Entries open for Student Video Contest

Deadline: 03-Mar-2027

The Student Video Contest invites students in grades 6–12 from around the world to create short videos exploring how population growth affects city planning, fresh water use, or extreme weather. The contest encourages students to combine research and creative storytelling while examining the relationship between population dynamics and major environmental and urban challenges.

About the Student Video Contest

The Student Video Contest provides students with an opportunity to explore population-related issues through short-form video. Participants must choose one of three topics and examine how population dynamics influence the selected area: - City Planning - Fresh Water Use - Extreme Weather The contest encourages students to research their chosen topic, develop an original perspective, and communicate their findings through a creative video of no more than 60 seconds. Contest Topics City Planning Students can explore how population growth influences the planning and development of cities.

Possible areas of focus include:

- Housing and urban development. - Transportation. - Infrastructure. - Public services. - Land use. - Planning for growing populations. Fresh Water Use Students can examine the relationship between population growth and access to or use of fresh water.

Projects may explore:

- Increasing water demand. - Water availability. - Sustainable water management. - Community water needs. - Challenges created by population growth. Extreme Weather Students can investigate how population dynamics interact with extreme weather events and their effects on communities.

Videos may explore topics such as:

- Community vulnerability. - Population exposure to extreme weather. - Urban preparedness. - Climate-related challenges. - Planning for growing populations in areas affected by extreme weather. Prize Details Awards are presented according to both topic and school level. For each topic, high school winners receive:

- First place: $1,200

- Second place: $600

- Two honorable mentions: $300 each

Middle school winners receive:

- First place: $600

- Second place: $300

- Two honorable mentions: $300 each

Additional awards include:

- Global finalists: $80 for high school students and $50 for middle school students.

- Regional and state honors: $25.

Prizes are divided among all producers listed on the entry form. Who Can Participate? The contest is open to students worldwide who are currently enrolled in: - Grade 6 through Grade 12. - The international equivalent of grades 6–12.

Students may participate:

- Individually. - As part of a group. Video Requirements Submitted videos must meet the contest’s technical and content requirements.

Videos must:

- Be no longer than 60 seconds. - Be in English or include English subtitles. - Begin with a title screen. - Include key information about the producers and the video. - Be original. - Properly cite sources and other referenced material. - Comply with applicable copyright and legal requirements. Students should carefully review their videos before submission to ensure that all required information and citations are included. Originality and Copyright All contest entries must be original. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their videos comply with copyright and other applicable legal requirements. Any external sources or material used in developing the video should be properly cited. Students should avoid using copyrighted content without appropriate permission or rights. Requirements for Students Outside the United States Students participating from outside the United States must submit a parent or guardian consent form in accordance with GDPR guidelines. This requirement applies to international student participants and should be completed as part of the entry process. How to Create a Strong Contest Video A successful video should communicate a clear idea within the 60-second limit.

Students can strengthen their entries by:

- Choosing one clearly defined issue. - Explaining how population growth affects the selected topic. - Using reliable research. - Presenting information in a simple and engaging way. - Developing an original perspective. - Keeping the message focused. - Using clear visuals and narration. - Citing sources properly. - Checking copyright requirements before submission. Benefits of Participating The contest gives students an opportunity to develop skills in research, communication, storytelling, and video production while exploring real-world population and environmental challenges.

Participation can help students

- Explore important global issues. - Strengthen research skills. - Practice concise communication. - Develop creative storytelling skills. - Learn about population dynamics. - Explore connections between people, cities, water, and extreme weather. - Gain recognition through regional, state, and global awards. Frequently Asked Questions Who can enter the Student Video Contest? Students currently enrolled in grades 6–12, or their international equivalent, from around the world can participate. Can students enter as a group? Yes. Students may enter individually or as part of a group. What topics can students choose from? Students can create a video about City Planning, Fresh Water Use, or Extreme Weather and explore how population dynamics affect their selected topic. How long can the video be? The video must be no longer than 60 seconds. Does the video have to be in English? Videos must be in English or include English subtitles. What prize does the high school first-place winner receive? The first-place high school winner for each topic receives $1,200. What prize does the middle school first-place winner receive? The first-place middle school winner for each topic receives $600. Are there honorable mention awards? Yes. For each topic and school level, two honorable mentions are awarded. High school honorable mentions receive $300 each, while middle school honorable mentions also receive $30