Video contest challenge for high school students

HSVideoPSAContest_CMYKThe Energy Education Council (EEC) and Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) have launched a new contest to help raise ­awareness about outdoor electrical safety in Illinois.

The program, called the “Safe Electricity High School Challenge,” gives high school students the opportunity to ­create video content for an EEC educational campaign. Teams or ­individuals are to design and produce a short video — no shorter than 6 seconds and no longer than 60 seconds, ­including the option to produce a 30 or 60 second television public service announcement (PSA).

Through a collaboration with the IBA, the contest entries will be judged and the winning entry may air on television stations statewide, the SafeElectricity.org website or on their social media channels as part of EEC’s latest educational efforts in Illinois.

Students or teams of students must have a faculty ­sponsor and register on the website by 5 p.m. on May 15, 2015 to participate in the contest. The students have until noon on June 12, 2015 to submit their creations.

“This is a great opportunity to build a resume, get statewide exposure for their work, and earn money to help pay future ­college expenses – all while promoting a great cause, safety around electricity,” says Dennis Lyle, IBA’s president and CEO.

Up to five winning entries will be named. The creators of each winning entry will share a cash prize of $500, and the sponsoring high school will receive $500. Funding for the contest, video and television placements is provided by Illinois’ electric utilities.

Questions can be directed to iba@ilba.org or 618-985-5555.