It's your choice
When we make The Guardian Foundation available to you online, we use cookies and similar technologies to help us to do this.
Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but support The Guardian Foundation and your experience in other ways.
You can find out more in our privacy policy and cookie policy, and manage the choices available to you at any time by going to Manage Cookies at the bottom of any page.
Are you happy to accept cookies?
To manage your cookie choices now, including how to opt out where our partners rely on legitimate interests to use your information, click on Manage my cookies.
Support the Foundation
Donate

Emerging Voices Awards

Recognising young talent in political opinion writing
Our political opinion writing competition will open for entries on 10th January 2025
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: key information
Jump to: eligibility

Key Information

  • The competition will open for entries on 10th January 2025 and will remain open until 15th Feb (16-18 category) 2nd Feb (19-25 category).

  • There will be two award categories: 16-18 age category and 19-25 age category.

  • Prizes for the 16-18 age category include being published on The Guardian Foundation website, Guardian Live tickets (or equivalent), a trophy and more.

  • Prizes for the 19-25 age category include being published on the Guardian website and in the newspaper, a cash prize of £1000, work experience, a trophy and more.

  • Winners and runners up will be invited to an awards ceremony in London.

    • Am I eligible to enter in 2025?

  • 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.

    • 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
    Privacy and cookie policy Terms and conditions Complaints Procedure Manage cookies
    Registered charity: 1153865
    +44 203 3533 759
    info@theguardianfoundation.org