Carolina TESOL members. All projects will be judged according to a rubric on the basis of content, originality, and adherence to the theme and rules of the contest.


AWARDS


A total of 22 prizes will be awarded for writing and art.  Sponsoring Carolina TESOL members of winning entries will also receive a prize of equal value.


Writing

  • 1 writing grand prize of $100

  • 5 first prizes of $60 each (for each age level) 

  • 5 runner-up prizes of $30 (one for each age level) 


Art

  • 1 art grand prize of $100

  • 5 first prizes of $60 each (for each age level)

  • 5 runner-up prizes of $30 (one for each age level)

  • 2025 Carolina TESOL Canvas Award Winners
  • https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RWmOHdZ99zZrNL1wbZTJbkuWNkJykBN/view