U.S. Department of State Announces Video Contest

Press Release #1109-24
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
November 20, 2009

Embassy of the United States of America Kolonia
Media Release No. 19-2009

On November 17, 2009, the U.S Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) launched its second annual interactive Video Contest, "Change Your Climate, Change Our World". People all over the world ages 14 and older are invited to submit videos, no more than two minutes in length, containing any form of artistic expression including, but not limited to, dance, spoken word, poetry, and song.

Videos will be judged on originality, creativity, effectiveness, and production quality. Four winners (two in each of the age categories: 14-17 years and 18+ years; one non-U.S., one U.S.) will receive the Grand Prize: an all-expense-paid, two-week cultural exchange program to the United States (for the non-U.S. winners) or from the United States to a country to be determined (for the U.S. winners).

Members of the ExchangesConnect international social network community will vote on their favorite top 40 video entries, and these entries will then be ranked by a prestigious panel of judges who are ECA international exchange program alumni. ECA will select the Grand Prize winners. In addition to receiving global recognition of their videos on the ExchangesConnect network and through other promotional venues, the four winners will be eligible to participate in a fully- funded international exchange program of approximately two weeks' duration. (Visa eligibility applies.) Contest opened November 17, 2009 and closes January 12, 2010. Winners will be announced March 2, 2010.

For more information on the video contest or ExchangesConnect, please visit http://connect.state.gov
For further information contact the U.S. Embassy at (691) 320-2187 or usembassy@mail.fm