The U.S. Green Building Council‘s Living Standard campaign and Center for Green Schools invite you to submit an application for a post-high school education scholarship. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of storytelling, the power in highlighting the humanity behind our sustainable actions, and the power in partnering with young people. We are offering scholarships to students who submit videos on how they are making a positive impact in their schools and communities by leading on sustainability. First place will earn $2,500 and second place will earn $1,000 to pursue post-high school education. Please fill out the application and submit it no later than April 12, 2020. Winners will be notified by April 29. Upon submission, you confirm that you accept the contest rules.

Details

Who can apply?

Any current high school seniors or college undergrads who will live in the U.S. and will attend post-high school education (college, university, trade, or tech school) in 2020. 

What can I win?

There will be two prizes: the winner receives $2,500 and the runner-up receives $1,000 to go toward their post-high school education.

What should my video look like?

The video should be between 60-120 seconds and demonstrate how you’re leading on sustainability in your school or community. It can be as simple as a direct-to-camera explanation, or as elaborate as an artistic rendering, though points will be awarded for creativity and we encourage you to show us your personality!

For example, you can demonstrate how you’re contributing to a healthier environment, you could show how you hold conversations with others to inspire them to take action, you can share some images of your artwork that conveys your passion for sustainability, etc. You don’t need to be a community leader to make a difference. For additional guidance and inspiration, please check out our Living Standard research that serves as the basis for our campaign, as well as some stories. This article on moving people from baby steps to big leaps might be helpful as well. 

Entries should also include a brief title screen that includes the contest title “The 2020 Living Standard and Center for Green Schools Storytelling Scholarship Competition,” the name of the entrant, and the title of the video.

How will my submission be judged?

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges selected by the U.S. Green Building Council. The strength of an entry will be evaluated based on how well it captures the student’s commitment to sustainability through their actions, and the positive impact they’re making on their school or community. Ingenuity and originality in concept, as well as clarity and creativity in expression, will also be judged.

What else should I know about video requirements?

Videos may be produced on any type of video equipment, including cell phones, video cameras, and computers. Videos may be in color or black and white, with or without sound, and with or without animation. Please note that professional assistance is not allowed. Winners will be required to certify that they did not use professional assistance.

USGBC and its affiliates reserve the right to reproduce, republish, distribute, or exhibit winning videos on its website, on its social media channels, at conferences and events, or in publications.

Videos must not use copyrighted material without permission of the copyright holder. Videos containing copyrighted material used without permission will not be eligible for prizes.

By submitting your entry, you certify that you agree to the contest rules, which will be available when the contest opens on March 4.

When is the deadline?

Applications are due by Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 pm ET. Winners will be notified by Wednesday, April 29.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.