The World Beyond the Stars: A VASSC Student Story Challenge

Do you dream of exploring the universe? The Virginia Air & Space Science Center invites students in grades K-12 to share their creativity in our short story challenge, The World Beyond the Stars.

 

Write a story that imagines what life might be like far past our skies. You could picture a new planet, design a space colony, or tell the story of a brave explorer venturing into the unknown.

Submission Guidelines

  • Open to all students in grades K-12.
  • One entry per student.
  • Submissions must be a short story.
  • Stories must be G-rated, original, and written by the student. Adults may assist only with typing or spelling if needed.
  • AI-generated or AI-assisted writing is not permitted.
  • Include only your first name, grade, and school (optional) in your submission. Do not include full names, personal contact information, or identifying details about yourself or others.
  • A parent or guardian must give permission for your story to be shared publicly.

Word limits by grade band:

  • Grades K-2: up to 50 words (dictated with parent help if needed)
  • Grades 3-5: up to 150 words
  • Grades 6-8: up to 250 words
  • Grades 9-12: up to 300 words

 

Important Dates

  • Submissions due: October 25
  • Judging and curation: October 26-29
  • Winners notified: October 29
  • Winners announced / gallery live: October 31
  • Featured stories appear in our annual giving letter mailed November 10

 

Prizes

Four winners (one per grade band: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) will each receive four IMAX tickets, valid through December 31, 2025, and will have their stories featured on the VASSC website and in the annual giving letter.
 

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated on:

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Age-appropriate writing
  • Connection to the theme “The World Beyond the Stars”
  • Originality and authenticity

 

Ownership & Use

By submitting a story, you grant the Virginia Air & Space Science Center permission to reproduce and share your work (credited by first name and grade) in print, online, and in promotional materials related to this contest.

VASSC reserves the right to disqualify any entry that includes inappropriate content, violates privacy or originality requirements, or is determined to have been submitted under false information.

 

NOTE: Winners’ families may be asked to provide limited additional information such as school name, teacher contact, and mailing address for prize delivery and VASSC program reporting.

This information will be used internally only and will never be published or shared outside the organization.

 

How to Submit

Use the form below to upload your story and complete the parent/guardian permission section.

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