Christophers Annual Video Contest for College Students
Scholarship Sponsored by Christophers
About The Christophers and the Contest
The Christophers promote Judeo-Christian values by encouraging individuals to use their talents to make a positive difference in the world. Their motto, "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness," guides programs that inspire service and hope. This video contest asks entrants to interpret the theme “One Person Can Make a Difference” and to communicate that message with creativity and faith-informed optimism. The organization emphasizes original, sincere creative work that uplifts family, friends, and community.
Description: Entrants should interpret some variation of the theme “One Person Can Make a Difference,” using media and storytelling to demonstrate personal impact. Creative interpretations are preferred over static, talking-to-camera submissions.
- Mission-driven contest aligned with The Christophers' values.
- Theme centers on individual impact and positive action.
- Creative storytelling is encouraged; static shots are discouraged.
Entry Requirements
The contest requires each submission to be accompanied by a completed, signed online entry form, which may be shared with classmates or friends for completion. Entries must be submitted online and must not exceed five minutes in length. Entrants must obtain and be prepared to provide written documentation of all necessary rights and permissions for music, images, video clips, and any non-original elements; failure to provide such documentation will result in disqualification. All entries become the property of The Christophers and cannot be returned.
Eligibility: The Christophers encourage people of all ages to participate; entrants should follow the official entry form for any specific age or category requirements.
- Complete and sign the online entry form for each submission.
- Maximum video length: 5 minutes.
- Document and retain rights/permissions for all non-original content.
Creative and Technical Restrictions
Original creative effort is required: the use of any AI program to create posters or videos is prohibited and will render entries ineligible for prizes. Submissions should demonstrate authentic creative skill and must avoid relying on automated content-generation tools. Judges expect entries to be the entrant's own work and to comply with all contest rules and intellectual property requirements. Judges' decisions are final, and prizes may not all be awarded.
Restrictions: AI-generated artwork or video is not permitted; discoverable AI use disqualifies entries from prizes.
- No AI programs may be used to create contest entries.
- Entries must reflect authentic, human-created work and technique.
- Judging is final and prize awards are at the judges' discretion.
Awards
The contest offers cash awards to top finishers, with amounts specified for first, second, and third place and additional honorable mentions. Winning U.S. citizens or residents must provide a Social Security Number before receiving cash prizes over $600. Prizes include a single first prize, second prize, third prize, and up to five honorable mentions; not all prizes are guaranteed to be awarded. Cash awards aim to recognize and encourage outstanding creative contributions that reflect the contest theme.
Award Value: First Prize – $2,000; Second Prize – $1,000; Third Prize – $500; Up to five Honorable Mentions – $100 each.
- Top cash awards: $2,000, $1,000, and $500 for first through third place.
- Up to five honorable mentions of $100 each may be awarded.
- U.S. winners must provide SSN for prizes exceeding $600.
Timeline and Contact
Entries must be submitted online; specific submission deadlines are provided on the official entry form. Winners will be announced on May 5, 2027. For questions about the youth video contest, contact Youth Coordinator Sarah E. Holinski by email with the subject line "39th Annual Video Contest."
Application Timeline: Winners announcement: May 5, 2027; follow the online entry form for submission deadlines and procedures.
- All entries submitted online; check the official form for exact deadlines.
- Winners announced: May 5, 2027.
- Questions: email [email protected] with the subject "39th Annual Video Contest."