Fall Outstanding Student Video Essay Competition
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The Video Essay Competition, powered by Walmart, 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)
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.
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.
Brianna Peters, Penn State Lehigh Valley, won 1st place in the fall 2021 Video Essay Competition.
Application Process
Fall 2022 Submission Topic: How to Make a Profit in Retail with Rising Cost of Goods Sold and Inflation
With the post-pandemic recovery, many retailers are struggling to survive and dealing with supply chain issues which in turn raises the costs of products. With limited ability to raise prices and consumers struggling with inflation, many retailers are in a difficult position.
What can retailers do to make a profit given the above constraints?
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)
While not required, students may submit a resume (or a list of extracurricular activities/work experience)
Faculty running the competition as part of a course are allowed three entries.
Applications must be received according to the following schedule (there will be a different topic each semester):
Application must be submitted by Nov 1 for the fall semester.
Students may reapply each semester.
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.
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.
Revision Policy
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.