What: A community-funded opportunity to highlight the experiences of Central Valley youth (ages 18-24) impacted by and navigating/resisting/persisting during the current political climate and changing immigration policies.

Selected short stories and essay submissions will be published in an anthology to be released later this year.

Prizes: 1st prize $1500

2^nd prize $750

3^rd prize $400

Program Description: Arte Américas and the The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers Collective, are initiating a Premio Literario, a writing award for stories from young people about their immigrant experience. We are calling for stories that address real challenges within immigrant communities. In an effort to learn from history, we aim to empower youth to share their stories and use writing as a tool to counter false narratives and overcome some of the fear and anxiety of the current political climate. Our community has stories worth telling.

We encourage you to write your essay, with all of your fears and hopes, even in these challenging times.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to college students, ages 18-24, regardless of immigration status.

Requirements: To be considered for this publication and award, please submit an original creative writing piece – we encourage submissions in the form of short stories, short essays, etc. that share your joy, hopes, fears, laughter, and all other parts of your experience.

Your writing piece should be submitted in the format of .doc/.docx, 3,000 words max) via this Google Form

DEADLINE: April 21^st 2025 at 11:59pm.

Note: This opportunity is for students rooted (in some way) to the Central Valley. Where you were born or where you currently reside will not impact your eligibility.