Civic Engagement Challenge
Retro Report teamed up with Civics Unplugged to invite students to create essays or videos that model civil discourse while exploring issues and places that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to.
We are excited to introduce the winners of the Civic Engagement Challenge. These students were among the 240 participants who submitted a 90-second video or a 500-word essay exploring civic issues they care about. The winning entries each received $500.
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Meet Our Video Winners
Esha Ambre (Fremont, CA) What’s a local issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
Audrey Yothsackda (Milwaukee, WI)
What’s a local issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
Ami Le (Fairfax, VA)
Highlight a place where civics happens in your community.
Abhimanyu Nair (Manteca, CA) What’s a local issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
Inanna Balkin (Amherst, MA)
What’s a local issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
Amaris Yang (Chino Hills, CA) What’s a local issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
Karen Wu (Las Vegas, NV)
Highlight a place where civics happens in your community.
Meet Our Essay Winners
Meital Zayats (Mountain View, CA)
Public Art: The Overlooked Catalyst for Change
Oorja Munot (Germantown, MD)
A Quiet Space for Civic Action
Sylvie Raab (New York, NY)
Stitching a Stronger Democracy: Lessons from a Community Center
Ean Soh (Leonia, NJ)
Defusing Leonia’s Ticking Debt Bomb
2024 Prompts
Video Only
- Find someone who disagrees with you on an issue and make a video together (modeling civil discourse).
Video or Essay
- What does civic engagement look, feel, and sound like in your community?
- What’s a local issue in your community that people aren’t paying attention to, but need to?
- Highlight a place where civics happens in your community.
FAQs
What is Civics?
Civics is the process and action of being knowledgeable and engaged with your community and understanding the rights and responsibilities of all individuals. For our Civic Engagement Challenge, we hope that you’ll explore aspects of your community and help us understand how people interact with one another and connect to their rights and responsibilities.
What is Retro Report?
Retro Report is an independent nonprofit newsroom creating trusted documentary videos and classroom resources. Our more than 300 videos and lessons connect the past to the present, fostering engagement and critical thinking skills.
What is Civics Unplugged?
Civics Unplugged is an ecosystem dedicated to training, funding and connecting young people who are using new approaches to solving issues in democracy, climate, our lives online, and so much more.
Who can participate?
Students ages 13-18 who reside in the United States (one of the 50 states or Washington D.C.) can participate.
What are the judges looking for?
The judges will review the videos and essays for creativity/storytelling, relevance, persuasiveness, civility/respect, and clarity. The rubric is on our Submission Guidelines and Contest Rules page.
When can I submit my entry?
The submission portal closed on October 13 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time).
How can I submit my entry?
The submission portal is closed, but you can visit the Submission Guidelines and Contest Rules to learn more about the contest.
How will I know that my submission went through?
You will receive a confirmation email after entering your submission. If you are a finalist, you will be notified.
What’s the prize and how will I receive it?
Ten winners will receive a $500 check. If you are a winner, Retro Report will reach out to you via email to confirm your mailing address, and we will send you a check in the mail.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No, you cannot submit more than one entry.
Do title and citations count toward my essay’s 500 words?
Titles are included in the 500-word limit. However, citations are not counted towards this limit.
Can I share my video entry on social media?
Please do not share your entry on social media. We will be highlighting the finalists and winners on our website and social media.
Can I submit a video or essay that I have already entered in another contest?
No. Students may not enter an essay or video that has already been submitted to another contest.
Can I enter a video or essay that I submitted to the Civics Challenge to another contest?
No. Students may not submit an essay or video to the Civics Challenge that has already been entered in another contest.
The Retro Report Civic Engagement Challenge is made possible with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
