Awards and Fellowships

Bruce Springsteen, flanked by Art Ring and Martha Heasley Cox, on the occasion of his receiving the Steinbeck Award.

The Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies sponsors Four Awards and Fellowships.

1) Steinbeck Award: "In the Souls of the People," given annually to honor an artist, thinker, activist who has made a significant contribution to causes that matter to the common person.  It is also known as the "In the Souls of the People" Award.

2) Louis Owens Essay Prize, given annually to recognize the best undergraduate or graduate student essay on Steinbeck's works.  A prize of $250 and the possibility of publication are afforded the winner.

3) Steinbeck Short Story Award. (Sponsored with Reed Magazine.) Writers submit original, unpublished stories up to 6,000 words. The first place winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and publication of her/his work in Reed.

4) Steinbeck Fellowship Program, offers emerging writers the opportunity to spend a year working with the support of the Center for Steinbeck Studies and the English Department.  A $10,000 fellowship and other considerations.