PBS SoCal KOCE Encourages Students to Demonstrate Their Creativity Through Annual Writing and Media Competitions
PBS KIDS Writers Contest and California Student Media Festival Entry Periods Open Jan. 15
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2018 – PBS SoCal KOCE kicks off its annual student creativity season with an invitation to California students to enter two academic competitions to showcase their talents in the areas of writing and multi-media production. The 9th Annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest for students in kindergarten through third grade, and the 52nd Annual California Student Media Festival which accepts student work from kindergarten through twelfth grade, begin accepting entries on January 15.
“We are delighted to continue the tradition of encouraging California’s young people to apply their creativity and technology skills to effective storytelling, because these skills will serve them well through school and their careers,” said Jamie Annunzio Myers, COO and Vice President, Education and Community Engagement. “The talent displayed by students who enter is remarkable, and is a reminder of the impact arts and technology education can have on our children.”
PBS KIDS Writers Contest
The annual contest is a local initiative designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The PBS KIDS Writers Contest encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity and build literacy skills by writing and illustrating their own stories.
Submissions can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or a prose story, and must include at least five colorful illustrations. Each submission will be judged by PBS SoCal education staff, and a panel of community partners, on the basis of creativity, originality, story structure, relevance, illustrations, and overall quality. First, second, and third place winners are selected for each grade level. New this year is a separate category for the best illustrations that accompany a story. The submission period is from January 15 – May 4, 2018. Entry form and submission information is available at www.pbssocal.org/writerscontest.
PBS SoCal will host an Awards Ceremony to celebrate the winners of the contest and award certificates and prizes for their writing efforts in early June. Each winner will have the opportunity to read their stories to the assembled guests. The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is made possible in part by support from Thrivent Financial.
52nd Annual California Student Media Festival
The California Student Media Festival is the nation’s oldest student media festival, and celebrates the innovative and exceptional multimedia projects produced by students from throughout California. Each year more than 300 projects are entered into the festival.
Entries can be submitted in the following categories: Bilingual/Foreign Language, History/Social Studies, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Fine and Performing Arts, Career and Technical Education, Science and Health, Journalism, and more.
Elementary and secondary teachers throughout the state are encouraged to enter their students’ work in the festival. The submission period is from January 15 – April 2, 2018. Entry form and submission information is available at www.mediafestival.org.
More than 50 student awards, and four grand prizes, will be awarded to part
icipating schools. In June an Academy Awards-like ceremony, open to the public, will honor all the students and teachers who participate in the program. The audience will view the winning entries and hear acceptance speeches by the student producers.
Over the past 20 years, the California Student Media Festival has awarded more than $145,000 to California schools. The California Student Media Festival is made possible thanks to a partnership between PBS SoCal and CUE.
About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal KOCE is the home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California. We deliver the full schedule of PBS programs, plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California. Our content is available free through four broadcast channels, at pbssocal.org, on our mobile apps, and via connected TV services. We provide the community with early education resources and cultural and educational experiences through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach. PBS SoCal has offices in Century City, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles. Connect with us at pbssocal.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, mobile and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including the PBS KIDS video player, now offering free streaming video accessible on computer- and mobile-device-based browsers. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
About CUE
Ed Tech Professional Development is at the core of CUE's work. We are passionate believers in advancing student achievement through technology. By providing Ed Tech professional development to schools, districts, and local educators on the infusion of emerging technologies, we can help better prepare students for college and careers ahead. | www.cue.org
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Media Contact:
PBS SoCal KOCE
Tracy Smith
(310) 237-4517
tsmith@pbssocal.org