Underwritten by the New York Life Foundation, the National New York Life Award offers $1,000 scholarships to six students whose works explore death and personal grief. State scholarships of $500 are available to two students from each of the following states: California, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.

Grief is the feeling and reaction associated with death. You can experience it after a loved one dies or after other major changes in your life. The death of a loved one and the grief that follows are a universal yet very unique, personal experience even in normal times.

Sharing your story through art or writing can be a healing experience both for you and other teens who are grieving. Your creative work can help someone with similar experiences to you feel less alone.