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. Prize sponsors include:
   1. the East Central College, Union, Mo., Journalism Program
   2. the Academy of Scholastic Broadcasting
   3. the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi, University, Miss.
   4. the Media, Journalism, and Film Department at Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo.
   5. the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association
2. The Grand Prize will be:
   1. A total of $100 in Amazon Gift Card(s) for the winners to use at their discretion.
   2. A set of classroom posters and Video Coach DVDs for use by the sponsoring teacher.
   3. A “swag bag” of a variety of goods from sponsors that may include but is not limited to: T-shirts, office/school supplies, drawstring bags, etc.
3. Runners Up will receive a “swag bag” of a variety of goods from our sponsors that may include but is not limited to: T-shirts, office/school supplies, drawstring bag, etc.

SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Students who reside in the United States may enter individually, or in teams of up to 4 people. (no more than 4).
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 Thursday, May 3, 2018, to enter.
6. Each entry will be judged. One Grand Prize winner and at least 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, entry 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 Thursday, May 3, 2018.
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.