National Contests

National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts - YoungArts Program

This is a competition for high school seniors, their program has a photography section. The deadline is in October.

Smithsonian Magazine's Annual Photo Contest

If you're over 18 years old the prestigious Smithsonian Magazine's Photo Contest is an opportunity to show your best work. The deadline is in November.

National Geographic Photo Contest

Contest is open only to individuals who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry and there is a $15 entry fee.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

This art and writing competition includes a photography component. The awards program is for students in grades 7 through 12. They accept images captured by either an analog or digital camera.  Deadlines for submitting work vary by region and generally range from December through January.
 

Local Contests

Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Prime Hook Nature Photography Contest

For those living or visiting the Delmarva Peninsula, this is an opportunity to capture its beauty and share it with others. The goal of this photography contest is to highlight the unique and beautiful landscapes and wildlife of Delmarva, ranging from soaring ospreys to majestic herons and sun-dappled wildflowers. There is a separate category and no fee for students. The deadline is October 11, 2014.

New York

Daniel A. Driscoll Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes has scholarships for returning adult students and offers this for an individual who plans to pursue a career in photography. The deadline is in February.

Tennessee

Cynthia and Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Scholarship Program offers this scholarship to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors in college, and graduate students in fields that include photography. The deadline is March 15th.