The College of General Studies (CGS) in partnership with the CGS Student Government (CGSSG) is excited to announce the "CGS Voices: The Future is Closer Than You Think" multimedia contest. We invite all CGS students—traditional and nontraditional alike—to participate by submitting creative projects that explore how their CGS educational experience is helping them achieve their future personal, academic, or career goals.
CONTEST OVERVIEW
At CGS, we believe in offering flexible and interdisciplinary programs that empower students to succeed on their terms. This contest celebrates the diverse stories and experiences of our students by highlighting their unique educational paths, challenges, and achievements. It is your opportunity to showcase how your journey at CGS is helping you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
THEMES
Please base your submission on one of the themes/prompts below:
Beyond the Classroom
How have internships, research opportunities, service work, or other real-world experiences enhanced your education at CGS? Share the ways hands-on learning has impacted you.
Becoming Who I Want to Be
In what ways has your CGS experience helped you grow into the version of yourself you hope to become? Reflect on personal development, confidence, identity, or transformation.
Finding My Path at CGS
What moments, courses, or experiences at CGS helped you discover or refine your academic or career direction? How has CGS helped you uncover clarity or purpose along your journey?
Roots and Routes
Where do you come from and how has that defined who you are as a person, student, friend, etc.? How has CGS changed your route or is helping you get to your end goal?
ELIGIBLE SUBMISSIONS
Participants can submit multimedia projects in the following formats:
- Short Videos (1-3 minutes)
- Podcasts (up to 5 minutes)
- Digital art or graphic design
- Photo essays
- Creative Writing such as short stories or poems
JUDGING CRITERIA
Submissions will be judged on:
- Authenticity: How well does the submission reflect your unique journey through education?
- Creativity: How unique and engaging is your presentation?
- Relevance: Does your submission align with one of the sub-themes and CGS’s mission to provide flexible, interdisciplinary learning?
- Impact: How moving or inspiring is your story to others who may be following similar paths?
PRIZES
Winners will be announced at the CGSSG Excellence Reception, taking place on April 8 at 5 p.m. in the WPU, and will receive a cash prize:
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First Place: $500
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Second Place: $300
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Third Place: $100
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Honorable Mention: CGSSG gift bag (up to $50 value)
ELIGIBILITY
The contest is open to:
Traditional and nontraditional CGS students, including those enrolled part-time, in CGS degree or non-degree certificate programs.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- All submissions must be original works.
- Submit submissions via our Qualtrics form. Accepted formats: PDF, WORD, JPG, PNG, GIF, MOV, MP3, MP4, WAV. Uploaded files can be up to 50MB.
- Include a brief artist statement (200 words) explaining your project and how it ties to one of the contest sub- themes.
NEED MEDIA EQUIPMENT? BORROW FROM HILLMAN LIBRARY!
If you do not have the necessary media equipment for the contest, you can use the Media Equipment Lending Program at Hillman Library. Make sure to check availability and request in advance if possible.