Here at NRA Family, we love to highlight career choices within the outdoor space ... because if you do what you love for a living, you'll never work a day in your life. One such is "outdoor writer," and we're here to attest that it's a fantastic career path. Something that many budding outdoor writers don't know is that photography skills are also important (because outdoor editors will always insist on high-resolution photography to go along with your words). That's why the Outdoor Writers Association of America just announced the opening of the 2022 Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards as well as the second annual OWAA Student Photo Contest!
Prizes are awarded to winners in grades 11–12 and college students, with first place winners receiving $200, second place receiving $100, and third place receiving $50. Those who place will also receive an OWAA student membership valued at $25 as well as inclusion in a press release announcing the winners.
Entering the contests is easy. Any outdoor-themed written or photographic work created during 2020 can be submitted between September 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, via the link at owaa.org/contests/. Complete rules of the contests are also available at that site.
Winners of the North Strung Youth Writing Awards will be given additional consideration when applying for OWAA’s Bodie McDowell Scholarship and are highly encouraged to do so. “Encouraging the next generation of outdoor media professionals is a key tenet of our mission,” said Chez Chesak, Executive Director of OWAA. “It’s rewarding for our association to recognize the great work of these young, passionate outdoor storytellers and we hope that we’ll be able to continue to support and further encourage them throughout their careers.”
