Cash prizes for top three pieces; deadline for submissions Nov. 1, 2009.

The Inter-American Development Bank’s Cultural Center is holding a short story contest for young writers from Latin America and the Caribbean, offering cash prizes for the top three entries.

Authors between 16 and 20 years of age from the IDB’s 26 borrowing member countries may participate in the competition. Stories of up to 1,000 words may be submitted in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese.

The pieces must deal with Latin American and Caribbean social and economic issues, focusing on one of the following priority areas: poverty reduction, education, sustainable energy, climate change, access to water and economic inclusion.

The stories must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2009. A jury appointed by the IDB Cultural Center will award three prizes: first place will receive US$3,000; second place US$2,000 and third place US$1,000. Winners will be notified before Dec. 1, 2009.

For more information on the contest, please click here: http://events.iadb.org/calendar/eventDetail.aspx?lang=en&id=653