Events
Write the Rockies Short Story and Poetry Contest - Opens January 8, 2026
The Education Foundation of the Summit is seeking writers ages 11 and older to submit works to our annual Write the Rockies short story and poetry contest being held in partnership with the Summit County Library and the Rotary Club of Summit County. Last year, more than 100 aspiring writers submitted their entries for a chance to win cash prizes. We don't want you - or the students you serve - to be left out!
What can you or your students win?
- Cash prizes of $300, $200, and $100 will go to first, second, and third place winners in each category
- There are categories for three age groups: Middle School/High School/Adults
- There are prizes for Spanish language entries in each category
- Winners will be published in an anthology
What are the rules?
- All work must be original
- Writers can submit 1 short story and/ or up to 3 poems
- Writers must live in Summit County, Co
- Short stories must be 5,000 words or less
- All poetic forms accepted
When can I or my students submit?
- The contest portal will be open from Jan. 8-March 8 for submissions
- Winners will be announced on April 1
Where can I get more information?
- You will receive more information when the portal opens in January. Until then, happy writing!
- Click here to find judging criteria and to hear past winning submissions
In 2025, we received over 200 powerful entries, in both English and Spanish. Congratulations to our local writers for their amazing short story and poetry submissions, full of imagination, creativity, and heart.
2025 winners are photoed below:
Trivia Night
Save the Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 | Silverthorne Pavillion
Presented by Pinnacle Gives
Join Us for a Night of Knowledge and Fun: Trivia Night Fundraiser to Support Education!
Trivia Night, where teams of 6 will compete for a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize, which will be donated to their chosen Summit County public school. We anticipate over 200 community members in attendance!
In conjunction with the event, we will also host an online silent auction which starts in advance of the event and will close during the Trivia Night event.
All funds raised directly support innovation in public school programs — creativity, reading, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) & innovative classroom technology, including science lab materials, e-readers, and robotics materials.
The fundraiser also supports the Eileen Finkel Innovative Teacher Grants, supporting innovative & creative projects by Summit County teachers.
