School Contest Partnerships

Welcome to our Graphic Short Story Contest in partnership with teachers and schools. 

Each year the Rising Earth Graphic Short Story Contest works in partnership with teachers and schools located in NYC or Los Angeles.


How the Partnership Works: 

We’re inviting 4 classroom partners—2 in NYC and 2 in LA (one class per school)—to join us for this year’s Spring Graphic Short Story Contest.

Each participating teacher will receive a $500 stipend, and each class will receive $500 in prize money, to be awarded to 2 student winners ($250 each)—selected by Rising Earth.

Teachers can choose to assign the contest as a class project or as homework, guiding students through the process and supporting them in completing their submissions. To make it easy, we’ve prepared all materials and project steps—available on our website and sent directly to you via email. No extra prep needed!

Finalists’ stories will be showcased on our website, along with their school name and the name of their mentoring teacher.

Each year’s theme will vary, but all stories will shine a light on urban renewal, ecological healing, and our connection to the natural world in city life. Through storytelling and art, students will explore local environmental issues and imagine creative, community-based solutions.


Connect with our team to bring the contest to your classroom!

Teachers, If you are interested in partnering up your classroom with the Rising Earth Graphic Short Story Contest please send an email to risingearthlauren@gmail.com.

The deadline for your classroom submissions is May 16th, 2025, with winners announced before the end of the school year--great timing for the winners if they're applying to college next year!