Deadline April 21st
What: 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.
Selected short stories and essay submissions will be published in an anthology to be released later this year.
Prizes: 1st prize $1500
2nd prize $750
3rd prize $400
Program Description: Arte Américas and the The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers Collective, are initiating a Premio Literario, a writing award for stories from young people about their immigrant experience. We are calling for stories that address real challenges within immigrant communities. 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 overcome some of the fear and anxiety of the current political climate. Our community has stories worth telling.
We encourage you to write your essay, with all of your fears and hopes, even in these challenging times.
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.
Your writing piece should be submitted in the format of .doc/.docx, 3,000 words max) via this Google Form
DEADLINE: April 21st 2025 at 11:59pm.
Immigrant stories 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 story 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 May 19th and invited to attend a reception and celebration at Arte Américas on Thursday June 26th at 6pm.
Please note, if selected, young writers will be required to sign a copyright agreement and will have the option of being published anonymously.
FAQ:
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 college 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 May 19, 2025
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 two workshops, one in person on April 10th at 6pm and one via zoom for students interested in writing support and communal brainstorming. In person workshop(s) will be held at Arte Américas, which is located in Downtown Fresno: 1630 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721
Q: When will workshops take place?
A: Workshop dates will be announced here and on social media, follow: @arteamericas for details. The date for the in person workshop has been set for April 10th at 6pm
Q: How many winners will be selected for the prizes?
- There will be a total of 3 prizes:
- 1st prize $1500
- 2nd prize $750
- 3rd prize $400
Q: I am a senior in high school, can I still apply?
A: Yes. Applicants must be ages 18-24 years old.
Q: I’m a freshman in college but I’m not 18 yet, can I 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 – the purpose of this project is to highlight student stories in a published book that showcases 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
Q: Who do I contact if I want more information or have a question about this scholarship?
A: Students are welcome to contact our Internship and Fellowship Coordinator with any questions or concerns: ashley@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 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 writing piece in order to give room for other students to apply.
Q: How do I submit my work? (Is Google Docs or other methods acceptable?)
A: Interested students must submit their chosen written piece through our Google form at:
Q: Can I remain anonymous if I win?
A: Yes, if students are chosen as the winners, they can select to remain anonymous.
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.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for programs like this please contact blanca@arteamericas.org