Upcoming Contests Open to Students

A variety of student contests are open for submissions. Read on for details:

• The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) “Heads Up, Phones Down” high school video contest gives high school students an opportunity to produce peer videos promoting the importance of focusing on their surroundings, instead of their phones, while driving or walking. MCDOT will be accepting entries of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) through Thursday, Feb. 29. 
• Submissions are grouped into two categories: individual or group projects. Individual entries can win an Apple MacBook Air, an Apple Watch or tripod. Winning group submissions will split an $800 grand prize, $400 second prize and $200 third prize, with a Visa gift card for each member.   
• Students can submit their entries on the online entry form. Students may also qualify for up to 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for successfully completing an entry. 
  
• The MCPS Division of Sustainability and Compliance is sponsoring an art contest to find designs to use as wraps for new electric-powered cargo vans. These electric vehicles will help reduce MCPS’ overall greenhouse gas emissions and support the Board of Education’s commitment to cut GHG emissions by 80% by 2027. All MCPS staff and students from MCPS middle and high schools are invited to participate. The deadline is Friday, March 1. Click to learn more.
  
  
• Doodle for Google is holding its 16th annual art contest for students in grades K-12. Students are invited to create their own Google Doodle for the chance to have it featured on Google.com, as well as win college scholarships and tech packages for their schools.

This year’s theme is: “My wish for the next 25 years.” Doodles are meant to surprise and delight people when they visit Google.com. The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 14.

How to Enter

Submit a Doodle

• The Keeping it SAFE Coalition: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition is sponsoring its annual video contest to create a 30-second public service message addressing the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. This year’s topics are:
• Standing Your Ground: Fighting Peer Pressure from Friends to Drink
• Ways to Help/Support Friends Who Are Abusing Alcohol
• How Alcoholic Drinks Affect Mental Health

The contest is open to teams of two or more students enrolled in Montgomery County middle and high schools. Cash prizes of $100 to $1,000 are up for grabs to the winning schools or organizations. Participating MCPS students are also eligible for five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Entries are due by 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Visit the website for more information and official contest rules.