Anti-Vaping PSA Contest: Students Can Compete To Win Cash Prizes

BETHESDA, MD — As the U.S. scrambles to solve the youth vaping epidemic, Montgomery County leaders are encouraging middle and high school students to create an original public service announcement (PSA) that highlights the dangers of e-cigarettes.

The contest — which is co-sponsored by Healthy Montgomery and Montgomery County Public Schools — is part of the county's anti-vaping campaign.

Children in grades 6 through 12 are invited to create and enter by Dec. 20 a PSA that educates residents about the health risks associated with vaping. Students can enter the contest on their own or as a group, but can only participate in one entry. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges.

The winning PSAs will be announced in February and cash prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place entries. First place gets $750; second place gets $500; and third place gets $300. The winning students will be invited to attend a Montgomery County Council session.

A "Fan Favorite" will also be selected from the top 5, via a public vote, at the end of January. That winner will receive an additional prize.

Entry Rules:

• All submissions must have a title.
• All submissions must be 50-70 seconds in length.
• All submissions must be uploaded to Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube, or similar program.
• All submissions must address at least 2 health dangers (physical, emotional, social, psychological) associated with vaping. For more information on the dangers of vaping visit the U.S. Surgeon General or the CDC website.
• All submissions must include the following 2 resources to help youth to stop vaping: Text DITCHJUUL to 887-09 or the quitSTART app.
• Submissions may NOT include youth or individuals vaping or using tobacco products. No vaping or tobacco products or paraphernalia may be displayed.
• Submissions may NOT include ANY copyrighted music, audio/video clips, characters, logos, or other protected material. Videos may include music only if it is considered “open source” music, or if it is composed and played by a student (or students) in the group.
• Complete the Online Contest Submission Form (best viewed in Google Chrome) where you will submit your video

To Enter:

1. Create your video, and make sure it follows all of the rules listed above.
2. Upload your video to Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube, or similar program.
3. Complete the Online PSA Contest Submission Form, where you will have to answer a few questions and provide a link to your video.

Click here to learn more about Montgomery County's anti-vaping PSA contest.