Spring Outstanding Student Video Essay Competition
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The Video Essay Competition, powered by Sherwin-Williams, was created to defray the cost of higher education for students. Award money can be used toward textbooks, study materials, or any expense related to the cost of achieving higher education. Students who are currently attending any 2-year or 4-year college or university may apply.
First place: $100 - $150 (depending on available funds)
Second place: $50 - $75 (depending on available funds)
Spring '26 Submission Topic: Marketing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
How can brands use AI tools (like ChatGPT, Perplexity Claude, Co-Pilot, or recommendation algorithms) to enhance creativity, efficiency, and personalization, without losing authenticity or trust?
Rules & Regulations
Applicants must apply online and submit the following:
- A completed application
- 1 page executive summary (document any sources used)
- 3 - 5 minute video (you may use any technology to record; student's face must be shown in the video presenting; videos exceeding 5 minutes will be disqualified)
Faculty running the competition as part of a course are allowed three entries.
There will be a different topic each semester. Students may reapply each semester.
Application must be submitted by Apr 1 for the spring semester.
Use of Generative AI:
Generative AI may be used for background research, but it is prohibited for idea generation or final deliverables. Disclosure of AI use is required.
Citing Generative AI: How to Cite AI Generated Content - Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Research Guides at Purdue University Libraries
Selection Criteria & Notification
Award recipients are selected by a panel of industry judges. Students will receive a confirmation of application but only winners will be contacted by the committee.
This program is administered by the Council for Retail and Sales (CRS), housed at DeSales University. Every complete application received by the required deadline will be given a fair and careful evaluation. Awards are given without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability or national origin. All information will be held in strict confidence by CRS. All applications become the property of CRS and cannot be returned.
Award & Payment
The judge’s decisions are final. Awards may be used in any year and are non-renewable. Awards are paid in one installment. Recipients will be issued a check, which will be mailed to the address on the application.
Revisions & Disclaimer
The general conditions and procedures under which awards are made are subject to periodic review by the CRS and Sherwin-Williams, including termination of the program.
Carefully review your completed application before it is submitted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The CRS reserves the right to process only those applications found to be complete by the application postmark deadlines.