Are you a CU student working on a paper, poem, short story or essay on an American Western topic? Perhaps you are writing about public lands management; immigration; wildfires; the Colorado River; the Mexican-American War; art, music or film inspired by historic Western events, landscapes and languages; or getting a flat while on a road trip through the Mojave Desert.

Center of the American West is seeking entries for the 21st Thompson Awards for Western American Writing. Winners receive $500 and read their piece at an awards banquet attended by contest judges and community members.

For details including contest rules and the entry form and to read winning entries from previous years, visit our website and contact us with questions—we'd love to hear from you.