What's Happening?
Bennington College has announced the winners of the 2026 Ben Belitt Prize for Undergraduate Writers. Scarlett Choi and Emma Gaffney were recognized for their short stories, while Carrie Colley was awarded for her poetry. Each student received a $1,000
prize. The Ben Belitt Prize is an annual award given to the best works of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or hybrid writing by current undergraduate students. Jo Ann Beard, the 2026 Ben Belitt Distinguished Visiting Writer, selected this year's winners from a pool of student submissions. Beard praised the expressive language and creative leaps demonstrated by the winners. She taught a course at Bennington this spring, focusing on narrative techniques in personal essays.
Why It's Important?
The Ben Belitt Prize highlights the importance of nurturing young literary talent and supporting creative expression in higher education. By awarding these prizes, Bennington College encourages students to pursue excellence in writing and provides them with recognition that can bolster their academic and professional careers. The prize also underscores the role of visiting writers like Jo Ann Beard in shaping the literary landscape and mentoring emerging writers. Such initiatives contribute to the cultural and intellectual growth of the student community, fostering a vibrant literary culture that can have lasting impacts on the arts and humanities.
