Youth Opportunities - January 15th, 2011

Saturday January 15, 2011

[UPDATE: It may be useful to browse these old listings as many programs are annual, but for more current contests and competitions, head to the Youth Opportunities page.]

I'm still figuring out the best format for sharing these links on a weekly basis.  To that end I've changed up the way I display previously profiled opportunities at the bottom of each post, now linking directly to the institution's website instead of my summary.  If you have any thoughts about how I can make these posts more useful to you, please feel free to add a comment!

Google Global Science Fair 2011
• Students aged 13-18, international
• Deadline April 4th, 2011
The big news in youth opportunities this week was the announcement of the Google Global Science Fair.  Google has partnered with CERN, The LEGO Group, National Geographic and Scientific American to offer the online competition. Youth may work alone or in groups of two or three to design and carry-out a science project then use Google-provided tools to build a website showcasing the process and results (check out this sample project highlighted by Google).  Fifteen finalists will be flown to Google HQ in California where they'll compete in person for some truly outstanding prizes, including a ten day trip to the Galapagos Islands and a $50,000 scholarship to be split among the teammates.  Google has also offered extra information for teachers who want to be able to help their students navigate the process.




Optimist International Essay Contest
• Youth under the age of 19 on December 31, 2010 who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean
• Local deadlines vary, generally late January/early February
The annual Optimist International Essay Contest is run on the local level by individual Optimist Clubs, then winning essays are submitted to compete at the District level for a scholarship.  The theme for this year's competition is "How My Education is the Key to a Successful Future".  Interested students should visit the Optimist International website to find out if there is a club in your area.

Optimist International Oratorical Contest
• Youth under the age of 19 on December 31, 2010 who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean
• Local deadlines vary, generally late March
The annual Optimist International Oratorical Contest is run on the local level by individual Optimist Clubs, then winners are able to compete at the District level for a scholarship. Participants must give a 4-5 minute speech on this year's topic, "If I Were Leader of the Free World, the First Issue I Would Address Would be ... ". Interested students should visit the Optimist International website to find out if there is a club in your area.

Canadian Aboriginal Writing & Arts Challenge
• Aboriginal Canadians between the ages of 14-29
• Deadline March 31st, 2011
Aboriginal youth are invited to use creative writing or two-dimensional visual art to explore a moment or theme in Aboriginal history.  Prizes include cash and a trip for two to an awards ceremony and reception.  Visit Our-Story.ca for details and to browse past winning entries in the writing category (the art category is new).

Upcoming Deadlines:

Jessamy Stursberg Poetry Contest for Youth (formerly Poetic License) (Today!)

Toronto Fringe - TD Bank Youth and Artist Outreach Coordinator (01/20/11)

Olive Garden - Pasta Tales Essay Contest (01/21/11)

TD FEF Go Green Challenge (01/21/11)

Toronto Fringe - TD Bank Young Producer (01/22/11)

United Way - The Creative Institute for Toronto's Young (CITY) Leaders (01/31/11)

Toyota Earth Day Canada Scholarship (01/31/11)

Sprockets Film Festival Youth Jury Call (02/11/11)

Weston Youth Innovation Award (02/14/11)

Food Secure Canada - Good Food Hero Comic Contest (03/01/11)

Everyday Heroes Festival - Video (03/01/11)

Santa Monica Teen Film Festival Submissions (03/04/11)

Sprockets Film Festival Jump Cuts Film Submissions (03/07/11)

Kaleidoscope Real World Video Challenge (03/31/11)

The Great EcoKids Challenge (04/29/11)

The James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award (05/31/11)

The Fraser Institute Essay Contest (05/01/11)

National Shakespeare Youth Festival (Registration open)

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