In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping how we create, explore, and make sense of the world around us, the role of human expression is more vital—and more complicated—than ever. As AI begins to influence everything from storytelling and historical analysis to the very definition of creativity, the humanities are being confronted with important new questions.
This NEHS Creative Challenge invites students to step into this evolving conversation. Through original creative works, explore pressing issues at the heart of our AI-driven age:
- How do we preserve authenticity in AI-assisted creativity?
- What happens when algorithms shape our understanding of literature and history?
- How do we ensure equity and human agency in an AI-integrated world?
Awards
Winning students will be notified by email and will have their work published on the NEHS Museletter blog. All winning students will be candidates to receive Creative Challenge Champion prizes at the end of the year.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be NEHS student members enrolled in a school with an active NEHS chapter.
Submission Requirements
- Student writers should create an original creative work (500-800 words) in one of the following formats:
- Short story exploring AI’s impact on humanities scholarship or creative expression
- Persuasive essay arguing for ethical AI guidelines in the humanities
- Creative nonfiction reflecting on AI encounters in literary or cultural contexts
- The work submitted should reflect on at least two of the following ethical considerations:
- Authenticity and Authorship – What constitutes “original” work when AI assists? How do we credit AI’s role?
- Cultural Bias and Representation – How might AI perpetuate biases in literary canons? How do we protect diverse voices?
- Tradition vs. Innovation – Should traditional humanities methods be preserved? What’s gained or lost with AI integration?
- Access and Equity – How does AI availability affect educational fairness and career prospects
- Human Connection – Can AI enhance or diminish empathy in literature and history? What role should human experience play?
Submission Process
- All submissions must be made via the NEHS AwardSpring platform during the Spring Awards Cycle.
- Student members must upload a single Microsoft Word file (.doc/.docx) including the text written by the applicant and a 150-word reflection on the student’s creative choices and ethical position.
- Applicants must complete demographic data questions prior to submitting their documentation.
- Applicants must include a 150-word (max.) third-person biography and high-resolution portrait photo.
- Applicants must agree that they are willing to provide a written report and photos detailing the impact the creative process and award has had on them, which can be used by NEHS to promote this and other opportunities in future years should they win an award.
Evaluation Process
All submissions will be evaluated by at least three members of the NEHS evaluation team.
All submissions will be evaluated against a rubric containing (but not limited to) the following categories:
- Depth and clarity of ethical reasoning
- Engagement with the themes of AI and human expression
- Originality and insightfulness of ideas
- Effective use of chosen creative format (e.g., poem, short story, script, multimedia)
- Quality of writing (clarity, style, grammar/mechanics)
- Clear explanation of creative choices
- Thoughtful reflection on ethical stance and intentions
Ethics and AI Resources
The Partnership on AI: Ethics and Society
UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI
Modern Language Association Guidelines on AI in Academic Writing
