Maine high school juniors are invited to submit entries for “A Journey Into Writing,” the Maine Community College System’s statewide writing contest.

Entries will be accepted Dec. 16 through January 24, 2014. The contest judges are award-winning Maine authors, Susan Kenney, Lewis Robinson and Bill Roorbach.

Kenney is the author of five novels and taught fiction for 25 years at Colby College. Robinson is the author of two novels and currently teaches in the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Roorbach has published several books, including his newest novel, “Life Among Giants.” The 10th anniversary edition of his craft book, “Writing Life Stories,” is used in writing programs around the world.

“A Journey Into Writing” was created in 2004 as a way to encourage creativity and inspire young writers to develop their talent. The contest is sponsored by the MCCS with financial support from U.S. Cellular. Since its inception 10 years ago, the contest has received over 2,000 entries from 150 high schools throughout Maine.

Maine high school juniors are encouraged to submit an original poem, short story, or essay of up to 1,500 words. Up to three winners may be selected by the contest judges. If selected, winning entrants will be honored with the designation of 2014 Governor’s Young Writer of the Year and receive a $2,500 cash award.

To enter, students must submit their entries electronically to the MCCS Web site.

The contest rules and entry form are available online at: www.mccs.me.edu. Click on “A Journey into Writing.”