Celebrate 250
Video Essay Contest
Presented by:
America at 250: From St. Louis to the Nation
Our Past, Our Responsibility, Our Future
Students in grades 3–12 are invited to create a 1–2 minute video essay sharing how St. Louis shaped America and how their generation can help build the future.
Grades 3–12
$10,000 in Scholarships
1–2 Minute Video Essay
Deadline: September 30th, 2026
How to Enter
Step 1
Read the Contest Prompt
Step 2
Create a 1–2 Minute Video
Step 3
Upload Your Video Submission
Step 4
Selected Entries on the Big Screen at Celebrate 250
Contest Prompt
America at 250: From St. Louis to the Nation — Our Past, Our Responsibility, Our Future
America turns 250.
How has St. Louis helped shaped its story, and how will your generation move it forward?
Be creative. Use your voice, your ideas, and your story.
Scholarship Awards
Grades 3–5
➤ 1st Place — $1,500
➤ 2nd Place — $1,000
Grades 6–8
➤ 1st Place — $1,500
➤ 2nd Place — $1,000
Grades 9–12
➤ 1st Place — $3,000
➤ 2nd Place — $2,000
Total Scholarship Pool: $10,000
Who Can Enter
Open to students in grades 3–12
Videos must be 1–2 minutes long
Videos may be in English, dubbed, or subtitled
Parent or guardian consent is required
Entries must be original student work
The contest is open to students throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Please see the FAQs for a complete list of eligible counties.
Video Requirements
Accepted Formats
MP4
MOV
YouTube Link
Vimeo Link
Requirements
Video length: 1–2 minutes
Clear audio and video quality
Original content only
Appropriate language and visuals
How Videos Will Be Reviewed
Entries will be reviewed by age bracket using four criteria:
Thoughtfulness and understanding
Creativity and originality
Connection to the theme
Clarity and storytelling
Contest Timeline
May 27 – September 30
Submission Window
October 15
Winner Announcement
How Entries Will Be Judged
Creativity & Originality
Connection to Theme
Storytelling & Clarity
Thoughtfulness & Understanding
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. A phone video is fine.
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The contest is open to students living in the greater St. Louis metropolitan region, including select counties in Missouri and Illinois.
Eligible Missouri counties:
St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.Eligible Illinois counties:
Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, and Monroe Counties.Any submissions outside of these counties may be considered at the discretion of the judges.
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Students may include:
Narration
Photos or drawings
Interviews
Music (must be copyright-approperiate)
Original artwork or storytelling
*All submissions must be appropriate for public viewing.
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Selected videos may appear:
On the Celebrate Saint Louis website
On social media platforms
During live July 4th programming and public events
In promotional or educational materials related to the contest
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Yes. Videos may be publicly displayed, all participants under 18 must have a parental or guardian consent submitted with their entry.
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No. Immediate family members of contest judges and sponsors are not eligible to participate.
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As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Celebrate St. Louis hopes to amplify youth voices, encourage civic reflection, and connect the region’s rich history to the next generation’s vision for America’s future.