The Project Yellow Light Video Scholarship invites young creatives to design impactful video ads to raise awareness about safe driving and prevent distracted driving, particularly phone use while driving.
Table of Contents
Contest Mission
- Target Audience: Young drivers who are new to the road
- Core Message: Stop distracted driving (focus on phone use while driving)
- Creative Approach: Instead of using scare tactics, focus on why drivers believe they can safely use their phones while driving and how to shift that mindset.
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Eligibility Requirements
- Open to high school juniors or seniors (ages 14-20)
- Open to full-time undergraduate college students (ages 15-25)
- Parental/legal guardian consent required for applicants under 18
Contest Categories
Participants in the video category are expected to do the following:
Video
We want to see your personal expression come though on your video. You can video yourself, a group of people, make a cartoon; whatever moves you. Just make sure it’s in good taste. In addition to a scholarship, the winning video for both high school and college may be turned into an Ad Council PSA and distributed nationally to approximately 1,600 TV stations. 10 or 25 video submissions only!
WINNER: $8,000
DEADLINE: 1st March, 2025.
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Inspiration and Best Practices
First, check out past winners here.
Make sure your video is:
- 10 or 25 seconds in length.
- Shot horizontally (if using a smartphone).
- Has clear and understandable audio or music, if applicable. You can also preview music available for download, see below.
- Accurate. If you use any statistics, use those available on NHTSA’s Distracted Driving Page. But please note that you don’t have to use statistics to drive your point home!
- Original. Do not use any design elements that are not of your creation (stock photos, emojis, Apple or other branding, etc.). Avoid (or blur) all branding in your submission You can use existing design elements that are not of your creation as inspiration, but do not copy or use them directly in your work.
Entry Requirements
- No logos or branding in submissions
- Entries must adhere to the Official Rules and FAQs
- Applicants may enter multiple categories if each entry meets all guidelines
Creative Tips for a Strong Entry
Brainstorming
- Start by listing multiple ideas and refining the strongest ones
- Ensure originality by researching existing PSAs
Storytelling & Creativity
- Tell a compelling story that resonates with young drivers
- Avoid scare tactics; instead, focus on why people engage in distracted driving
- Use humor, personal experiences, pop culture, or engaging elements to make your message relatable
- Ensure content is appropriate, non-partisan, and unaffiliated with specific religions
Capturing Attention
- Your PSA should immediately grab attention!
- Add entertainment value to encourage sharing and engagement
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Why Enter?
- This is your chance to make a real difference in preventing distracted driving
- Your unique perspective can impact your peers more effectively than adults
- This contest offers an opportunity to influence positive social change
Application & Submission
- Visit the Project Yellow Light website for submission guidelines and deadlines
- Review the FAQ and Official Rules before applying
- Submit a high-quality, engaging PSA that follows all entry requirements
Your voice matters! Use this opportunity to create a PSA that influences young drivers to prioritize safety. Together, we can prevent accidents and save lives.
