Introducing the inaugural Teen Vogue X Vogue Summer School essay contest! One lucky winner will join us in New York City for Vogue Summer School’s Fashion Business program. This immersive 2-week experience is for high school students who are looking to discover how creativity and strategy come together across branding and marketing to industry innovation.

Pre-college programs at Vogue College of Fashion give teens with a deep interest in fashion the chance to experience the industry firsthand. Students explore key areas of the fashion landscape, including styling, business, and media.

The Fashion Business course introduces students to the fundamentals of fashion business, exploring how creativity, marketing, branding, and promotion connect to business strategy. Examine how fashion brands build identity, stand out in a competitive marketplace, and understand their customers.

In order to win a full scholarship with room and board for two weeks in New York City, we’re asking high schoolers ages 16-18 to write a 300-1000-word essay about a piece of clothing in their wardrobe that holds meaning beyond its appearance.

Below, find the full essay prompt, rules and FAQs.

Essay Prompt:

Tell a story about one object of clothing in your wardrobe that holds meaning beyond its appearance. Tell us the origin story, what it reveals about you, and how it connects to your ideas, values, or future ambitions.

Contest Timeline and Terms:

April 15th – April 30th, 2026

Prize:

A full scholarship to Vogue Summer School to attend the Fashion Business program. The total approximate retail value of the prize(s) is $7.695.00 (“Prize ARV”). The actual value and final prize value will depend on which program the winner selects. When enrolling, the winner may select between two (2) programs: 1) the residential program (room and board included with total tuition cost estimated at $7,695.00) or 2) the day program (lunch included with total tuition cost estimated at $6,195.00).

Apply to Teen Vogue’s Vogue Summer School Essay Contest:

*Must be 16-18 years old to apply.

Submissions Close April 30

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

FAQs

How many finalists will be selected?
One winner will be selected and announced in May 2026.

How long is the judging process?
The deadline to apply is April 30th, 2026 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?
Students must be currently enrolled in high school in one of the 50 US states to apply.

Do I need to be in the U.S. to apply?
Yes, the application process is only open to students in the United States.

How old do I have to be to apply?
Applicants must be at least 16 and no more than 18 years old.

How much is the prize valued?

The total approximate retail value of the prize(s) is $7.695.00 (“Prize ARV”). The actual value and final prize value will depend on which program the winner selects. When enrolling, the winner may select between two (2) programs: 1) the residential program (room and board included with total tuition cost estimated at $7,695.00) or 2) the day program (lunch included with total tuition cost estimated at $6,195.00).

SEE OFFICIAL RULES