I'm In! College Acceptance Video Challenge

Submit YOUR video TODAY for the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship!

GEAR UP Kentucky and Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education are challenging YOU - Kentucky's high school class of 2025 - to submit a video of you reacting to your college acceptance notification.

And by "college," we mean any type of post-high school education. That's right - if you're pursuing a short-term, career-focused certification, a credential through a trade school, or any credential/degree type from a two- or four-year institution, you qualify!

How It Works

This challenge, which runs until March 31, 2025, is for current Kentucky high school seniors who have applied to participate in education after high school - whether that's a career-ready certification program, trade school, or 2- or 4-year college.

• All appropriate* videos that are submitted will be featured on GEAR UP Kentucky's Facebook and Instagram platforms. 
• A select number of submitted videos will be featured in a statewide TV commercial.
• A live, virtual drawing will be done among the students whose videos were selected for the commercial. One student's name will be selected to win a $1,000 scholarship to any in-state postsecondary institution.

* Appropriate videos are ones that feature clean language and individuals dressed in clothing that meets high school dress code requirements. Additionally, videos should avoid having TV noise or music in the background for copyright reasons. 

Here's What to Do

• Before you open up that envelope, email or portal notification from the college/program(s) you've applied to, make sure you (or a friend/family member) has a camera rolling - and that you have any music or TV you have going turned down or off.
• If you want to edit the video before sending, that's fine - but don't cut out the good parts!
  • Don't add any music, text or special effects, because we can't use them in the commercial.
  • Try to keep the video less than three minutes long, just to make it easier for you to send to us.
  • Avoid having any personal identifying information shown or said (your first name is fine, but not your last name or address). But don't worry if it's in there, we can either cut or blur it out on our end.
• Complete the submission form, upload your video, and click "SUBMIT."

Crucial Stuff to Complete Before Submitting

In order for your video to enter the contest, you must complete a media release, which must be signed by both yourself and your parent/guardian. (You will have access to this form as part of the submission process.) If this media release form is not completed and submitted by March 31,2025, you will automatically not be eligible to have your video in the TV commercial or have the chance to win the $1,000 scholarship. No exceptions!

Ready to Submit?

CLICK HERE to submit your video and fill out the required forms.

View an Inspo Video from Target's Campaign!

Our campaign is based on this great one, called "Acceptance," from Target. We love how genuine and exciting the responses are - and hope you are just as excited when YOU are accepted to your program of choice!

The Perks of Having a Good Video

Having a good video will increase your chances of having it selected for the TV commercial - which is what will qualify you for the scholarship! Before you begin shooting your video, imagine how it would look on TV. Make sure that you are clearly visible and there is nothing around you that would distract viewers from focusing on the most important thing in the video - YOU!

Tips to Make Your Video Stand Out from the Rest

• Be REAL. The best way to ensure your reaction to your acceptance notification is to avoid actually reading it until the camera is rolling.
  
  • If what you read isn't what you're hoping, that's OK. Remember that you can do this every time you get a response from a college and there WILL be a "yes" in the future!
• Be kind to yourself. Sometimes, seeing ourselves on a recording is awkward, but know that others aren't judging us like we judge ourselves. 
• Use the first (real) take. It may be tempting to re-enact your reaction if you don't love your video and submit your second or third take, but don't. We're looking for AUTHENTIC reactions for the TV commercial.
• Make sure your lighting is good. We want to be able to see your face and reaction, so you may need to turn on a lamp or sit by a window.
• Landscape (horizontal) orientation is preferred because it will work better for TV - but if it's shot in portrait (vertical), that's OK!
• Having someone else film would be great (would love to capture their reactions, too), but you may also record yourself. 
• Lastly, HAVE FUN! Yes, this is a contest, but it's also a celebration of YOUR major accomplishment!