Multiple surveys and studies have shown that Americans remain unaware of the five freedoms the First Amendment guarantees. When more Americans can name characters from an animated television series than the freedoms outlined by the First Amendment, that is a clear indicator the time for education is now. That education starts with YOU.

Here is a chance to spread the message and bring about awareness of the First Amendment.

PRIZES:

1. The Grand Prize is co-sponsored by East Central College, Union, Mo., Journalism Program and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association.
2. The Grand Prize will be a total of $100 in Amazon Gift Card(s) for the winners to use at their discretion.
3. The Runner Up is sponsored by East Central College (Union, Mo) Journalism Program.
4. The Runner Up will receive a “swag bag” of a variety of goods from ECC that may include but is not limited to; t-shirts, school supplies, drawstring bag, etc.
5. Additional prizes between now and the announcement of the Grand Prize Winner and the Runner Up may be made available. Stay Tuned!

SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Students who reside in the United States may enter individually, or in teams of one, two, or three people. (no more than three).
2. Students may not enter more than one PSA with their name upon the entry.
3. Students in seventh to 12^th grade may enter. NOTE: this is open to home school students, too.
4. There is no entry fee to enter.
5. Students will have until midnight Wednesday, May 3, 2017, to enter.
6. Each category will be judged. One Grand Prize winner and one Runner Up will be awarded.
7. All winning PSAs will be listed on the SchoolJournalism.org website and promoted and shared on our social media platforms.
8. All winning PSAs grant SchoolJournalism.org permission to share, post, or embed.
9. SchoolJournalism.org will not provide written feedback due to the fast turn-around time involved with judging.
10. Students may note that judges will not just look at only the technical aspects of video production; they are looking for PSAs that address the topic of the First Amendment.
11. PSAs must be 30 seconds long from start to finish.
12. Students will be disqualified if copyright is violated, category requirements are not met, or it is found out that content used was not written, recorded, created, etc. by the students creating the PSA. Content should be original.
13. Students must upload their finished PSA to YouTube or Vimeo.
14. They will need to submit the link HERE by midnight Wednesday, May 3, 2017.
15. The submission will include the following information: Student(s) first and last name(s), name and contact phone number and email address for adult who oversaw the project (including and not limited to: teacher, adviser, youth group leader, or a parent if home school), PSA title, and PSA link.
16. We look forward to your participation. Our hope is that, win or lose, YOU are increasing awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the First Amendment in your community and across our nation.