Overview

The Rachel Carson Council’s Voices of Carson Storytelling Award is a national, turnkey program for college and university students to explore how narrative, identity, and environmental justice shape climate action and hope through creativity. When Silent Spring was released on September 27, 1962, Rachel Carson’s words helped ignite intersectional, intergenerational environmental movements across the United States and beyond.

In that same spirit, from September 27 – December 31, 2026, students from campuses across the country are invited to submit original climate storytelling pieces—poetry, short stories, and narrative non-fiction—that embody Rachel Carson’s legacy.

After a national selection process, the Rachel Carson Council will name three recipients of the Voices of Carson Award. Awardees will have demonstrated a commitment to growing the environmental movement, upholding a sense of wonder and awe, and embodying Rachel Carson’s work.

Categories

Poetry

  • One PDF entry per participant
  • 21 lines maximum
  • 1st place will receive $250

 

Short Stories

  • One PDF entry per participant
  • Between 800 and 1,200 words
  • 1st place will receive $250

 

Narrative Non-Fiction

  • One PDF entry per participant
  • Between 800 and 1,200 words
  • 1st place will receive $250

 

Awards & Recognition

Each Voices of Carson awardee will receive:

A $250 micro-grant to support ongoing work.

National publication of your piece through the Rachel Carson Council.

A spotlight feature article on the Rachel Carson Council’s website.

All submitted pieces may be highlighted in national talks, webinars, or Campus Dispatch features throughout the year.

How to Submit
  • First-time storytellers and emerging creators are encouraged to submit. Passion matters more than experience, and we want to elevate your voice.
  • Email a PDF to campus@rachelcarsoncouncil.org with the subject line: RCC Storytelling
  • In the body of the email, please type out your name, pronouns, school, year, major, and the submission category.

 

Please ensure your submission is original work. No artificial intelligence of any sort is allowed and will disqualify you immediately.

Result Date

Winners will be announced on February 11th, 2027.

Questions?

Email Diego Tovar, Senior Director of Campus and Civic Engagement, diego@rachelcarsoncouncil.org