The English Department coordinates two creative writing award contests and a journalism competition. These contests are open to all qualified undergraduate students at the University, but may be of special interest to students in the program. Information about deadlines and contest guidelines may be obtained from the English Department secretary in HMB W-212.

Harry M. and Margaret V. Evans Journalism Award

This award, created in 1995 by the parents of a Gallaudet professor, is designed to encourage undergraduate students to demonstrate exceptional skill and expertise in journalistic writing. Candidates must submit a portfolio of articles, an editorial, and an advertisement to the English Department. Winners are selected by a committee of professional writers and teachers.

Lillian Gourley Rakow Creative Writing Award

Established in 1982 with a gift from the estate of Jules Pierre Rakow in memory of his wife, Lillian, the fund provides an annual award to a sophomore, junior, and senior with demonstrated creative writing ability. Winners are selected on the basis of a portfolio submitted to the English Department and evaluated by a special committee.

MacDougall Creative Writing Award

This award, established in 1979 by Nanette Fabray MacDougall in honor of her husband, Randy, is open to any full-time, deaf undergraduate student at Gallaudet. Gallaudet students compete for prizes by submitting a portfolio of creative writing to the English Department. The writing is then judged by a committee of professional writers and teachers. The purpose of the award is to recognize "promising deaf writers at Gallaudet and to encourage them to seek careers using their writing skills."