Win a scholarship to the WIRED Summer Collegiate Program in NYC
Enter the 2026 WIRED Essay Contest
Join WIRED journalists, innovators, and industry experts as they pull back the curtain on technology and innovation in New York City, a global hub for creativity. From understanding emerging AI to exploring technological innovations, this four-week immersive course builds key skills to engage with cutting-edge technology and AI and apply them to future careers.
In collaboration with WIRED, the leading authority on the future of tech, students will explore how AI and digital innovation intersect with their own fields of study, from healthcare and humanities to environmental science, design, journalism, business, and more. Students will learn through lectures, workshops, hands-on labs, expert panels, and industry visits around New York City’s world-leading tech ecosystem.
Essay Prompt: Which technological development has had the greatest impact on your generation and why? Explore how this development became "normal" without public debate, and both the positive and negative effects it had on society.
Contest Timeline / Terms: April 15th - April 30th, 2026
Prize: A full scholarship to the WIRED Summer Program for college students, inclusive of housing if required. Total estimated value of prize is $9,990 (“Prize ARV”), including the $5,950 cost for tuition and the $3,950 cost for optional housing.
FAQs:
- How many finalists will be selected? One winner will be selected and announced in May 2025.
- How long is the judging process? The deadline to apply is April 30th, 2025 at midnight EST. Applicants will be asked to submit a response to the essay prompt. All entries will be judged beginning the week of May 4th (but no later than May 15th) by a panel of judges composed of Editorial and Content Operations staff at Condé Nast. The judges will score entries based on the following criteria: a. Writing style and syntax - 33%, b. How well the question is answered - 33%, and c. Originality - 34%
- What's required to apply? Applicants should 18+ and have completed high school to enroll in the WIRED Summer Program. This course is designed for college students or those interested in ongoing learning. You will need to submit your most recent transcript showing a minimum GPA of 2.5 (or equivalent academic standing). Transcripts must be in English and do not need to be official.
- Do I need to be in the U.S. to apply? Yes, the application process is only open to students in the United States.
- Do I need to be an enrolled student to apply? No, you do not need to be currently enrolled in a college or university to apply, but must have completed high school.
- How old do I have to be to apply? Applicants need to be at least 18 years old.
- How much is the prize valued? The winner will receive a scholarship with a total estimated value of $9,990 (“Prize ARV”), including the $5,950 cost for tuition and the $3,950 cost for optional housing.