100-word memoir contest
by The New York Times Learning Network
- Ages 13–19
- When
- 9 Sept – 28 Oct 2026
- Who
- Ages 13–19
About
- Write a true, meaningful story from your own life in 100 words or fewer (title not included in the count)
- No set theme, format, or structure — just a short, powerful personal narrative in your own voice
- Organized by The New York Times Learning Network, inspired by Modern Love's "Tiny Love Stories"
- Free to enter, work must be entirely your own (no AI-generated or plagiarized content)
- Selected entries are published on The Learning Network, with a chance to appear in NYT print
- Submit via the entry form on the contest page, open Sept 16 – Oct 28, 2026
Eligibility
- Students ages 13–19, in middle or high school (or first-year, pre-college)
- Parent or guardian permission required to enter
- Work must be original — not plagiarized or AI-generated
- Not eligible if related to or living with an NYT employee
