Renaissance Opens Student Lyric Contest
Flocabulary Student Voice Lyric Contest invites K-12 students to submit historical-figure lyrics by Nov. 30, 2026.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
Renaissance has opened a nationwide lyric contest that could turn two student entries into lessons for 20,000 US schools. The contest, run through its Flocabulary platform, asks K-12 students to research and write about a historical figure who inspires them. Ten finalists will receive prizes for themselves and their classrooms. Entries close Nov. 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Writing Through History
Students must write at least 16 lines of lyrics that demonstrate vocabulary, rhythm, and flow. Entries will be assessed for length, format, historical figure selection, content, and style.
The 10 finalists will perform and record their hip-hop-inspired lyrics. A Renaissance committee will choose two winners, one in grades K-5 and one in grades 6-12, whose work will become a Flocabulary video and learning activities scheduled to premiere in April 2027 during National Poetry Month.
Dr. Mervin Jenkins, Director of Partnership Engagement and Thought Leadership at Renaissance, said:
“Through this contest, students become better writers while engaging with culture and history,”
How Students Can Enter
K-12 educators can support students in submitting work through the Flocabulary Student Voice Lyric Contest. Students choose a historical figure, research that person, and create their lyrics.
Contest information and entry details are available through the contest page. Winning entries will be released as lessons available to schools across the country.
A Published Student Lesson
For students, the contest offers a route from a classroom writing project to a lesson used by other learners. Flocabulary provides more than 1,500 standards-aligned video-based lessons across K-12 subjects.
Dr. Mervin Jenkins, Director of Partnership Engagement and Thought Leadership at Renaissance, said:
“Lyrics are an incredible tool for making connections through telling stories, inspiring emotions, and sharing life perspectives. I'm excited to see the creativity demonstrated in students' lyrics.”
