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Emerging Voices Awards

Recognising young talent in political opinion writing
The Emerging Voices Awards is now open for entries
This award celebrates new voices and fresh perspectives in the UK which, now more than ever, is essential to the future of quality, independent journalism.

Previously called the Hugo Young Award, the competition offers a range of prizes, provides a platform for new voices in journalism and gives young people the opportunity to gain experience and networks.

We invite those aged 16-25 from a state school background to submit a short political opinion piece on a subject of their choice. We particularly encourage entries from those with a lower socio-economic background, Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and those with a disability.
Jump to: eligibility
Enter the 16-18 age category
Key information for 16-18s and their teachers:
The 16-18 age category is open until 15th February 2025. To enter this category, please read our guidance before submitting your piece. Please use the entry form to submit your finished piece. We will not accept entries via email.

  • You can enter the award by yourself, or through your teacher/youth worker using the form linked below.

  • If you are 16 or 17, we will ask you to confirm that you have permission to enter from a parent or guardian.

  • Please check that you are eligible and understand the criteria before applying by accessing our guidance in the link below.

    • Download our full guidance for 16-18s
    Entry form for 16-18s
    Enter the 19-25 age category
    Key information for 19-25s:
    The 19-25 age category is open until 2nd February 2025. To enter the 19-25 age category, please read the full guidance before submitting your piece. Please use the entry form to submit your finished piece. We will not accept entries via email.

  • We will ask you to confirm your age when you enter.

  • Please check that you are eligible and understand the criteria before applying by accessing our guidance in the link below.

    • Download our full guidance for 19-25s
    Entry form for 19-25s

    Am I eligible to enter?

  • You must be 16-25 to apply. This includes those aged 16 and those aged 25.

  • You must be resident in the UK to enter.

  • Only those from a state school background can apply. This criterion is included to ensure we are championing voices typically underrepresented in the media and achieving our aims as a charity. This means that you are either currently attending a state-funded school or have previously attended one.

  • This competition is about discovering new talent. If you are working as a journalist, freelance or otherwise, this competition is not for you.

    • Prizes
    16-18 category
    The winner will receive:

  • £100 in book vouchers

  • a digital subscription to the Guardian for one year

  • your article published on the Guardian Foundation's website

  • a voucher for a Guardian Live event

  • a trophy presented at our awards ceremony

    • The runner up will receive:

  • a voucher for a Guardian Live event

  • a certificate presented at our awards ceremony

    • 19-25 category
    The winner will receive:

  • a £1,000 prize

  • their article published in the Guardian

  • one week's work experience at the Guardian

  • a trophy presented at our awards ceremony

    • The runner up will receive:

  • a £200 prize

  • a voucher for a Guardian Live event

  • a certificate presented at our awards ceremony

    • Previous winners
    emerging-voices-awards-rosie-2024.png

    Higher education was easily accessible to disabled people during Covid. Why are we being shut out now?

    Rosie Anfilogoff won our 19-25 age category in 2024 with her article that explores the accessibility of universities in the UK.

    emerging-voices-awards-beth-2024.png

    I’m 17 and haven’t seen a dentist for four years. This is life in England’s NHS dental deserts

    Beth Riding won our 16-18 age category in 2024 with her article that comments on dental care in England.

    hugo-young-award-ella-2023.jpg

    My mum’s death was slow and painful – she deserved the choice to end her life

    Ella Creamer won our older age category award in 2023 with her article which focuses on the realities of palliative care. Following her work experience gained as part of her award win, Ella was offered a position on the Guardian books desk.

    hugo-young-award-elsie-2023.jpg

    The truth about "regeneration" in London: I can’t afford to live where I grew up

    Elsie McDowell won our younger age category with her article on gentrification. She went on to be commissioned for a further piece “What do young people want on coronation day? More teachers, climate action: start with that”.

    More pieces

    In memory of Hugo Young
    This award was created in memory of Hugo Young, a political columnist at the Guardian for almost 20 years. The award celebrates Hugo’s legacy.

    As owners of the Guardian News and Media Archive, we hold an extensive collection of Hugo Young’s papers relating to his career.
    Find out more about Hugo Young

    Guidance and support
    The guidance on full terms and conditions for your category will be published closer to the time.
    Writing tips
    Check out our advice on feature and opinion writing.
    Get writing tips
    Get in touch
    If you have questions about the competition, we are happy to help. Feel free to drop us an email.
    Email us
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