6.9.2021 Sponsored by CCACC, Student Storytelling Competition about Asian Americans Kickoff

Chinese American Museum in DC is pleased to announce a creative true story essay and short documentary film competition. Winners will be awarded prizes across different categories and will be showcased in a special exhibit at the museum, on its web site, and social media channels.

Synopsis

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in US. They have the highest education levels and play a vital role in building America. In the field of science and technology, Asian Americans make up over 20% of entire workforce, which is 3 times more than the general population. They have played an essential role in advancing science and developing new technologies, the key engine that drives the economic growth and has propelled America as the world leader.  The contributions by Asian Americans in other professional fields are equally prominent. The American fabric won’t be complete without the elements built by Asian Americans.  “Stories about Asian Americans and Their Contributions” aims to capture the true stories about Asian Americans and their contributions to America. For too long, these stories were buried, ignored, or marginalized. It’s time to capture, to preserve and to tell our stories. The stories that make our community proud and make our nation proud.   The stories will help to recognize our contributions, to earn our respect, and to fight discrimination against our community. It will unify our country and create a better America for our future generations.

Eligibility

6-12 grades students in the Washington DC Metropolitan area are eligible to enter the competition.

Grade Categories

• Junior group (rising 6-8 students as of fall 2021)
• Senior group (rising 9-12 students as of fall 2021)

Description

We are seeking original stories about Asian American professionals (such as scientists, engineers, teachers, artists, musicians, writers, journalists, business executives, etc.) and their achievements and contributions to their professional fields and to our nation. The selected professional can be a family member, or a friend, or a relative, or a member in the local community. The participating student shall conduct a thorough interview with the selected professional and develop an original story.

Submissions will fall into two different categories, each judged separately within the competition.  Students can submit entries in one or both categories.

• Written Essay – In no more than 1,500 words, present an original story in any written format you prefer, including but not limited to an article-style interview, a third-person narrative, prose and poem. The person or persons featured should be real people in your family or community, and, if living, should give you permission to use their likeness for this project.
• Short documentary Film/Video – In 4 to 10 minutes, shoot and edit an interview and creative video or short film to showcase your story. You must have permissions or rights to use all primary footage, b-roll, graphics, and audio in your edited film. Your film is only limited by your imagination and may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to a face-to-face interview, documentary-style edit, or a third-person narrative. The person or persons featured should be real people in your family or community, and, if living, should give you permission to use their likeness for this project.

When telling the story, please consider covering the following elements: 

1. Who is the selected person? What’s special about the person? What does the person do? What is the person’s main achievements? How does the achievement impact our society?
2. Personal experience as an Asian American, including positive and negative ones
3. Major challenges or barriers encountered in life, if any
4. Life lessons or advices to future generations of Asian Americans

Review criteria                                                                            

A judging committee selected by the Chinese American Museum Foundation will review submissions based on the following criteria: 1) Originality 2) Technical and artistic creativity, and 3) Storytelling and concept development.

Deadline for Entries

5 pm ET, October 15, 2021.  Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Submission

See instruction on Registration Form: https://qrgo.page.link/vJUM2

Judging and Winners

• 100 finalists will be selected from junior and senior groups
• All finalists will receive a certificate of recognition
• Finalist’s essays and videos will be displayed at Chinese American Museum and its website in December 2021
• Winners in both groups will be selected from the finalists and receive scholarship awards

Essay, 1st Place - $700	Video, 1st Place - $700
Essay, 2nd Place - $400	Video, 2nd Place - $400
Essay, 3rd Place - $100	Video, 3rd Place - $100
Essay, Honorable Mention - $50	Video, Honorable Mention - $50

Award notification

5 pm ET, November 25, 2021

Sponsor                  

Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC)

Partners                 

Hope Chinese School, CAPA-NOVA, CAPA-MC, CAPA-HC, American Chinese School, Washington School of Chinese Language and Culture, Lead For Future Academy