The Rejection: For years, the ST officially rejected the idea of hosting official contests, stating that Scratch should focus on creativity and learning rather than competition. The "Members-Only" Contest: In late 2025, the ST introduced the Winter Cheer Design Challenge. This was criticized because it appeared to be a contest—complete with prizes like profile badges—but was only accessible to those with a Scratch Membership, which requires a donation. And isn’t scratch for kids. Also scratch also rejected a membership, badges, AND cat blocks. Look at this!
