Bi-Annual Video Essay Competition
fall competition powered by
spring competition powered by
The Video Essay Competition 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.
Hemil Patel, Penn State Lehigh Valley, took 2nd place in the fall 2021 video essay competition.
Application Process
The submission topic is updated each fall/spring.
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):
Fall: Application must be submitted by Nov 1 for the fall semester.
Spring: Application must be submitted by Apr 1 for the spring semester.
Students may reapply each semester.
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.
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 program sponsors, including termination of the program.