Deadline: November 6, 2026
Program Description: Arte Américas and the The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers Collective, are returning for a second year of Premio Literario! This is a writing award for Central Valley youth (ages 18-24) to share their stories about their immigrant experience/realities. We are calling for stories that address challenges within immigrant communities, familias, and/or personal experiences while navigating/resisting/persisting during the current political climate and changing immigration policies.
In an effort to learn from history, we aim to empower youth to share their stories and use writing as a tool to counter false narratives and tap into their inner strengths, especially during the current political climate. Our goal is to amplify the voices of young people from a place of dignity. We aim to honor and disseminate their truths through this project. We encourage you to write, with all your fears, hopes, and dreams, amid these challenging and difficult times.
Selected short stories and essay submissions will be published in a printed anthology released in December 2026.
Scholarship Prize Categories:
1st prize: $1,000
2nd prize: $700
3rd prize: $500
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to college students, ages 18-24, regardless of immigration status.
Requirements: To be considered for this publication and award, please submit an original creative writing piece – we encourage submissions in the form of short stories, short essays, etc. that share your joy, hopes, fears, laughter, and all other parts of your experience you wish to share.
Your writing piece should be submitted in the format of .doc/.docx, 3,000 words max via this Google Form.
Immigrant truths are defined as any experiences, narratives, or perspectives rooted in or connected to immigrant voices. This includes individuals who are first-generation, second-generation, or even further generations, as long as they have ties or connections to immigrant experiences. Stories may also include individuals who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the current political climate surrounding immigration and related policies.
Content should pertain specifically to your personal experience navigating the current political climate and experience of belonging or safety under the current administration. This is an invitation for reflection through writing. We invite you to use writing as a tool to express yourself and share your experience and perspective.
Review: All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of members of the Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers Collective who write to share their experiences and perspectives with their community. Their most recent anthology is “Children of Immigration: No Soy de Aquí ni Soy de Allá”
“We write because we loved to read as children, but we could not find books with characters who looked like us or who were like us. We have decided to make our stories available so that readers of all ages will be able to discover stories with characters that they can relate to.”
*Winners will be notified by December 4th and invited and encouraged to attend a reception and celebration on December 19th.
Please note, if selected, authors will be required to sign a copyright agreement and will remain anonymous in the publication but have the option of using a name or a pseudonym if preferred. The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers Collective, as editors, have the right to revise selected work for clarity.
FAQ:
Q: What is a Premio Literario?
A: A community-funded opportunity to highlight the experiences of Central Valley youth (ages 18-24) impacted by and navigating/resisting/persisting during the current political climate and changing immigration policies.
Q: Am I eligible if I grew up in the Central Valley but now attend school outside?
A: Yes, this opportunity is for students rooted (in some way) to the Central Valley. Where you were born or where you currently reside will not impact your eligibility.
Q: Is this only for students in Fresno?
A: No, applicants must have a relationship to the Central Valley, but not Fresno specifically.
Q: Which students are eligible to apply?
A: All students across the Central Valley are welcome to apply to this scholarship program!
Q: How long does the written piece have to be?
A: 3,000 word maximum.
Q: When will I be notified?
A: Selected candidates will be notified by December 4th.
Q: Are there any writing workshops that will be offered if I am having trouble figuring out how to tell my story?
A: Yes – there will be one writing workshop via zoom for students interested in writing support and communal brainstorming. Save the Date: Wednesday, October 28th at 6pm.
Q: When will the workshop take place?
A: One workshop will take place online on Wednesday October 28th at 6pm.
Q: How many winners will be selected for the prizes?
- There will be a total of 3 prizes:
- 1st prize: $1,000
- 2nd prize: $700
- 3rd prize: $500
Q: I am a senior in high school, can I still apply?
A: No. Applicants must be 18-24 years old.
Q: Will my story be published in a book and shown to the public?
A: Yes, if selected, your story will be published in a book and shown to the public, the purpose of this project is to highlight student stories in a published book that amplifies the written experiences that the current immigration policies have. If selected, your work will be published in an anthology. Editing and publishing will be done by the Chicana/Chicano Writers Collective.
Q: Where will I be able to find copies of the complete anthology?
A: The final book will be available for purchase in the Arte Américas gift shop. One free copy will be given to all the selected winners during the reception and celebration on December 19th.
Q: Who do I contact if I want more information or have a question about this scholarship?
A: Students are welcome to contact our Fellowship Coordinator with any questions or concerns at jennifer@arteamericas.org.
Q: Does my submission have to be in English, or can I write in another language?
A: Within this project, we currently have capacity to review and evaluate submissions in English and Spanish. If you are interested in writing in another language, please let us know so that we can build the capacity to receive and appropriately review your work.
Q: What font, spacing, and formatting should I use?
A: Recommended font: Times New Roman
Recommended font size: 12 point
Recommended spacing and formatting: Double spaced
Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
A: No, students can only submit one written piece in order to give room for other students to apply.
Q: How do I submit my work? (Are Google Docs or other methods acceptable?)
A: Interested students must submit their chosen written piece through our Google form at: https://forms.gle/Ln223LYG2ff5wXZg9
Please follow the format requirements.
Q: Can I remain anonymous if I win?
A: Yes, selected authors will remain anonymous, unless they indicate in their google form application that they wish to use their name or a pseudonym.
Q: Can I apply if I am not directly an immigrant?
A: Yes, stories may also include individuals who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the current political climate surrounding immigration and related policies.
Q: Where can I check out a copy of last year’s anthology of Premio Literario?
A: 2025 Abstract & Cover Art: The existence of a diverse immigrant community is being challenged during these difficult times. As terror and insecurity visit our schools, our churches and our communities, we remember the value of hearing all voices tell their own stories. The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers’ Collective, in Conjunction with Arte Americas, initiated the Premio Literario, a writing award for young people to tell their stories of how immigration has impacted their lives. As deportations ramp up, reminiscent of previous efforts, we share these and other compelling stories that bare the soul and put a face on the challenges and triumphs of these young American dreamers.
Purchase a copy of the 2025 Anthology, via Amazon or your local bookstore.
If you are interested in supporting programs like this through sponsorship, please contact edgar@arteamericas.org.